50 TAMAN NASIONAL DI INDONESIA
INTRODUCTION
Indonesia is one of the signatories of the United Nations convention
on biodiversity and one of seven countries with mega-biodiversity that has been
identified as concentrations of world biodiversity.
As a measure of the country's biodiversity richness, there are 6,000
species of flora and fauna, which are utilized as daily foods, medicines, cosmetics,
colorings, etc. In addition, there are 47 types of natural ecosystem. While
some of the wealth of genetic diversity has been use for the improvement of
plant and animal breeding, there is still a vast amount that is yet to be
discovered and identified.
Indonesia is ranked as top class in the world for species richness,
fist for mammals (515 species, 51 endemic), Swallowtail Butterflies (121
species, 44 endemic), and Palm Prees (447 species, 47 endemic); fifth for birds
(1,519 species, 28 endemic); sixth for amphibians (270 species, 37 endemic);
and seventh for flowering plants (29,375 species, 59 endemic).
Most of the biodiversity riches are in natural forest areas,
particularly those in conservation areas. Indonesia's conservation areas cover
a total area of 23.05 million hectares, consisting of nature preserves (nature
reserves and wildlife reserves), nature conservation areas (national parks,
nature recreation park, and grand forest park ) and game reserves.
Of these conservation areas, Taman Nasional (national parks) provide
the best opportunity to see at first hand the diversity, the uniqueness, and
beauty of various endemic, endangered and protected flora and fauna. There are
also an excellent place in with to observe natural phenomena and stunning
landscapes.
Conservation areas, and in particular national parks, have very
important and strategic role in biodiversity conservation. The areas designated
as such must therefore be representative of all the ecosystem types that exist
in the seven biogeographically regions of Indonesia.
Not only do national park possess distinct characteristics, either on
the land or in the waters, they also have multiple functions, namely the
protection of life support systems, the preservation of the species diversity
of plants and animals and their ecosystem, and the sustainable use of these
plants, animals and ecosystem as well.
National parks are managed by means of a zoning system and they are
used for the sake of research, science and technology, education, promoting
breeding, the preservation of cultures and recreation and ecotourism. This
zoning system forms a national park design that is base on the park's function
and designation in line with existing conditions, potential and progress. In
general, the zoning of each national park includes a core zone, wilderness
zone, utilization zone and or other zones stipulated by the Minister of
Forestry in accordance with biodiversity conservation needs.
The Core Zone is an area inside a national park with the purpose of
providing absolute protection, and any changes therein made by human activity
are forbidden, except for those related to research, observation, protection
and security.
The Wilderness Zone (land) or Marine Zone is an area inside a national
park, on land or in the sea, which functions a buffer for the core zone.
Activities can only be performed there in accordance with those of the core
zone, and visitors may only enter the zone for certain recreation activities.
Certain management activities can take place in the wilderness or marine zone,
such as the development of plant and animal populations and habitats, and
building paths, observation towers, and guard posts.
The Utilization Zone is an area within a national park which is
designated for visitors and recreation activities, some provide facilities for
either visitors or park staff. Various facilities can be constructed in side
this zone such as accommodation for visitors (camp site, guest houses, roads
and parking areas, an information centre, etc) and also park management facilities
(office, research station, etc.). The usage of the facilities must not exceed
10 % of the total area of the Utilization Zone.
Some national parks have earned an international reputation as a
Natural World Heritage Site (Ujung Kulon , Komodo and Lorentz National Park ),
Biosphere Reserves ( Gunung Gede-Pangrango, Siberut, Gunung Leuser, Tanjung
Puting, Lore Lindu, and Komodo National Park ) and International Wetland Sites
(Berbak and Danau Sentarum National Park ).
Several of the plants and animals that inhabit the national park have
become local and national symbols or emblems. These included Bangkai Flower, Rafflesia
Flower, Orchid, Bamboo, Black Tree, Cempaka, Komodo dragon, Javan Rhinoceros, Orangutan,
Bali Starling, Maleo Fowl, Babirusa, Golden Cat, Sun Bear, Helmeted Hornbill,
Helena Bird Wing, and Javan Hawk Eagle.
In addition, some of national park boasts unique natural features:
Danau Kelimutu National Park , with its three lakes of different color (East
Nusa Tenggara), Taka Bonerate National Park with third largest atoll in the
world (South Sulawesi), and Lorentz National Park (Papua) with its glacier, one
of only three tropical area glaciers in the world.
