Appeal to protect Leuser ecosystem/jean

Leuser Ecosystem Hill (KEL) seen from the top of Singgah Mata Mountain, Nagan Raya, Aceh. (ANTARA PHOTO/Syifa Yulinnas)

The Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) is prioritized after UNESCOs World Heritage Committees decision, in its 41st session, to retain TRHS on the List of World Heritage In Danger following threats to remaining rainforests.

The 2.5 million-hectare TRHS site comprises three national parks: Mount Leuser National Park located in Aceh and North Sumatra; Kerinci Seblat National Park in Jambi, Bengkulu, West Sumatra, and South Sumatra; and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in the provinces of Lampung, South Sumatra, and Bengkulu.

A large part of the TRHS lies within the Leuser Ecosystem, which is among the most biodiverse and ancient ecosystems to be ever documented by science and the last habitat of Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers, rhinos, and sun bears.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has identified Leuser as one of the worlds "irreplaceable protected areas."

UNESCO says the site "holds the greatest potential for long-term conservation of the distinctive and diverse biota of Sumatra, including many endangered species."

Source: peterloud.co.uk

According to UNESCO, the area is home to some 10 thousand plant species, including 17 endemic genera; more than 200 mammal species; and about 580 bird species, of which 465 are resident and 21 are endemic.

Besides this, millions of people in Aceh and North Sumatra depend on the rivers of the Leuser Ecosystem, not only for fresh drinking water but also to sustain their livelihoods as farmers.

The TRHS was nominated by the Indonesian government as a World Heritage Site and accepted in 2004. The TRHS and adjacent lowland rainforests and peatlands in the greater Leuser Ecosystem are the only place on Earth where orangutans, rhinos, tigers, and elephants exist together in the wild and is a critical source of water and livelihood for millions.

Since then, new threats have emerged, including Acehs flawed spatial plan, three proposed large hydroelectric dams, and the proposed Kappi Geothermal Project, which if built, would destroy forests in the very heart of the World Heritage Site.

In 2011, the property was listed as "World Heritage in Danger" due to illegal logging, poaching, palm oil expansion, and fragmentation of its intact rainforests to make way for new roads.

Panut Hadisiswoyo, founder and director of the Orangutan Information Centre, and civil society spokesperson at the World Heritage Committee meeting, held in Krakow, Poland, on July 4, 2017, issued a statement on the decision of the committee.

"The World Heritage Committee has confirmed the need to take decisive action to address current and emerging threats facing the world heritage rainforests in Sumatra. We are very appreciative that the committee has retained the TRHS site on the List of World Heritage In Danger, as destruction driven by illegal activities continue to this day," he remarked as quoted on orangutancentre.org.

"The Indonesian governments announcement to categorically rule out geothermal development within the World Heritage property is welcomed. We stand ready to work collaboratively to protect its rainforests and realize alternative development that protects the greater Leuser Ecosystem whilst securing the integrity of the TRHS World Heritage Site," he noted.

"Similar to the Indonesian government, we are committed to seeing the property come off the Danger list but not until all the threats it faces have been addressed. We commend, both the Indonesian minister of environment and forestry and Governor Irwandi Yusuf of the Aceh provincial government, who now have made unequivocal statements, ruling out geothermal proposals in the heart of Leuser, but we still have much work to do to reverse the damages that have already been done and block any attempts of building new roads or hydro dams proposed for the Leuser Ecosystem," Hadisiswoyo stated in his commitment during an address.

"We are ready to work with the Indonesian government to conserve the property. Proper law enforcement is required to tackle the unacceptable levels of illegal logging, poaching, encroachments, and new roads," he pointed out.

He delivered petitions to the 21 members of the World Heritage Committee on behalf of 14 thousand concerned global citizens that are part of the growing movement to "Love The Leuser" and supported the call to keep the TRHS site on the List of World Heritage In Danger - until such time that the threats to the area are resolved and its future conservation is ensured in perpetuity.

In its January 2017 report to the World Heritage Committee, the Indonesian government reiterates its commitment "to ensure the sustainability of the TRHS and restore it to such a state that the property may be removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger."

