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

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