Nothing lasts forever

The beauty of butterflies in Bantimurung, Maros, South Sulawesi was renowned as far back as hundreds of years ago. English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace called Bantimurung National Park the Kingdom of Butterflies.

Aside from their beauty, the butterflies in the park are also known for their variety.

Visitors to the park today are mesmerized by the butterflies as they flit from tree to tree.

The popularity of the park has inspired local people to make souvenirs for tourists. They catch the butterflies and mount them.

A pack of 12 mounted butterflies is sold for between Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000.

The souvenir industry has been blamed for the decreasing number of butterflies in the park.

-- Text and photos by Andi Hajramurni/The Jakarta Post