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."