Bromo Tengger Semeru

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park has sub montane, montane and sub-alpine ecosystem types, with big trees that are hundreds of years old. In Addition, there are about 137 species of birds, 22 species of mammals, and four species of reptiles in this park. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is the only conservation area in Indonesia that has a sand 'sea'. This unique feature covers a total area of 5,250 hectares at an altitude of about 2,100 m above sea level.

Beneath the sand sea, seven eruption centres have been found along two intersecting lines, one from east to west and the other from northeast to southwest. From this northeast-southwest line emerged Mount Bromo, an active volcano which intermittently emits smoke and ash, and is an ever-present threat to the lives of some 3,500 peoples living below. The crater of Mount Bromo has a diameter of about 800 metres from north to south and 600 metres from east to west. Most of the area within a radius of 4 km from the crater centre is considered hazardous.

A total area of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is 50,276.2 hectares, geographical location is 112^o47' - 113^o10' East and 7^o51' - 8^o11' South.

Temperature are refreshingly cool during the day but outright cold at night as temperatures can drop close to zero in the summer and are rarely much above 5^o C in winter. Daytime temperatures anywhere in the park never exceed 20^o C with low teens being normal. It can rain at anytime and the mean average rainfall is 6,600 mm. Most of that comes in the wet season though November to March. During periods of heavy rain in January and February especially, many part of the park are inaccessible due to flooding. Landslips are also a real issue at these times.

The national park is named after its two mountains, Mount Semeru (the highest in Java at 3,676 m asl), Mount Bromo (the most popular) and the Tengger peoples who inhabit the area.

Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru ('Great Mountain'), is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. What stands out most about this mountain is the fact that it erupt periodically (and very reliably so). Every 20 minutes or so, the volcano belches out a huge cloud of steam and smoke, sometimes interspersed with ash and stones. Climbing Mount Semeru requires some planning and a permit from the national park authority. The mountain is often closed due to its highly active nature.

Mount Bromo (2,329 m asl) is easily recognized as the entire top has been blown off and the crater insied constantly belches white sulphurous smoke. It sits inside the massive Tengger caldera (diameter approximately 10 kms), surrounded by the 'Laut Pasir' (sea of sand) of fine volcanic sand. The overall effect is unsettlingly, unearthly, especially when compared to the lush green valleys all around the caldera.

The Tenggerese peoples that live around the park are indigenous to the area and adhere to ancient Hindu beliefs. According to legend, the ancestors of the tribe were members of the Majapahit kingdom who went to exile. Strangely, despite being aware of the potential dangers of Mount Bromo, the local people seem unafraid. The same goes for the visitors who come to the park in great numbers, particularly around the time of the 'Upacara Kasodo'. The Upacara Kasodo (Kasodo Ceremony) is held every year (December/January) at the full moon. Through this ceremony, the Tenggerese invoke the blessing of the deities to ensure an abundant harvest, to be spared from calamity and to be cured of various diseases. To earn such blessings, they climb down the sides of the crater to catch the offering thrown into the crater by other members of the community above. The scramble for some of the participant to tumble down to the crater's floor.


Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 278/Menhut-VI/1997, May 23, 1997.

Gunung Rinjani

Gunung Rinjani National Park is located on the island of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, in the north Lombok Regency. The park consists of mountainous areas Mount Rinjani (Gunung Rinjani), which is the second highest mountain of Indonesia (3,726 m asl), is located in this national park, giving this park its name.

The Park covers an area of 41,330 ha on the northern part of Lombok and locates the three adminsitrative district of West, East and Central Lombok. The area covers 12,357.67 ha in the west, 22,152.88 ha in the east and 6,819.45 ha in central Lombok. Rinjani dominates the National Park of Lombok, an island east of Bali on the Indonesian archipelago.  At 3,726 m asl it is the second highest volcano in Indonesia, part of the infamous ring of the fire that encircles the basin of the Pacific. Within the crater is the spectacular 'Segara Anak' lake and the still active volcano Gunung Baru (2,363 m asl).

It is surounded by further 66,000 ha of Protection Forest also covers the three administrative districts. The park ecosystem is in the transitional zone between Asia and Australia (Walaceae Zone). Average rainfall is about 2,000 mm annually (on average), Temperature 23^oC - 30^oC, at the geographical location is 116^o18' - 116^o32' East and 8^o18' - 8^o33' South.

Gunung Rinjani is rich in variety of flora and fauna and vegetation types. There are 114 families and more than 500 several of floras found and about 50 species of plant that can be used for traditional medicine. While fauna in Gunung Rinjani is about 12 mammals and reptiles species, more than 50 birds species and more 50 several of butterflies which some are protected and has limited area of spread. On the south western side of mountain is the most eastern extent of primary rainforest in Nusa Tenggara. This gives way to monsoon forest and drier climate in the east, and savannah in the north east. Notable flora includes the everlasting Edelweiss Flower (Anaphalis viscida), Tiger Orchid (Vanda sp.), Alang-alang Grass (Imperata cylindrical), Cemara Trees (Casuarina trifolia and Casuarina ocidentale).

