Danau Lut Tawar located in the Gayo highlands, Central Aceh. in the eastern part of the city of Takengon and has an area of about 5,724 ha. This lake is a source of life since ancient times, proven by the fossil findings of the Gayo ancestors in Mendale Loyang located not far from the lake.
In addition to natural beauty, this lake holds a lot of history and legends that are still believed to date. Folklore about the origin of depik fish is the most famous. Once upon a time, residents of Bintang sub-district experienced abundant rice harvests, due to the abundance of rice available local residents squandered rice by throwing rice into the lake, then the grains of rice became fish called fish depik.
Depik fish have characteristics; Depik fish body oval shaped; the lower part or the belly of the Depik fish is soft white. Depik fish adds to the repertoire of local treasures in Central Aceh. Depik fish are endemic fish, depik fish can only live in fresh sea lakes. Many studies have been carried out to cultivate depik fish outside of fresh sea lakes in order to remain sustainable. But unfortunately, this breeding failure made a statement about depik fish that could only live in fresh sea lakes getting stronger. Depik fish requires temperature, environment and natural factors that can only be provided by Lake Laut Tawar, rain also plays an important role because when rain falls it depik fish will rise to the surface and can be harvested by the local community.
Many aspects can not be obtained by depik fish in the place of cultivation. This is what makes it difficult for fish farming, by wisely harvesting using tools that do not damage the ecosystem will preserve this endemic fish. The large number of fishermen who use instant methods such as using chemicals or bombs will have an impact on the extinction of endemic sea lakes. We as wise human beings must be able to preserve depik fish in the fresh sea lake, depik fish is the pride of the Gayo community.
Pengat ikan depik is a typical Gayo food that you must try, imagine one day tasting the fish depik only became the ideal of the next generation. Therefore, let's cultivate wisdom in taking natural products. Take care of Danau Laut Tawar from damage, keep the fish depik from extinction. Let's visit Central Aceh and enjoy the beauty and local wisdom of the Gayo tribe. Come on to Gayo!