Charm of natural reserve in Manokwari
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.