Some of endangered plants are protected in this national park, such as Pterospermum javanicum , Swietenia macrophylla, Ficus superba, Toona sureni, Vanda sp., Usnea sp., and Anaphalis sp. and there are also several endangered fauna protected in this national park, including Rusa Deer, Indian Muntjac, Sunda Porcupine, Surili Monkeys, Helmeted  Friarbird, several Cockatoos and Scaly-crowned Honeyeater.

Gunung Rinjani, one of the 50 National Parks through out Indonesia and 21 become National Parks model included Gunung Rinjani National Park, it was established in 1997. It is values and protected for its spiritual as well natural values, and is worshipped by thousands of Balinese as well as Sasak pilgrims. Hot springs near the crater lake are sought after for their healing  powers.

Over 38 villages spread out in 12 sub-districts surround Rinjani and there are many route up to the mountain, but the main acces is from Sembalun Lawang to the east. The challenging three day Rinjani Trek route from Senaru to crater rim (Plawangan), down to the stunning crater lake then on to Sembalun Lawang, is considered one of the best treks in South East Asia. Those heading for the summit usually prefer to start in Sembalun Lawang.

A model of ecotourism in Indonesia, the community-based activities are focused on the Rinjani Trek Centre in Senaru, the most popular starting point to the though trek. Developed with New Zealand Government assistant since 1999, the Rinjani Trek centre embodies under the one roof (satu atap) the unique partnership of the National Park, Tourism industry and local communities that has been forgot to manage and protect the Rinjani Mountain environment.

Volcanic cone which has formed in the center, Rinjani last erupted in 1994, and evidence of this can be seen in the fresh lava and yellow sulfur around the inner cone. Central Lombok, to the south of Rinjani, is similar to Bali with rich alluvial plains and fields irrigated by water flowing from the mountain. In the far south and east it is drier, with the scrubby, barren hills. This area gets little rain and often has droughts which can last for months. In recent years, several dams have been built, so the abundant rain fall of the wet season can be retained for irrigation throughout the year.


Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 280/Kpts-VI/1997, June 3, 1997.

Alas Purwo

Alas Purwo National Park (Taman Nasional Alas Purwo) is a national park located in the district and subdistrict Tegal Dlimo Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Geographically located at the eastern tip of Java Island south coast region between 8^o26'45'' - 8^o47'00'' South and 114^o20'16'' - 114^o36'00'' East. The park is famous for its Wild Banteng (Bos javanicus) and world-class surfing location at Grajakan Bay. The park's name means first forest or ancient forest, in accordance with a Javanese legend that says the earth first emerged from the ocean here.

The park, in the far southeast corner of Banyuwangi, covers 43,000 hectares of land consisting of savanna, mangrove forest, beach forest and lowland tropical forest. Indeed, the jungle embracing its beaches appears to have materialized straight from the sea. Alas Purwo is also home to rare and endangered mammals, including the Asiatic Wild Dog, Wild Oxen and Leopards. Thousands of migrating birds visit it pristine forest each year and turtles come to lay their eggs on its secluded beaches. And for surfers, the park's coastline boasts one of the best and most consistent reef-breaks in the world.

It is home to some of Java's endangered species, such as the Javanese Bull (Bos javanicus). There is no valid information of bull population in the park. In April 2004, there were only 57 bulls found in the savanna of Sadengan, while the population in the previous year was estimated to be 80 to 100. Groups of bulls usually come to Sadengan in the morning and afternoon in search of plants. The biggest threat to the bull are humans. Poachers set traps outside the park during the dry season to snare bulls wandering outside the park in search of water. The bulls are slaughtered and the meat sold.

Diversity of fauna in the area of Alas Purwo National Park generally can be divided into four classes of Mammals, Aves, Pisces, and Reptiles. Mammals recorded for 31 species, among which : Wild Banteng (Bos javanicus), Deer (Cervus timorensis), Ajag (Cuon alpinus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Barking Deer (Muntiacus muncak), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Monkey (Trachypithecus auratus), Gray Monkey (Macaca fascicularis), and Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator). Birds that have been identified consisting of 236 species of land birds and water birds, some of whom are migrant birds that have been identified are 39 types. Conspicuous bird species include : Forest Chicken (Gallus gallus), Kangkareng (Antracoceros coronatus ), Rangkok (Buceros undulatus), Peacock (Pavo muticus) and Java Kingfisher (Halcyon cyanoventris). As for reptiles of 20 species have been identified.

