Wild Sumatran Orangutan Tualang Gepang Ecotourism

Compared to Bukit Lawang, Tualang Gepang’s animal diversity would be significantly greater. It is more advantageous to look for wild Sumatran orangutans, siamangs, and reptiles like snakes and lizards away from human settlements; the SUMECO team has even discovered the footprints of Sumatran tigers on multiple occasions. The search for the animals in Tualang Gepang is not as straightforward as in Bukit Lawang; however, herpetologists preferred this region to observe their target species.

When it comes to jungle trekking activities away from touristic areas such as Bukit Lawang, Tualang Gepang is the best option. The animals there behave very differently from those in Bukit Lawang. Here, even the application of ethical trekking will be strictly enforced.

Animals in Tualang Gepang Are Animals in Bukit Lawang.

The distance between Tualang Gepang and Bukit Lawang is only 7 km, if you pull straight, it is no more than 5 km, and it is still Gunung Leuser National Park. The animals we have seen in Tualang Gepang are wild Sumatran orangutans, gibbons, bears, porcupines, pangolins, king cobras, various species of eagles, and hornbills.I say again, the wild life is not easy to see as they are distant and unaccustomed to humans, but there were definitely no tourists.

Where to See Wild Orangutan in Sumatra?

Tualang Gepang will be developed as an ecotourism destination for the purpose of observing wild orangutans in Sumatra. This has a conservation impact by creating employment opportunities for local communities, particularly fruit farmers, who are frequently impacted by conflict between orangutans and humans.

We recognize the need to promoting sustainable lifestyles and actively contributing to environmental conservation, particularly in relation to animal welfare. These are actions we can take right now to ensure the success of community-based conservation initiatives.

The COVID-19 pandemic period served as a crucial and profound lesson for SUMECO, highlighting the company’s vulnerability and significant financial and operational challenges in the absence of tourism revenue. SUMECO highly values and acknowledges the significance of Sumatra’s biodiversity, but, it is unattainable without the revenue generated from ecotourism.

SUMECO differs significantly from large NGOs that have ample international funding sources. In fact, SUMECO deliberately distances itself from this approach due to the prevalent internal manipulation aimed at generating profits through the establishment of NGOs. In contrast, SUMECO was established by me (Bobi Handoko) to utilize and allocate a significant portion of my personal income from a small privately-owned company, and I am a native Indonesian.

The presence of orangutans in Bukit Lawang has had a significant economic impact, benefiting many parties up to a distance of 140 km, from Bukit Lawang to Kualanamu International Airport. Based on SUMECO’s extensive experience collaborating with prominent NGOs over a span of 3 years, it was seen that there was a little aversion towards ecotourism operations. This perspective stemmed from the belief that such activities compromised the NGOs’ ability to effectively conserve natural resources and meet their performance goals, since they were driven by the pursuit of more funding.

The Role of Ecotourism in Empowering Local Communities and Nature Conservation in Tualang Gepang.

The conservation efforts in Tualang Gepang are closely tied to the primary objective of SUMECO and the Gunung Leuser National Park administration, which is to safeguard the park region from illegal activities and preserve the wildlife. Ecotourism activities in Tualang Gepang, such as jungle trekking, herping, bird watching, and caving, will be used as a means to facilitate these conservation endeavors, with the company’s profits being directed towards the objective of preserving these species.

Tualang Gepang ecotourism is anticipated to develop as a sustainable alternative to traditional tourism in Bukit Lawang, primarily emphasizing responsible travel that advantages both local inhabitants and wildlife. In recent years, global ecotourism has garnered much attention as an effective means of benefiting local populations while also saving the environment.

1. Financial Empowerment: A prominent advantage of ecotourism is its capacity to generate revenue for local people. By highlighting their distinctive natural resources, such as unblemished woods, varied fauna, and untouched terrain, they may entice travelers seeking a genuine and sustainable tourism experience. Revenue derived from ecotourism can subsequently be reinvested in the local economy, bolstering education and animals. Furthermore, this income diversification might diminish reliance on ecologically detrimental.

