Profile of Septian Riki: Champion of Rafflesia Conservation in Rejang Lebong, Bengkulu

Behind the grandeur of Rafflesia blossoms flowering in Sumatra’s forests stand remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives to preserving this rare flora. One of the most prominent figures is Septian Andriki, better known as Septian Riki. This man from Rejang Lebong has been at the forefront of protecting Rafflesia habitats in Bengkulu for more than a decade.

Septian Riki’s background as a former Physical Education teacher provided him with a unique perspective on education. He began his conservation movement out of concern over limited public literacy regarding the differences between Rafflesia and corpse flowers. Since 2013, he has consistently conducted independent mapping and joined the Rare Flower Care Community (KPPL) to strengthen the botanical database in Rejang Lebong.

One of his greatest achievements came after waiting 13 years. Septian successfully identified and protected a growth site of the extremely rare Rafflesia hasseltii in the border region of Rejang Lebong. This species has a much more contrasting and artistic colour pattern compared to Rafflesia arnoldii, which subsequently attracted attention from researchers at Oxford University and BRIN.

Septian Riki does not work alone. He has built a strong network between indigenous communities, government, and international academia. In 2026, as climate change makes Rafflesia flowering cycles unpredictable, Septian Riki serves as an early detection system, recording growth anomalies that are crucial for mitigating the extinction of this species in the future.

According to Septian’s field observations, Rafflesia hasseltii is smaller in size but features larger and more symmetrical white patches, whilst arnoldii prioritises giant size with small spots.

Support for Septian Riki’s movement can be given by visiting habitats officially through KPPL, providing donations in Indonesian Rupiah for protection operations, and refraining from sharing growth site coordinates carelessly on social media to prevent plundering.

Septian Riki is a symbol of perseverance from Rejang Lebong. His dedication proves that the best nature conservation is born from deep love for one’s homeland. Through his efforts, Bengkulu continues to uphold its identity as the “Land of Rafflesia” recognised by the international community.