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The Power of Mama: Mothers as the Frontline Guardians of the Forest
When most people began to relax at home, a group of mothers on the outskirts of Ketapang village was preparing to go around the village. Not for grocery shopping or huddling, but for patrolling. In fiery red clothes and in high spirits, they walked down the path, examining fire-prone spots.
Ketapang is an area where the majority of the population work as farmers and ranchers. The main commodity in the region is oil palm, due to its suitable climate and the ability of this crop to be harvested throughout the year.
Meanwhile, rice grown in Ketapang is generally a type of sendua rice or annual rice, which can only be harvested twice a year. This is in contrast to the Java region, where rice can be harvested up to three or four times a year. This difference is caused by low rainfall around Ketapang, which has an impact on the availability of water for agriculture.
The Power of Mama during fire extinguishing (TPoM Team | YIARI)
Most of the land in Ketapang is peatland, which is moist soil formed from piles of plant remains that have not been completely destroyed. When the dry season comes, this type of soil becomes very dry and flammable. Coupled with strong winds, fires can spread quickly. Even a carelessly thrown cigarette butt can be a trigger for a fire.
Every dry season, fires can occur 1-2 times a year, bringing major impacts such as on land yields, air pollution, and citizen health. Seeing this threat repeated, mothers in some villages decided not to remain silent. They formed The Power of Mama (TPOM), a group of resilient mothers who regularly monitor fire hotspots and actively educate residents about early prevention of forest fires.
Starting with the initiation of Mrs. Siti and Mrs. Maimun, in Sukamaju Village and Pematang Gadung Village. Currently, TPOM has been present in eight villages: Pematang Gadung, Sungai Besar, Suka Maju, Sungai Awan Kiri, Tanjung Pura, Ulak Medang, Kuala Tolak, and Sungai Putri. Every day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., they patrol along fire risk points.
Socialization of forest and land fires to the surrounding community ( Tpom |YIARI team )
In addition to routine patrols, TPOM also actively socializes directly to residents about the dangers of indiscriminate land burning and the importance of preserving the environment. They do not necessarily prohibit the activity of burning land, but emphasize education about safe burning—such as creating water ditches as a barrier so that the fire does not spread, providing extinguishers on site, and ensuring that the burning process when clearing land is supervised by related parties. This approach is TPOM’s way of bridging local customs with fire prevention efforts, encouraging residents to be more careful and responsible in managing their land.
The presence of TPOM brings real changes in the surrounding environment. Cases of fires that used to occur frequently are now significantly reduced, and citizens are increasingly aware of the importance of early prevention. However, the patrol terrain that these mothers have to go through is far from easy. Rocky roads, remote locations, to hot weather become daily challenges that cannot be considered trivial.
Tpom trip to patrol location (Ucil | YIARI)
One of the funny but memorable stories came from Mrs. Daniar when she was patrolling with Mrs. Waskia. He recalled one incident: ‘we were on patrol and saw a fire. I panicked, so focused on the fire that I didn’t realize there was a palm trunk in front. Because I was too focused on the fire, I even crashed into the palm tree! I fell, but instead of getting sick, I laughed at myself. Then it immediately rose again, continue to serve.” The story became a picture of the tireless spirit as well as the warm side of their struggle. Because behind the hard work and the risks they face, there is laughter, friendship and the strength that grows from being together.
Many TPOM members initially did not have technical skills. But through various trainings such as fire fighting, the use of drones, the manufacture of organic fertilizers, public communication, and the use of social media and photography, they continue to learn and develop. TPOM proves that women are also able to be environmentalists, firefighters, as well as drivers of change in their communities.
TPoM during SMART training ( Heribertus Suciadi | YIARI )
The impact of the existence of TPOM is very visible. Residents began to switch to more environmentally friendly methods of clearing land, such as the use of herbicides. TPOM not only extinguishes the fire, but also ignites the awareness of protecting nature.
Their stories are also not always serious. When the patrol coincides with the harvest season, the mothers often get fresh fruit souvenirs from the residents. In between small talk, they slip socialization about the dangers of forest fires, urge not to burn land, explain the risks, and introduce safer ways. Patrol is also a moment to learn, build familiarity, and strengthen their role in the community.
On the anniversary of TPOM, on June 16, 2025, a total of 118 women from eight villages gathered at the yiari (IAR Indonesia Foundation) office, Ketapang. This event is a moment to celebrate three years of their journey, ranging from hard work, togetherness, to real contributions in protecting the environment.
