E. Java Taman Safari aims to solve population problem

E. Java Taman Safari aims to solve population problem

By Sirikit Syah

SURABAYA (JP): Four years ago, Taman Safari Indonesia realized
it had a growing problem on its hands at its wildlife park in
Cisarua, West Java.

Successful breeding programs had increased the animal
population, with the undesirable result that the park was
becoming overcrowded.

A search began for the ideal location to establish a second
park.

Administrators eventually settled for Sukoarjo, a village in
Pasuruan, about 50 km south of Surabaya, which was formerly the
site of a plantation.

Located at the foot of Mount Welirang, about 800 meters-1,500
meters above sea level, the area's temperature hovers between 17
and 25 degrees Celsius. Its relatively high humidity is ideal for
wild animals.

Much has happened, not all of it positive, in the four years
since the site was picked.

Members of local communities, backed by environmentally
concerned non-governmental organizations (NGOs), protested land
clearance activities.

Although Taman Safari managed to resolve that dispute,
development took longer than scheduled and went over budget.

But the headaches and heavy investment have paid off with the
opening of the park last month.

Known simply as TSI II, it is already a favorite among East
Java residents. The long-term goal is to make it popular among
tourists from eastern areas of the country.

"Indonesia is very rich in animal life," said Derek F. Kailey,
a manager of TSI. "We have built not only a recreational park,
but also an educational center about wild animals.

"This place could also become the breeding center of
Indonesian wild animals."

The park is set on 430 hectares, with the possibility for
expansion At present, 30 percent of the land is used for the
animals and 30 percent for a recreational complex including
hotels, playgrounds and other amenities.

The rest is allocated for an animal hospital, breeding complex
and greenery.

But Kailey has bigger goals than just establishing a safari
park and a breeding center. He wants to make people care and pay
attention to animals, especially wild animals, and particularly
those from Indonesia.

Children are his main target.

"It's good to start very early. It's easier to teach them how
and why to love and understand animals, and explain to them the
threat of animal disappearance."

About 1,000 animals of 200 different species have resided in
the park since last November. Most are from the Cisarua park, but
the Czech Republic donated 153 animals.

"The Czech government gave us the animals in return for a
couple of Komodo Dragons given by our government," Kailey said.

"We can see how highly they regard our animals."

This barter system is preferred for animal exchanges because
it strengthens relationships between nations involved in animal
conservation.

Through exchanges, TSI II Prigen now has American bison, brown
bears, European wolves, antelopes, Asiatic black bears and
camels.

Cisarua has contributed Bengali tigers, ostriches, rare birds,
gibbons and giraffes. There are also several rare animals
collected from many parts of Indonesia; anoa from Sulawesi,
Sumatran rhinos and komodos.

The number of animals in the new facility is increasing.
Animals from other continents need special care, due to the long
trip and climate changes.

Usually they arrive at Juanda International Airport in
Sidoarjo, and are directly transferred to the quarantine complex
in Prigen. The airport itself does not have facilities for large
numbers of animals.

TSI Prigen will have three divisions for its animals --
American and European, African and Asian and Australian. There is
also a giant menagerie, about 1,000 square meters in size, which
will be home to one of the richest collections of birds.

Economic impact

Billions of rupiah have been spent already, but the
development of TSI Prigen is not finished yet.

Physically, only 30 percent of the project is done. Plans had
been to finish it all by March, but the monetary crisis might
make this impossible.

Daily running costs are about Rp 8 million per day, mostly in
food expenses. The animals consume 200 kg of meat, 1 ton of
vegetables and fruits and 6 tons of grass per day.

The park has stimulated the economy in the area, fostering a
better relationship between TSI and the surrounding community.

Before the park's opening, few visitors made their way to
Sukoarjo and there was no public transportation to the village,
which is located about 9 km from Surabaya-Malang highway.

These days, vehicles crowd the streets. Dozens of ojek
(motorcycle taxis) are among them and this is now an alternative
job option for men in the region. The elderly and young women
sell vegetables and fruits outside their homes.

Pasuruan regent H.R. Saputro acknowledged the upturn in the
area economy recently.

"The park is good for the people's economic advancement. And
we are proud because this national, even international, tourist
attraction is in our city."