On our way to the river in Sawang, North Aceh, Indonesia, we passed through Gunci village, one of the villages in Sawang District, North Aceh Regency. This village is located in the interior of Sawang District, precisely on the hill of the village mosque.
Previously, Gunci Village was a wilderness inhabited by many wild animals. A cleric from Pidie Regency, Tgk Hamzah or Teungku Khalud, once came to Gunci Village.
Teungku Khalud performed a two-rakaat sunat prayer and asked Allah SWT to lock the mouths of all tigers.
Gunci is hidden behind the green hills of Sawang District, North Aceh Regency. For most people, the name Gunci may sound foreign. However, for those who have ever set foot on its land, this village holds a million stories: about nature that is still preserved, a humble community, and traditions that continue to live amidst the currents of time.
The journey to Gunci is not an easy matter. From the center of Sawang District, it takes about 1 hour by motorbike or dual-drive car, passing through rocky roads and steep slopes. However, once you arrive, your fatigue is immediately paid off by the fresh air, green trees, and friendly residents.
"It's far from the city, but we have expensive tranquility," said Fazil Ramzi, the village head of Gunci. Fazil used to be a journalist.
The majority of the population of Gunci Village work as farmers and gardeners. Crops such as rice, corn, chocolate, and coconut are the mainstays. In addition, the community also depends on forest products such as rattan and resin for their livelihood.
The agricultural system in Gunci still relies on local wisdom. They implement a rotating cropping pattern that maintains soil fertility. Irrigation still uses traditional channels built through mutual cooperation.
"We adjust the planting season to nature. If the land doesn't 'allow', then we wait," said Fazil again.
Gunci Village is surrounded by a protected forest area. For the community, the forest is not only a source of livelihood, but also part of their identity. They have customary rules that prohibit indiscriminate logging. Anyone who violates them must follow the applicable customary sanctions.
"We have been taught since childhood that the forest is a trust. If it is damaged, our lives will also be damaged," added Fazil.
Although modernization has begun to slowly enter, Gunci still maintains its traditions. Every year, the community holds a village kenduri, a traditional ceremony that combines prayer, friendship, and thanksgiving for the harvest.
In this event, all residents gather, bringing traditional foods such as bu kulah, dodol, and goat curry.
In the arts, rebana and didong are the main entertainment at weddings and Islamic holidays. Young people are also taught from an early age to love local arts and culture.
Despite living in limitations, the Gunci community does not lose their enthusiasm. They hope that the government and outside parties can help build basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and internet access—without destroying the authenticity of the village.
In a world that is constantly changing, Gunci stands as a reminder that progress does not always have to come at the expense of nature and ancestral values. This village may be small on the map, but it is big on life lessons.[]