ACTIVITIES IN NATIONAL PARKS
Most of the national parks have unique features and attractions
(forests, animals, plants, beaches, lakes, caves, rivers, mountains,
waterfalls, local cultures, to name but a few) which make them a place for
inspiration or adventure. These locations are usually situated close to one another,
enabling visitors to make a choice from various tour packages offered.
Camping
Camping is allowed in all of the national parks. The parks only
provide locations for camping with limited equipment. Visitors in groups may
bring their own equipment. Generally, the camping grounds are situated inside
the forest areas, though some are on beaches, such as in Alas Purwo National
Park, Karimunjawa National Park, and Wakatobi National Park.
In Alas Purwo National Park, camping facilities are available in the
form of a 2m x 2m bamboo platform covered the mosquito net. The experience of
camping within earshot of thundering waves and a chorus of birds, while
enjoying freshly-caught barbecued fish, is unforgettable, and at certain times
of the year, particularly in October, you can watch world-class surfers showing
off on the waves.
Mountain Climbing
One of the best reasons to climb a mountain is to marvel at the
spectacular views from its peak-thick forests, winding rivers, towns and
villages. Mountain climbing is available in several national parks: Gunung
Leuser, Bukit Barisan Selatan, Kerinci Seblat, Bukit Tigapuluh, Gunung
Gede-Pangrango, Gunung Halimun, Meru Betiri, Bromo Tengger Semeru, Baluran,
Gunung Palung, Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya, Kayan Mentarang, Bogani Nani Wartabone, Gunung
Rinjani, Manusela, and Lorentz national park of course.
Several national parks have climbing trails that could be categorized
as hazardous; it is recommended that all climbers seek information on such
routes from the national park staff and request a guide or other reliable
sources.
Diving and Snorkeling
Bunaken National Park - North Sulawesi, is well-known worldwide for
its beautiful marine park, where a huge diversity of coral, fish and other
marine species can be seen. In fact, there are many other national parks and
recreation parks with marine treasures as beautiful as Bunaken, which are, as
yet, relatively unknown.
In general, the feature that distinguishes diving/snorkeling locations
in national parks from those of other areas is that the divers are not only
able to witness a diversity of coral, fish, sea grass, algae, whale, and turtle
species, among others, but they can also catch a glimpse of special attractions
such as birds or animals coming down to the beach to sip salty sea water - divers
usually make the most of their non-diving time by observing the wildlife and
such natural phenomena. Diving/snorkeling is available in Siberut, Ujung Kulon,
Kepulauan Seribu, Karimunjawa, Baluran, Bali Barat, Alas Purwo, Komodo,
Bunaken, Taka Bonerate, Wakatobi, and Teluk Cendrawasih National Parks .
Rafting
At present, rafting can be mainly found in Gunung Leuser, Bukit
Tigapuluh, Gunung Halimun, Kerinci Seblat, Bukit Baka-Bukit Raya, Betung
Kerihun, Kayan Mentarang, and Manusela National Parks .
The Kapuas river that flows through the Betung Kerihun National Park
is the fifth longest river in the world, and it has rapids with hardship levels
III to V, while the rapids on the Kayan river (Kayan Mentarang National Park)
are regarded by world-class rafting enthusiasts as very dangerous, making it
the perfect place for professional rafters to test their skills.
Wind and Wave Surfing
Visitors to Meru Betiri National Park can enjoy windsurfing, whereas
wave surfing is only possible in Ujung Kulon National Park and Alas Purwo
National Park . World-class surfers are more familiar with Plengkung in Alas
Purwo National Park by the name of G-Land.
Plengkung's claim to fame is its long waves of up to 2 km, 6-10 feet high, with
many waves consisting of six layers. One of the best surfing locations in the
world, Plengkung challenges surfers to use the so-called
"left-handed" technique.
