Bridging Worlds: Exploring Manat and Human-Non-Human Connections in Gayo Community

<div>This research explores the practice of manat in Gayo community of Aceh as a bridge of communication <span style="font-size: 1rem;">between humans, animals, plants, and spiritual beings, illustrating how such interactions foster a </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">harmonious relationship with nature. Using storytelling method, this study shows how manat reflects a </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">dynamic cosmology, where ethical behavior with non-human entities is maintained through equal </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">relationships. The stories in this research are not merely symbolic but actively shape relational practices </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">between humans and the environment, portraying a fluid understanding of existence where non-human </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">entities are recognized for their agency and moral rights. This research also highlights the relevance of </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">manat in addressing contemporary environmental challenges in the Gayo highlands, especially in the </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">context of conflicts over natural resource management. It argues that preserving local practices such as </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">manat provides valuable insights into sustainable forest management and offers an alternative to </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">exploitative practices that threaten the ecosystem in Gayo region. More broadly, this study contributes to </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">the discourse on human rights and the need to redefine human-non-human relationships. Well-being must </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">be extended to include not only human life but also the well-being of all creatures within the ecosystem. By </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">prioritizing coexistence and empathy, manat serves as a guide for sustainable development, challenging </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">the anthropocentric models that often dominate contemporary sustainability discourses</span></div>