The third anniversary celebration of The Power of Mama (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
The Power of Mama is not just a name, but a symbol of the strength of village women who dare to guard the Earth for future generations. From the corners of Ketapang, they prove that big changes can start from small steps and sincere spirit.
Auhtor : Theoni Damaris Foedianto
Featured Image: The Power of Mama during fire extinguishing (TPoM Team | YIARI)
Clouded leopard and its distribution in Indonesia: features, characteristics and 9 Interesting Facts
When it comes to animals that can climb and hang on trees, what is the first animal that comes into your head? Perhaps, your mind will immediately go to monkeys or squirrels that are already clearly reliable in terms of climbing climbing.
However, more than monkeys and squirrels, there are other animals that are no less adept at moving from tree to tree in a short time.
The animal is a clouded leopard (Neofelis), a medium-sized cat that spends a lot of time on trees.
Clouded leopards are a unique and interesting cat species. They have very long and sharp canines. This makes them similar to the extinct ancient Big Cat, the saber-tooth tiger(Smilodon populator).
Although not as large as Sumatran tigers or Javan Leopards, clouded leopards are predators feared by most land mammals, such as monkeys, deer, pigs, and other small mammals. They hunt in ambush, then carry their prey up trees to enjoy until nothing remains.
Want to know more details about clouded leopards? Come on, check out the full explanation below!
Getting To Know Clouded Leopard
Clouded leopard is a medium-sized wild cat species known for its skill in climbing and hanging from trees. This animal still belongs to the Felidae family, so it is closely related to tigers, lions, leopards, as well as domestic cats.
Like other cats, clouded leopards have sharp canines and claws. However, what distinguishes it is the amazing ability to climb trees—one of the best among the cat family.
Quoting from Khao Sok National Park, Thailand, clouded leopards are known as the best tree climbers among all cat species. They are able to climb with their body upside down, as well as hang using their hind legs. In fact, they can get down from trees headfirst, a technique rarely found in other wild cats.
Because it relies heavily on trees, the clouded leopard’s favorite habitat is dense, evergreen tropical rainforests. However, they can also be found in many other types of habitats such as dry forests, swamps, grasslands, and scrub.
As carnivorous animals, clouded leopards hunt a wide variety of mammals, ranging from small to large, such as squirrels, mice, hedgehogs, monkeys, deer, wild boars, as well as various types of birds.
Types of clouded leopards
Taxonomically, clouded leopards are divided into two main species, namely:
Continental clouded leopards are widespread in mainland Asia, including Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, China, to Peninsular Malaysia. This species has a cloud-shaped pattern all over its body, with a larger size than the Sunda clouded leopard.
2. Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi)
Sunda clouded leopards live in the territory of the Sunda Islands, such as the islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan. The cloud pattern on the body is smaller, with the coat color tending to be more gray. Based on the distribution, the Sundanese clouded leopard is subdivided into two subspecies:
a. Sumatran clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi sumatraensis)
This subspecies lives on the island of Sumatra and the Batu Islands. They have a very arboreal nature, which means that they are more often on trees and rarely go down to the ground. This is due to the presence of Sumatran tigers that dominate land areas and can be a threat.
b. Macan dahan Kalimantan (Neofelis diardi borneensis)
Unlike its relatives in Sumatra, The Borneo clouded leopard lives without the presence of other big cats as competitors. Therefore, they often descend to the ground and become apex predators in their habitat. Their presence is very important in maintaining the balance of Kalimantan’s forest ecosystem.
Characteristics and characteristics of clouded leopards
Clouded leopards have a number of distinctive features that distinguish them from other cat species, both large cats and domestic cats. In addition to being known as an excellent tree climber, one of the main peculiarities of clouded leopards is their long and sharp canines, which are not shared by other modern cats today.
Here are the typical physical and behavioral characteristics of clouded leopards:
The color of the plumage varies from gray-brown, pale yellow, to dark brown.
It has a pattern of black patches shaped like clouds all over its body—a distinctive feature that is the origin of the name “clouded leopard” in English.
The canines are very long and strong, proportional to the jaws.
The tail is long and thick, serves as a counterweight when moving on trees.
Short legs with large and strong claws, perfectly support the ability to climb.
Vision is very sharp, favoring hunting activity, especially at night.
It is arboreal, that is, it spends most of its time in trees.
Nocturnal, actively hunting and moving at night.