2. Ecological Preservation: Ecotourism fundamentally involves engaging with and valuing the environment while mitigating adverse effects on ecosystems. Sustainable tourism methods safeguard natural ecosystems, mitigate pollution, and curtail resource overexploitation. Furthermore, the cash derived from ecotourism may be allocated to conservation activities, encompassing the creation and upkeep of protected areas, animal rehabilitation programs, and efforts to combat poaching and illicit logging. Thus, ecotourism harmonizes commercial objectives with ecological aims.

3. Education and Awareness: Ecotourism functions as a significant educational medium. Tourists frequently depart with an enhanced comprehension of the ecosystem and the significance of its preservation. This heightened awareness can result in more knowledgeable and ecologically mindful tourists. Furthermore, local populations gain increased awareness of the significance of their natural resources, which can incentivize their active involvement in conservation initiatives.

4. Community Involvement and Decision-Making: Effective ecotourism efforts engage local populations in the planning, management, and decision-making processes. This inclusive strategy enables community members to influence the execution of tourist operations, guaranteeing that their demands and concerns are acknowledged. It cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability for the success of the ecotourism initiative.

5. Job Creation and Skills Development: Ecotourism generates several job options in communities, including guides, hospitality personnel, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs marketing local crafts and goods. These positions not only generate revenue but also foster the acquisition of new skills, which might be applicable in other sectors. This thus lowers urban migration and aids in preserving the socioeconomic structure of rural regions.

Ecotourism serves as a viable means to empower local people and protect the environment. Ecotourism may serve as a mutually beneficial solution for individuals and the environment by producing revenue, safeguarding cultural heritage, fostering conservation efforts, educating the public, engaging communities in decision-making processes, and creating employment opportunities. It is essential that ecotourism efforts are conceived and maintained with a firm commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices to guarantee long-term success and optimize benefits for all parties involved.

To effectively cater to the requirements of environmentally conscious tourists, it is crucial for us to devise a strategy that not only benefits them but also contributes to the preservation of Gunung Leuser National Park. The local community will consistently play a leading role in contributing to wildlife conservation efforts around Gunung Leuser National Park. It is imperative to preserve the biodiversity of Sumatra, particularly in Gunung Leuser National Park. If the animals are not adequately safeguarded and if ecotourism fails, SUMECO will face significant challenges, as its funding only relies on the earnings generated from its ecotourism operations.

During the tourist season, Bukit Lawang has experienced overcrowding due to its status as a prominent tourist destination to see orangutans in Sumatra, attracting thousands of visitors annually. We received a few isolated complaints from foreign tourists expressing discomfort due to the high volume of tourists engaging in jungle trekking activities in Bukit Lawang. Therefore, slowly, carefully, and ethically, SUMECO will gradually move to Tualang Gepang in order to create a sense of comfort in conservation and ecotourism. Never forget, SUMECO is dedicated and resolute in assisting Gunung Leuser National Park in establishing a secure environment for the preservation of the Leuser and its wildlife.

Jungle trekking in Tualang Gepang will be different; traditional rafting to return to the village will be absent on the one-day Tualang Gepang jungle tour. Jungle trekking will be mostly focused on looking for wild Sumatran orangutans. The flora and fauna in the jungle of Tualang Gepang Ecotourism remain unchanged from those present in Bukit Lawang, because it’s still Gunung Leuser National Park, and Tualang Gepang is a mere 15-minute motorbike ride away from Bukit Lawang. Frankly speaking, encountering animals during the jungle trekking in Tualang Gepang is largely dependent on chance, given that this area is entirely untamed.

One of the three species of orangutans in Asia is the Sumatran orangutan, or Pongo abelii. They are situated on the island of Sumatra, as their name implies. Orangutans, which are also referred to as orange apes, are the sole species of great ape that can be found outside of Africa. Orangutans are characterized by their solitary existence, in contrast to other ape species that are highly social. Orangutans spend nearly their entire lives on the trees, whereas gorillas and chimpanzees spend the majority of their time foraging for food and traveling on the ground. This is another notable distinction between Sumatran orangutans and African great apes.