It lists the measures it has taken, which include establishing a program for increasing the population of Sumatran tigers, elephants, rhino, and orangutans; conducting training in wildlife monitoring; improving monitoring equipment; identifying and mapping human-wildlife conflict areas; developing a rhino sanctuary; and conducting Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool patrols.

It also expressed commitment to not granting any concessions or permits for geothermal exploration or the construction of new roads within the TRHS site.(Antara)

West Bali�s New Eco Tourism Resort: Plataran L�Harmonie/jean

Famous for its well preserved ecosystems, The West Bali National Park is a paradise of  rainforest, dry savannah, acacia scrub, lowland and montane forests. A truly unique landscape of natural beauty, this park is also home to many species of animals such as deer, monkeys, pheasants and the endangered but iconic bird, the Bali Starling.

With the purpose to conserve and promote this exotic haven of flora and fauna , Plataran Indonesia together with PT. Trimbawan Swastama Sejati (TSS) is constructing a New World Wonder Destination, called �Plataran L�Harmonie � The Gateway Planet, Nature Unleashed�.

This new eco tourism destination encompasses an enormous 382 hectares of pristine land and 10km of breathtaking coastline that will impress visitors with an amazing holiday experience like no other.

Guests will have to venture 4 kilometres into the jungle, following rustic wooden road signs on a macadam paved path to find this new gem of a resort.  As commitment to conserve its surroundings, visitors must adhere to strict regulations such as no hunting, no unauthorized fishing, no cutting of trees and keep to a vehicle speed limit of 10km/hr.   

Where wild nature meets luxury, visitors of the Plataran L�Harmonie will experience world class accommodation at one of their exclusive villas and residence suites.  Each villa is equipped with spacious and luxuriously traditional indoor living quarters, a garden and a plunge pool with a private view of the ocean. The residence suitesalso provide million dollar views of the ocean and is furnished with a tropical modern design, creating the ultimate beach getaway feel.

The resort offers  a world class restaurant, an exciting Water World package, a wedding chapel, a jogging track through the jungle and access to the Octagon Beachclub with its impressive ocean front infinity pool spanning nearly 50 metres in length. Plataran L�Hamonie also provides phinisi and yacht operations where guests can book an unforgettable cruise or dive package. Divers can explore the unbelievable underwater landscapes with a guided professional or for families and couples, enjoy a romantic dinner cruise to the backdrop of the beautiful sunset.

For the more environmentally inclined, visitors would love to engage in a range of fun and enlightening activities that are based on the principles of sustainable development. Tree planting and conservation of marine and terrestrial life are just a few of the activities available.  For the more thrill seekers, The West Bali National Park and neighbouring Menjangan Island  are an exotic fun ground where visitors can go horseback riding, snorkelling, biking, bird watching and even dining.

 

The new facilities at Plataran L�Harmonie were officially inaugurated on May 16 by Tourism Minister, Dr. Arief Yahya M.Scand Environment and Forestry Ministry�s Natural Conservation Ecosystems Director General Dr. Tachrir Fathoni , M.Sc, who both support Plataran�s Conservation activities. Plataran is a holder of the Nature Utilization Business License and a recipient of Best National Park Management from the Environment and Forestry Ministry.   

On  27th September, Plataran L�Harmonie was recognized as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations on World Tourism Day and Green Destination Day at Ljubjana, Slovenia.  The Award was received by David Makes on behalf of PT Trimbawan Swastama Sejati  and has brought great pride and hope to the Indonesian tourism industry.

 

Makes, who is also the Chairman of the Tourism Ministry�s Ecotourism Acceleration Team, said, �The nomination of Indonesia as an eco-tourism destination is a testament of Indonesia�s role in the global tourism landscape. The development of Indonesia�s eco-tourism is the way forward and concretely implements the motto of the  Ministry of Tourism: More Conservation, More Prosperity�.

At  the same award ceremony,  the spectacular diving resort and conservation center at Misool in Raja Ampat West Papua, also made the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations list.