Alas Purwo National Park is one representative of lowland rain forest ecosystem in Java Indonesia, there are unique and endemic plants in this national park like Kecik Sapodilla (Manilkara kauki) and Bamboo Manggong (Gigantochloa manggong). Other plants are Ketapan (Terminalia cattapa), Nyampung (Calophyllum inophyllum), Kepuh (Sterculia foetida ), Keben (Barringtonia asiatica), and 13 more types of bamboo.

There are approximately 16 species of Australian migratory birds that can be seen at Segoro Anakan in the period of October - Desember including the Cekakak Suci (Halcyonchloris /Todirhampus sanctus), Kirik-kirik Laut (Merops philippinus), Trinil Pantai (Actitis hypoleucos ), and Trinil Semak (Tringa glareola).

Kebatinan (traditional Javanese mystical belief), followed by communities in Central and East Java, centres on inner and outer spirituality, and the connection between the natural and supernatural worlds. As its Javanese name suggest, Alas Purwo is the place where, according to Javanese mysticism, the earth first emerged from the ocean.

Followers of Javanese mysticism also believe that spirits inhabit trees, rocks, rivers, and springs. And those well versed in Ilmu Jawa, or Javanese mysticism, are said to have the ability take on the form of wild animals. So for followers of Javanese mysticism, Alas Purwo's rich flora and fauna also makes it a highly revered place.


Declared by Minister of Forestry No : 190/Kpts-II/1993, February 26, 1993.

Bunaken

The Bunaken National Park is a marine park in the north of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The park is located near the centre of the Coral Triangle, providing habitat to 390 species of coral as well as many fish, mollusc, reptile and marine mammal species. The park is representative of Indonesian tropical water ecosystem, consisting of seagrass plain, coral reef, and coastal ecosystem.

It was established as a national park in 1991 and is among the first of Indonesia's growing system or marine park. It covers a total area of 890.65 km², 97 % of which is marine habitat. The remaining of 3 % of the park is terestrial, including the five islands of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Mantehage, Nain and Siladen. The southern part of the park covers part of the Tanjung Kelapa coast. It is the geographical location at 124^o39' - 124^o35' East and 1^o35' - 1^o49' North, the temperature is about 26^oC - 31^oC, Altitude 0 - 800 m asl, wheater clearness 10 - 30 m, rainfall 2,500 - 3,500 mm/year (on average).

A very  rich coral ecosystem covers most of Bunaken National Park, dominated by fringing reef and barier reef corals. A distinct feature is a 25 - 50 m vertical coral wall which is inhabited by 13 coral genus. The seaweed that can be found here include Caulerpa, Halimeda, and Padina species, while the dominant seagrasses, in particular in the island of Montehage and Nain are Thalassia hemprichii, Enhallus acoroides, and Thalassodendron ciliatum. The park is also abundan in different species of fish, marine mammal and reptiles, birds, moluscs and mangrove species.

The area is densely populated, with 22 villages inside the park comprising about 35,000 peoples. Most locals work as fishermen or farmers cultivating coconut, sweet potato, banana, or seaweed for export, while a small number are employed in tourism as dive guides, boat operators and cottage staff. Tourism is strongly developed, with accommodation ranging from backpacker cottages to 5 star resort.

The northern part of the park area covers the island of Bunaken, Manado Tua, Montehage, Siladen, Nain and Nain Kecil, and part of Tanjung Pisok coastal  area. The southern part of the park cover part of the Tanjung Kelapa coast.

On land, these islands are rich in species of palm, sagu, woka, silar and coconut. Among the animal species that live on the land and the  beaches are black-crested macaques (Macaca nigra nigra , Timor Deer (Cervus timorensis russa) and bear-cuscus (Ailurops ursinus ursinus).

 The mangrove forest of the park contains, among others, Rhizophora sp., Sonneratia sp., Lumnitzera sp., and Bruguiera sp. This forest is also rich in species of crab, lobster, mollusc, and sea birds such as gulls, herons, sea doves, and storks.

 The seaweed species that can be found here include Caulerpa spp. and Padina spp., while the dominant seagrasses, in particular in the island of Montehage and Nain are Thalassia hemprichii , Enhallus acoroides, and Thalassodendron ciliatum.


About 91 species of fish live in the waters of park, among them being the Emperor angelfisth (Pomacanthus imperator), Almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana), Spotted seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Yellowstripe snapper (Lutjanus  kasmira ), Four saddle rock cod (Ephinephelus spilotoceps), Pinkish basslet (Pseudanthiashypselosoma ),  Two lined monocle bream (Scolopsis bilineatus), etc., and species of mollusc such as The great clam (Tidacna gigas), Horned helmet (Cassis cornuta), Pearly-chambered nautili (Nautilus pompillius), and Ascidians.


Declared by Minister of Forestry No. 730/Kpts-II/1991, October 15, 1991.