The Sumatran orangutan is more endangered than the Bornean orangutan due to the decimation of populations throughout much of their once-extensive natural range as a result of exploitation and habitat loss. All orangutans are endangered. Let us examine several critical facts regarding Sumatran orangutans.

1. Visual Characteristics and Structure (Anatomy).

Sumatran orangutans, Bornean orangutans, and Tapanuli orangutans hold the distinction of being the largest arboreal creatures on Earth. Consequently, they have evolved some significant modifications to facilitate their arboreal lifestyle, which involves spending the majority of their time on trees. Sumatran orangutans possess disproportionately long arms compared to their legs, which aids them in reaching branches. Both hands and feet possess exceptional agility and dexterity, enabling them to maintain a firm grip for extended periods of time. Orangutans have opposable thumbs, which enables them to grasp and remove the skin of fruits. Sumatran orangutans are marginally smaller than Bornean orangutans. They often possess lighter fur and longer beards compared to Bornean and Tapanuli orangutans. Sumatran orangutans exhibit cranial proportions that are significantly larger and possess facial features that are more rounded compared to the Tapanuli orangutans, which are also indigenous to the island of Sumatra.

2. Diet and Nutrition.

Sumatran orangutans are omnivorous creatures who consume both plants and animals in order to sustain themselves. Nevertheless, the primary component of the Sumatran orangutan’s diet is fruit obtained from trees in close proximity. Remarkably, Sumatran orangutans possess the ability to not only locate fruit trees, but also accurately predict the timing of fruit ripening. Sumatran orangutans consume not only ripe and unripe fruits that have a simple peeling process, but also a diverse range of plant components including fresh shoots, insects, eggs, and tiny animals. Sumatran orangutans mostly satisfy their hydration requirements by consuming this fruit. Nevertheless, they are also recognized for their ability to consume water by manually grasping water sources.

3. Distribution.

The Leuser Ecosystem is a permanent home to Sumatran orangutans. This habitat is located on the boundary between the northernmost provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, covering an approximate size of 2.6 million hectares. The Leuser Ecosystem, located in Southeast Asia, is the most extensive conservation area for rainforest ecosystems in the region. It harbors about 85 percent of the remaining rainforest ecosystem in Sumatra. The population of Sumatran orangutans in the area exceeds 1,000 individuals.

4. Threats.

The orangutans’ natural habitat in North Sumatra has undergone substantial reduction, mostly as a result of fires, the conversion of forests into oil palm plantations, and other forms of agricultural development. Sumatran orangutans rely heavily on pristine forests. Frequent and purposeful forest fires, often used to clear land for plantations, have become a widespread tragedy. Fires not only devastate the habitat of orangutans, but also result in the death of the orangutans themselves. Their inability to evade the flames was due to their sluggish movement.

5. Our Relatives.

The Sumatran orangutan shares a DNA resemblance of 96.4 percent with humans, making it one of our closest living cousins. Sumatran orangutans closely resemble humans in both physical appearance and behavioral traits. In Malaysia and Indonesia, orangutans are referred to as Orang Hutan, which translates to “Forest People”. While all three species of orangutan have a preference for alone (solitary), Sumatran orangutans are comparatively more amenable to socialization. Indeed, they frequently appear in familial units and gather in regions abundant in nourishment or uncontaminated water. Sumatran orangutans, like other great apes, exhibit high levels of intelligence and have been observed utilizing tools in their natural habitat, such as employing sticks to gather honey. They covered their hands and feet with leaves to shield themselves from prickly vegetation. Empirical evidence indicates that the acquisition of skills is contingent upon the specific population, implying that skills are transmitted to the younger cohort through teaching rather than being inherited.

6. Conservation Status.

The IUCN has classified the Sumatran orangutan as critically endangered at present. Consequently, if the harm persists, these species will inevitably confront extinction in their natural habitats in the foreseeable future. The increasing demand for tropical timber and inexpensive palm oil seems to be hastening the process of deforestation once more. These operations are frequently conducted unlawfully in regions inhabited by Sumatran orangutans. The Sumatran orangutan population is believed to have declined by 80 percent during the past 75 years. Given that this creature mostly inhabits trees, its ability to survive heavily relies on the existence of forests. Preserving their survival necessitates endorsing initiatives aimed at combating unlawful deforestation and wildlife hunting. Sumatran orangutans also possess significant potential and play a crucial role in sustaining ecotourism by generating thou sands of employment opportunities.

