Kersik Luway, sanctuary for wild orchids<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Samarinda, East Kalimantan<\/p>\n
White soft sand covered by shrubs and tall grass. Clumps of
\ntrees with yellowish leaves blanketed in the afternoon mist. This
\nis Kersik Luway Nature Reserve from a distance.<\/p>\n
Anyone entering the reserve would be struck with amazement at
\nits beauty. But it holds more than natural beauty. Kersik Luway
\nis home to hundreds of East Kalimantan's wild orchids that are
\nnow on the verge extinction as forests succumb to deforestation
\nand forest fires.<\/p>\n
Located 18 kilometers from Melak, West Kutai regency, Kersik
\nLuway occupies 5,000 hectares of area. Near the entrance to the
\nreserve, on some 400 hectares of area, are 70 species of East
\nKalimantan's wild orchids. Previously, it had around 80 species
\nbut 10 of them were destroyed in a forest fire in 1997.<\/p>\n
East Kalimantan has at least 300 species of wild orchids. Wild
\norchids are difficult to cultivate and once their habitat is
\ndamaged, it will be almost impossible for the orchids to survive.
\nThe damage caused by the 1997 fire was therefore a big loss to
\nthe nation.<\/p>\n
The reserve owes its popularity to its rare Black Orchid
\n(Coelogyne pandurata). Growing in shrubs, the Black Orchid
\nblossoms between April and December. In fact, that is the best
\nperiod to visit the reserve when all the orchids are in full
\nbloom and all you can see is a plethora of colorful orchids.<\/p>\n
Forest fires remain the main threat to the reserve. Kersik
\nLuway, according to the reserve's forest rangers, has been hit by
\nforest fires four times. The first was in 1982, then 1994, 1997
\nand 2000.<\/p>\n
Signs of the fires are still evident. Charcoal tree barks can
\nbe seen standing, while tall grass and shrubs dominate the vast
\nlandscape. Despite the scars, the reserve still holds its beauty.<\/p>\n
There are various means of transportation to reach the reserve
\nfrom Samarinda, which is around 170 kilometers from Kersik Luway.
\nThe most comfortable way is to take a boat from Samarinda to
\nMelak. The trip takes around 22 to 24 hours. The boat ride costs
\nRp 55,000 for one way.<\/p>\n
Another way is to go by car, which can take six hours.
\nHowever, the trip by car can be exhausting as the dirt road from
\nSamarinda to Melak is bumpy.<\/p>\n
Accommodation might be a bit of a problem too as Melak does
\nnot have big hotels. Only small inns are available in the quiet
\ntown. Locals are more than happy to accommodate guests in their
\nhouses.<\/p>\n
Journalists and researchers must have a special permit to
\nenter the reserve. The permit can be obtained at the Ministry of
\nForestry in Jakarta or the Natural Resources Conservation Office
\nin Samarinda. But the beauty that awaits visitors is worth all
\nthe trouble and discomfort.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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