Ecological Pride Symbol: Community and BKSDA Propose Bali Starling Day
Momentum for commemorating a special day for the Bali Starling (Curik Bali) is growing in Bali, particularly among wildlife enthusiast communities, environmental observers, academics, community leaders, and various other related elements. This discourse is gaining traction for strong reasons. Firstly, the Bali Starling is an endemic bird that has existed in Bali for a long time. However, its numbers are now dwindling due to poaching and illegal breeding. Secondly, the Balinese people need to understand that this bird must be protected by all parties, not just the government’s responsibility alone.
Head of the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Ratna Hendratmoko, expressed strong support for the initiative when contacted about the proposed Bali Starling Day. “We have prepared a proposal draft for a National Bali Starling Day. However, this proposal has not yet been submitted to the central government, to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, because it still requires broad support from the Balinese community. We shouldn’t be outdone by Elephant Day, Anoa Day, and so on. This endemic Balinese bird must also receive special attention to be designated a commemorative day,” she stated.
She requested support from Bali Governor Wayan Koster and the entire Balinese community to declare a Bali Starling Day during a suitable event. The support must be widespread and massive to facilitate the proposal’s submission to the central government. Meanwhile, BKSDA, together with academics, will prepare a scientific paper to support the proposal to the central government. The benefits of a Bali Starling Day are crucial for the conservation of this endemic bird, as well as for socialisation and education, encouraging all Balinese and Indonesians to protect and preserve the Bali Starling. “We want a moment where the Balinese community declares a Bali Starling Day. If possible, Governor Wayan Koster should be involved,” she said.
The draft proposal suggests 9 April as the annual date for Bali Starling Day. This date originates from a Bali Starling release event that occurred on 9 April 2016, which sparked the initial idea and discourse for the commemoration. However, this date remains tentative, as there may be studies based on Balinese customs and traditions. Another proposed date is 24 March, which refers to the first discovery of the Bali Starling on 24 March 1911. “We at BKSDA Bali fully support this because the Bali Starling is an icon of Bali, possessing a unique charm,” she remarked.
The proposal emerges amid growing concerns over the rampant illegal wildlife trade in Bali. Conservation observers highlight Bali’s position as one of the main routes for the illegal bird trade in Indonesia. The idea is further reinforced by various field conservation activities, such as the release of Bali Starlings into their natural habitat. These programmes involve collaboration between the government, academics, and local communities to ensure the survival of this once critically endangered species.