Charm of natural reserve in Manokwari
By Ais Latuputty
WANDIBOI, Irian Jaya (Antara): A hilly area, the Wondiboi nature reserve is a storehouse of potential tourist destinations which may, in the future, be developed on a large scale.
Located in the Wasior subdistrict of Manokwari, Irian Jaya, Wondiboi is 23,022 hectares of land rich in rare plants and animals, both registering a high population level.
It is home to 169 species of birds, 12 species of which are birds of paradise, including two endemic species, Astrapie nigre and Parotia sefilata; three species of tree kangaroos, including walebi and kuskus with a hooked tail; pouched cats and rats; and six species of bats.
Wondiboi is a relatively homogeneous forest area. Most of the plants growing here are matoa, merbabu, intsia and sago trees. Sago is the traditional food of the locals.
This forest area, still intact with its great variety of plants and animals, is tightly guarded by forest rangers and local people and is intended as an area to conserve germ plasms of natural resources and for researches.
People dwelling in the reserve's outer area still lead a simple life, so it is yet to be developed to its optimal potential.
"They grow plants, tap sago and hunt wildlife on plots of land after obtaining permission from the village head and customary elders," said Wasior regent, Jan Mauritas Ayomi.
Locals have also spotted a species of wolf at 1,000 meters above sea level.
Assumed to live in a cave in the area, the wolf is yet to be identified by scientists and the world nature reserve agency.
"Therefore, it could be dangerous to people and other animals in the area," Ayomi said.
He said that there is also a species of jackal, which is sometimes spotted in the reserve by locals when they go hunting.
Various ethnic groups from outside Irian Jaya live in harmony in the low-lying area or at the foot of the mountain in the area.
The reserve is also endowed with a beautiful coastal area, a place suitable for diving.
This area is known as the first place in Irian Jaya where education was introduced. The first educational institution was established in 1928 at Miei village. Unfortunately, the regional administration has neglected the building.
Sources in Wasior say that this building may lure tourists to the area if it is well taken care of.
The building is a mute witness of how this place was once the training ground for the children of Irian Jaya now assuming important positions in government agencies, private companies and the Armed Forces.
As Wondiboi is rich in tourist potential, the Irian Jaya administration expects that would-be investors will turn this area into the largest tourist site in Irian Jaya, Indonesia's easternmost province.