Plataran X-Trail 2017: Run Through WEST BALI NATIONAL PARK Scenic Trails/jean

Source: plataran.com

Ready for yet another outstanding running challenge? Well, prepare yourself for an exceptional trail run through some of the most pristinely beautiful natural landscape on the picturesque island of Bali . On Saturday, 22nd July 2017, the Plataran X-Trail 2017 will take trail runners through one of Bali's most enchanting and well-preserved wilderness area in West Bali National Park, home to the world-protected heritage species, the Bali Starling.

source:plataranxtrail.com

Scheduled to take place for the very first time, the Plataran X Trail 2017 is a brand new annual and international trail running event that caters to runners of all levels, and sheds a bright spotlight on environmental consciousness and sustainability.

Scheduled to take place for the very first time, the Plataran X Trail 2017 is a brand new annual and international trail running event that caters to runners of all levels, and sheds a bright spotlight on environmental consciousness and sustainability.

Source:shutterstock

The race features three race categories for men and women, all with start and finish at the Plataran Resort premises. The main race is a challenging 50 km trail that will bring experienced marathon and long distance runners around the entire National Park. Beginners and intermediate level runners can aim for completing the shorter 25 km course, not an easy feat in itself. Thirdly, there is a 7.1 km fun run set up for beginning runners, but also for families with children. 

Source:Shutterstock

The terrain consists of sandy beach, forest paths and more technical single trails. West Bali National Park does not have any high mountains, but especially the 50 km runners will need to conquer a few hills along the route within the 11 hour cut off limit set by the race directors.  

As part of the environmental awareness campaign, upon finishing a race of choice, each single participant will be invited to release a baby turtle into the open sea. The campaign is the manifestation of the responsibility on conserving this endangered species on Earth due to the destruction of their habitat by human activities, such as factory waste, oil spills, and extreme turtle hunts, either for human consumption or entertainment.Every runner will receive a certificate of baby sea turtle adoption as a result of their participation in this event. 

The Plataran X Trail 2017 � West Bali is also a Candidate Race for the 2018 Asia Trail Master championship series, Asia's biggest series of trail running races in nearly 20 countries.
This exceptional race is projected to attract the participation of no less than 500 national and international runners. Two current Asia Trail Master champions are expected to line up at the start of this inaugural race. These are Manolito Divina from the Philippines and Tahira Najmunisaa Muhammad Zaid from Malaysia who are both looking forward to the 50 km race, which they, for sure,will try to add to their impressive list of race victories. Divina scored wins at the Rizal Mountain Run near his home of Manila and at Sungai Menyala Forest Trail in Port Dickson, Malaysia. TahiraNajmunisaa has kept her unbeaten record on the Asia Trail Master circuit with three victories at Tahura Trail in Bandung, Beach Bunch Trail Challenge 50 in Brunei and UT Koh Chang 100 in Thailand. 

From Indonesia's own trail running scene, Shindy Patricia who in the 2016 Indonesia Trail Master was crowned by the Asia Trail Master Championship series will also be joining at the starting line of the 50k. As winner and only female finisher last year of Rinjani 60k, Shindy Patricia is a big name in the trail running scene in Indonesia, and beyond. 

Located in the most north-westerly point of Bali, the West Bali National Park covers a total area of 19,002.89 hectares, comprising 15,587.89 hectares of land and 3,415 hectares of water. Lush green forests, picturesque mountain range, crystal clear blue water, and vast stretches of pristine beaches, those are what await here. Just at the outskirts of the National Park is the coastal area of Pemuteran
which is famous for its magical underwater temple garden which combines nature's beauty with amazing work of art. Meanwhile off the coast of the national park, Menjangan Island, also offers mesmerizing underwater splendor perfect for snorkeling and diving.More information available at:www.plataranxtrail.com


(Indonesia.travel)

Wonderful Indonesia Video | Manado - Bunaken National Park /jean

Bunaken is an 8.08 km� island in the Bay of Manado, situated in the north of the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Bunaken forms part of the administrative city of Manado, capital of North Sulawesi. The marine Park around Bunaken is part of the National Park that also includes the ocean around the island of Manado Tua, Siladen and Mantehage. 

 

In the Bunaken Marine Park, you will encounter a real �mermaid�, and you can also get a glimpse of sea life. Within the Bunaken Marine Park, visitors can see various strange and colourful marine life along its sea bed. To reach this park, you can take a motorboat. The journey from Manado takes around 40 minutes.

