"Endangered Fish Are Disappearing Around a Chinese-Owned Mini-Hydropower Plant in Indonesia" 8 June 2023

[...] Lumbangaol is a pioneer of the Batak fish conservation in his village. [...] But, now, the fish have become rare. Lumbangaol said he struggled in obtaining the Batak fish seeds from the river for breeding.

Lumbangaol is a resident of Londut Village, Martodo, who lives near the Chinese-owned Aek Silang mini-hydropower plant’s dam site. The mini-hydropower plant, which started operating in 2016, is a joint venture between Chinese firm Yu Zhou Tianyuan Group and local energy company Bakara Energi Lestari. 

The $30 million facility harnesses the Aek Silang River, which flows into Lake Toba, one of Southeast Asia’s largest lakes. The Chinese company that built the dam, Yu Zhou Tianyuan, touted the dam as “the first example of Chinese private enterprises investing in the small and medium hydropower industry in Indonesia” and as part of China’s Belt and Road strategy. 

Batak fish has long been a prized resource for local indigenous communities as an integral part of their diet, rituals, and ceremonies. Traditionally, all ceremonial activities would involve the use of the fish, marking important milestones in one’s life starting from their birth to death. 

For instance, during traditional weddings and other festive occasions, the Batak tribe prepares various fish dishes as symbols of prosperity, abundance, and good luck. This particular species of fish is believed to bring blessings and unity to the community. [...]

Now, in the Aek Silang River, two hydroelectric dams have been built: the Bakara-Yu Zhou and the Hutaraja developed by local firm Humbahas Bumi Energi. [...]

Yu Zhou Tianyuan and Bakara Energi declined to comment. [...]