Marine Tours
Taking a marine tour in national parks is a fascinating experience,
especially for international tourists who can get an insight into different
cultures as well as enjoying the sea, sand, sun, and wildlife. Typical beach
activities like sunbathing on white sand beaches, swimming in crystal clear
water, walking along the beach, sea fishing, playing beach volleyball, biking,
and rowing can be enjoyed in the National Parks of Bukit Barisan Selatan,
Siberut, Ujung Kulon, Kepulauan Seribu, Karimunjawa, Alas Purwo, Baluran, Bali
Barat, Komodo, Bunaken, Taka Bonerate, Wakatobi, and Teluk Cendrawasih.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Visitors can paddle along the rivers by longboat or rubber raft while
enjoying the beauty of the forests. If there are they may catch the shrill cry
of an orangutan. Most every national park is traversed by tens of rivers, small
and large, and in Kalimantan's national parks such rivers form the principal
transport routes, even those heading for the national park areas. River trips
by longboat or inflatable craft are available in Kerinci Seblat, Way Kambas,
Ujung Kulon, Kayan Mentarang, Betung Kerihun, Gunung Palung, Bukit Baka-Bukit
Raya, Wasur, and Lorentz National Parks .
Rowing
Energetic visitors can row boats
on the lakes or in the bays of Bukit Barisan Selatan, Kerinci Seblat, Gunung
Gede-Pangrango, Bromo Tengger Semeru, Baluran, Meru Betiri, Alas Purwo, and
Lore Lindu National Parks.
Exploring the Forest
Exploring the forest can be a real adventure, challenging visitors to
test their self-reliance and survival skills. Generally, the forest areas of
national parks are tropical forests which are still relatively natural. Most
mountaineers pass through these forests on their way to the peaks.
Wildlife Observation
Animals
Fauna of national parks are generally endangered and protected
animals, of these, some are relatively easily seen and heard, but others are
much more elusive. Animals that are relatively hard to see usually inhabit the
core zones of the national parks. A good pair of binoculars is usually required
when watching wildlife; some visitors use video or cameras to immortalize the
moment. Observing animals requires certain amount of boldness and a great deal
of patience.
Plans
Indonesia's plant riches include 29,375 species flowering plants, and
there are 124 families' endemic species in Papua, 59 families in Kalimantan and
Sumatra, plus 7 families in Sulawesi.
National Park Forest areas represent most of the country's wealth of
plant species, the most of them growing primary forest areas in relatively
undisturbed production forests, protected forests, and conservation forests.
In general, the vegetation types of the national park areas in
Indonesia can be classified, based on the altitude of the respective area, into
coastal forest, freshwater swamp forest, Mangrove forest, Bamboo forest, Savanna
forest, lowland forest, highland forest, Montana forest, and Alpine forest.
Many plant species that have significant value for the community are
in the form of medicinal plants (Emponempon, ltayu bitter plants, so on) or
ornamental plants (orchids, palms, etc.). Plants which have high economic values
include Rattan (Calamus sp.), Meranti (Shorea sp.), Keruing (Dipterocarpus sp.), Jelutung (Dyera costulata ), Pulai (Alsfonia
scholaris ), Kayu Hitam (Diospyros sp.),
Cendana (Santalurn album ), etc.
Among the new records of plant species are Neouvaria acuminatissima ,
Musa lawitiensis, Castanopsis inermis, Buchanania sessilifolia, Dacryodes laxa,
Vatica cuspidata, Shorea lepidota, Xan thophyllurn chartaceum, and Eugenia
spicata.
All of these have been found in Kayan Mentarang and Betung Kerihun
National Parks . There are still many more plants which have not yet been
identified, in Papua for example (a province possessing hidden biodiversity).
Submarine Life
National parks are not only have land areas in the form of forest,
coast, savanna, and swamp, they also have marine (coral, fish, molluscs, sea
biota, and mangroves, so on) such as in the National Parks of Ujung Kulon, Bali
Barat and Komodo. Marine life can also be found in national parks whose area
mostly comprises water like Kepulauan Seribu, Karimunjawa, Taka Bonerate,
Wakatobi, Bunaken, and Teluk Cendrawasih National Parks.
Enjoying Natural Phenomena
Most of the national parks boast certain beautiful or unique natural
phenomena like waterfalls, lakes, caves, mineral springs, thermal springs and
craters. Many visitors come to Kelimutu National Park just to see crater's
three different-colored lakes or visit Kerinci Seblat National Park to enjoy
the solitude of Danau Gunung Tujuh - a freshwater lake situated, spectacularly
surrounded by seven mountains, at an altitude around 2,000 m asl.