The translucent waters of the Bunaken seas enable people to clearly view numerous sea biota. There are 13 species of coral reefs in this park, dominated by edge ridges and block ridges of rocks. The most attractive view is the steep vertical sloppy coral reef that plunges down as deep as 25-50 meters. Feast your eyes on 91 types of fish found in the Bunaken National Park, amongst which are the locally known Gusimi Horse Fish (Hippocampus), the White Oci (Seriola rivoliana), Yellow-Tailed Lolosi (Lutjanus kasmira), Goropa (Ephinephelus spilotoceps and Pseudanthias hypselosoma), Ila Gasi (Scolopsis bilineatus) and others. Divers may also meet mollusk like the Giant Kima (Tridacna gigas), Goat Head (Cassis cornuta), Nautilus (Nautilus pompillius) and Tunikates/Ascidian.

For those who enjoy scuba diving, this is a great place to be. With about 20 dive spots to choose from, divers will have the chance to swim below the sea, and frolic joyfully while admiring the sea creatures. Most diving takes place near Bunaken and Manado Tua, because of the many excellent sites. 

The following are representative of dive spots in the area.Lekuan Walls (I, II, III)This long wall at Bunaken is divided into three sites: the Lekuan I, II and III. Together they are the park's best.
Steep walls are marked with deep crevices, sea fans and giant sponges. The shallows are filled with fishes. The wall, often protected from stronger currents, is frequented by bumphead parrotfish, turtles, and Napoleon wrasses. You can also explore the island on foot or you can take a boat to move from one dive site to the other Just walking around the beach is already a most enjoyable experience. (Indonesia.travel)

YOUR FUN �TO DO� LIST AT TELEMUNG WHEN YOU HOLIDAY IN BANYUWANGI/jean

The village of Telemung near the city of Banyuwangi in East Java is best known for its huge coffee plantation that produces the most aromatic Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, which Operah Winfrey dubbed as "the most expensive coffee in the world". So , while you are in Banyuwangi why not visit the plantation and learn how this most aromatic and tasty coffee is produced and processed.

Explore the village

Before exploring the plantation why not tour the village in the cool mountain air, and see how the locals live daily around their homes, livestock and gardens. For besides coffee, Telemung also breeds Ettawa Goats that are precious for its milk. And there are also home-made handicraft of bamboo-woven Kopiah, a headpiece commonly used by men.

See various types of coffee plants 

The prima donna of Telemung is of course the Luwak Robusta coffee, which produces a thicker consistency and bitterness preferred by strong coffee lovers. Stroll around the plantation to learn the difference between Robusta, Arabica and Excelsa that are grown around the village.

Picking coffee beans 

Then it is time to learn from the experts how to pick good coffee bean. Throughout the village there are lady farmers and men who dedicate their every morning to seek for the best berries. Have fun learning as you walk through the dense plantation filled with luscious coffee trees.
 
Learn how to process coffee 

The village mostly uses manual and traditional processing sequences. After the pick, the beans are washed, dried, peeled, strained, roasted and ground. Try to do each step yourself, to experience the long and patient hours taken to make a single bag of perfect coffee. The roasting process is part of the most important stage, and is still done with a basic clay pan on top of a wood fueled open stove.
 
Make your own cup of perfection

When everything is ground to a soft powdered coffee, it's time to learn how to brew. There are plenty of ways to do this, but here it is still all about basics and simple touches to really get an original taste of the Luwak Coffee.

Meet Kimmy the Luwak

And for that cherry on top, come meet Kimmy, the name behind this famous Kimmy Omah Kopi in Telemung. Kimmy is a black pet civet cared by the owner and nurtured to be the star whenever visitors ask about what civets really look like. Wild Civets are a nocturnal animals who usually seek coffee berries at night, before they excrete this the morning after.

So on your next journey to Banyuwangi, be sure to stop by at Telemung and explore the local coffee wonder. Don't forget to bring some packs for your loved ones at home!

Related articles:

1. Banyuwangi�s 7 Hidden Beaches that leave you Awestruck

2. 4 Things to Do in Banyuwangi that Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

3. Homestays in Exciting East Java: Bromo�Ijen, Malang, Banyuwangi

4. Banyuwangi Beaches for Beginner Surfers

5. Banyuwangi: Getting Off the Beaten Path

(Indonesia.travel)