To meet the needs of ecological tourism, SUMECO believes it is critical to establish a wildlife conservation camp through its ecotourism program. SUMECO, which is solely funded by personal company profits, will continue to work toward integrated human resource development and improvement in order to achieve healthy ecotourism. Tualang Gepang is considered an ideal tourist destination in Sumatra after extensive analysis and research. Bukit Lawang has been an ecotourism village since 1975, when it first served as a rehabilitation center for Sumatran orangutans. However, SUMECO’s dream is to transform Tualang Gepang into an integrated ecotourism center in Sumatra with greater discipline and ethics in respecting and harmonizing with all animals involved in human-animal conflict.

SUMECO (Sumatra Ecoproject), a local grassroots conservation organization based in Tualang Gepang, North Sumatra, registered officially, and it has become the operator of this Wildlife Conservation Camp.

The SUMECO Wildlife Conservation Camp is a designated program or event specifically created to provide education and foster active involvement of participants in the realm of wildlife conservation. The purpose of these camps is to enhance knowledge and appreciation of wildlife and their habitats while also cultivating a collective sense of responsibility and conservation ethics among the participants.

The SUMECO Wildlife Conservation Camp offers participants comprehensive educational sessions and workshops conducted by conservation specialists, biologists, and naturalists. The courses comprehensively address subjects including biodiversity, endangered species, habitat conservation, conservation strategies, morphological species identification, and the significance of sustainable practices.

Participants, guests, or clients will be able to participate in practical field research and conservation initiatives. Nature conservation encompasses activities such as animal rescue, wildlife population monitoring, animal behavior research, species identification and cataloguing, and environmental surveys and surveillance.

Our selection of outdoor activities will be contingent upon the camp’s location and duration. These activities may encompass jungle trekking/hiking, camping, night/nocturnal hiking, and herping. These activities offer participants direct experiences in natural settings, promoting a stronger bond with nature and facilitating the construction of wildlife shelters to support our infrastructure.

SUMECO Wildlife Conservation Camp provides participants with a comprehensive and educational opportunity to enhance their knowledge of wildlife conservation concerns and acquire hands-on expertise in such matters. Such camps have the potential to ignite a lasting enthusiasm for conservation and enable individuals to actively contribute to the betterment of the environment.

In realizing ecotourism that has community-based economic and conservation impacts, it can be said to be valid if you’ve seen that there has been a change from deviant actions to conservation at certain areas. The execution of this process will validate the extent of ecotourism’s success. If we discuss environmental ethics, we must move from anthropocentric to biocentric. Biocentrism posits that every organism possesses intrinsic value and that its existence holds moral significance. All living beings warrant moral consideration and accountability, as life constitutes the essence of ethical concern. From small to large scale, environmental issues in Indonesia are results of limited human resources and a lack of sociological knowledge.

Tualang Gepang is a residential locality adjacent to Gunung Leuser National Park. The residents’ presence in this region is the primary factor in preserving the Gunung Leuser National Park, as they frequently observe animals that are integral to Leuser’s biodiversity entering their settlements. Every resident possesses the right to reside, as stated in Article 27, Paragraph 2: “Every citizen is entitled to employment and a dignified standard of living.”

The optimal relationship between humans and nature regarding the environment is that humans must preserve harmony with nature. Everyone must recognize their role as custodians of environmental and life sustainability. Regrettably, such awareness is seldom encountered.

Fostering and establishing harmony with nature will demonstrate a commitment to stewardship aimed at sustaining and conserving the environment. It also demonstrates that humans continue to prioritize the well-being of future generations. If the current generation permits environmental degradation, future human existence will undoubtedly become increasingly challenging. These challenges manifest as diseases resulting from our own errors.