Filming and Photography
With their outstanding natural beauty, all national parks are suitable
locations for photography and film-making. Komodo National Park and Bromo
Tengger Semeru National Park are the most frequent locations for shooting - an
ideal way to preserve the memory of stunning landscapes and exotic sights.
Caving
Several natural and artificial caves are popular sites for caving or
meditation, such as the ones in the national parks of Gunung Leuser, Kerinci
Seblat, Bogani Nani Wartabone (a galleried cave), Baluran (a Japanese cave),
Alas Purwo (which has 40 caves), and Betung Kerihun. These caves leave visitors
awe-struck at the works of art, both natural and human, that have been formed
in the bowels of the earth, like the ones in Betung Kerihun National Park .
Diang Kaung cave has archaeological value, with cave paintings dated at
thousands years old. Diang Arong cave is still being formed, and the vertical
cave of Tolo has a depth of 120 meters. Limestone (karst) caves can be found in
Bogani Nani Wartabone, and Lorentz National Parks.
Cultural and Historical
Interest
Most of the national parks have cultural or historical remains which
are considered sacred by the surrounding community and in some cases of
visitors. Pura Luhur Gin Selaka in Alas Purwo National Park (the historical
remains of the Blambangan Kingdom), Makam Jayaprana and Pura Gili Kencana in
Bali Barat National Park (the site of ritual Hindu ceremonies and the oldest
Hindu temple on the island of Bali), the stone tombs of the Dayak Ngorek tribe
in Kayan Mentarang National Park (estimated to have been there for some 350
years), the religious ceremony of
Kasodo' in Bromo Tengger Semeru
National Park, a statue of Ganesha in Ujung Kulon National Park, megalithic
remains in Lore Lindu National Park, a church on the island of Roon (where an
ancient bible can be seen) in Teluk Cendrawasih National Park are just a few of
the sites where such antiquities can be found.
Research and Science
National parks are a natural location for research on forest and
ecosystem diversity, flora and fauna. Among the objects of interest for
researchers are many species of tropical forest vegetation, orchid, fungi,
medicinal plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, insects, and sea biota,
as well as landscapes, natural phenomena, culture and history. Many teams of
both domestic and international researchers are studying aspects of the vast
biodiversity of the national parks for the sake of scientific and technological
development. Moreover, several national parks have hidden biodiversity, such as
Lorentz, Kayan Mentarang, and Betung Kerihun National Parks . Research
conducted in all three of these Parks has produced new records of plants,
animals, and insects.
National parks are frequently chosen by students from various
universities as the sites for their research. Research into biodiversity and
the social, economical and cultural aspects of communities around national
parks has been carried out by international organizations. Multidisciplinary
research conducted by in the park, is aimed at formulating various new methods
of conserving the biodiversity and improving local people's welfare (research
objects include sustainable forest management, non-timber forest products,
charcoal from forest fires/forest encroachment, multifunctioned bamboo). This
research carried out in Indonesia 's national parks is one of the foundations
for successful biodiversity and ecosystem conservation in tropical regions and
as such, it is expected to be able to provide answers to many existing
challenges in this, and other fields.
Education
National parks are an ideal medium for teaching young people about the
"no forest, no future" movement. Every year, national park managers
have successfully educated conservation cadres who are expected to be able to
spread awareness about biodiversity and ecosystem conservation, targeting the
general public, natural resource users and developers of natural resources.
Through the educational function, visitors to national parks are motivated to
learn about and understand how nature's components and systems work together
and how management and conservation activities are implemented, and encouraged
to be more active in nature conservation.
Fostering and Cultivation
With comprehensive planning, it is hoped that ecotourism, research and
education will be able to foster the economic growth of local people living
around the national parks through providing opportunities for employment as
tour guides and porters, for example, and through providing services such as
transport, accommodation or home stay, and refreshments.
National parks also provide opportunities for income generation
through their function as banks of germ-plasma, which can be supplied to
support enterprises like orchid cultivation, medicinal plant cultivation, deer
breeding, swallow-egg breeding, etc. which have high economic value.
This should be done to empower the local people while upholding the
principles and strategies of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. It is
hoped that economic benefits result will enhance the sustainability of the
national parks and ensure the welfare of the local people.
Source :
Buku Informasi 50 Taman Nasional di Indonesia.
(Departemen
Kehutanan Republik Indonesia).