The body size is medium, with a body length of about 90 cm, not counting the tail.
Has a solitary nature, lives alone except during the breeding season or caring for children.
Polygamous, that is, changing partners when the mating season comes.
Does not have a fixed breeding season; breeds all year round.
The body weight of males can reach 23 kilograms.
The body weight of females ranges from 11 to 21 kilograms.
In comparison, clouded leopards are about four times smaller than Sumatran tigers, but five times larger than domestic cats. Despite its not very large body, the clouded leopard remains a formidable predator and dominates its territory, especially in dense tropical forest ecosystems.
9 Interesting Facts Clouded Leopard
Ilustrasi macan dahan (pixabay.com/piviso)
Known as one of the best climbers among all types of cats, the clouded leopard has a number of interesting facts that make it even more unique. Here are some interesting facts about clouded leopards:
1. Can not Roar and snore
Menurut Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, macan dahan tidak dapat mengaum seperti harimau atau singa. This is due to the different structure of the larynx and hyoid bones, which are not as flexible as in other large cats.
In addition, they also cannot purr in full, in contrast to domestic cats.
2. Communicate with growls, hisses and sniffs
Unable to make roars or purrs, clouded leopards communicate with growls, hisses, hissing sounds, to sniffs. This form of communication is used to mark territory, attract the attention of a partner, or signal when feeling threatened.
3. Shorter Life Expectancy Than Lions
In the wild, clouded leopards have an average life expectancy of about 12-15 years. However, if treated in captivity or controlled environments, their lifespan can reach 17 years.
This figure is classified as shorter than lions, which can live up to 16 years in the wild and even 20 years in captivity.
4. Can prey on animals larger than its body
Although its body is not as large as that of other predators such as tigers, clouded leopards are capable of preying on animals larger than it. Their prey can include Gibbons, Wild Boars, as well as medium to large primates and mammals, thanks to effective ambush techniques and incredible bite force.
5. Sexually mature at about two years of age
Clouded leopards reach sexual maturity when they are about two years old. At this age, they are already ready for breeding, with an unlimited breeding season at a certain time of the year.
6. The breeding peak occurs between December and March
Although in general clouded leopards can breed at any time of the year, in an environment of captivity or human care, the majority of the breeding process has been recorded to occur from December to March.
This is most likely influenced by environmental factors and activity patterns that are more stable under controlled conditions.
7. The female can give birth to 1 to 5 Cubs
When entering the reproductive period, the female clouded leopard is able to give birth to between one and five cubs in one pregnancy. Clouded leopard cubs will be cared for and cared for by their mother independently until they are strong enough to live alone in nature.
8. Able To Open The Mouth Up To 100 Degrees
One of the peculiarities of the anatomy of a clouded leopard lies in the ability to open the mouth very wide, that is, up to 100 degrees. In comparison, Lions can only open their mouths at about 65 degrees. This ability favors the effectiveness of the clouded leopard bite when capturing and immobilizing its prey.
9. Similar to the ancient Saber Tooth Tiger
Clouded leopards have long, strong, curved canines, which resemble the ancient saber-tooth tiger (Smilodon populator). Although not as large as the extinct Smilodon millions of years ago, this similarity in tooth structure suggests that clouded leopards inherited the characteristics of formidable ancient predators.
The Conservation Status Of Leopards
Macan dahan saat ini dikategorikan sebagai spesies yang rentan terhadap kepunahan oleh International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The two main species of clouded leopard—the continental clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi)—each have alarming statuses.
Neofelis nebulosa (macan dahan benua) terdaftar dalam status Vulnerable (Rentan) menurut IUCN Red List.
Neofelis diardi (Sunda clouded leopard) is included in the Vulnerable category, but some subpopulations are considered to have a higher risk locally.
In addition, clouded leopards have also been legally protected in many Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
In Indonesia, the Sunda clouded leopard is listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which means that any form of international trade in this species is prohibited except for scientific conservation purposes.
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Clouded leopards are not just wild cats that climb trees. It is a symbol of the unique and rich biodiversity of the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. With outstanding physical characteristics, distinctive behaviors, and an important role as a predator in the ecosystem, the presence of clouded leopards is vital to the balance of nature.
Unfortunately, various threats continue to lurk for his survival. Therefore, it takes awareness and real action from all parties—from governments, conservation agencies, to the general public—to protect this species from extinction.
Let’s take care of the forest and all the creatures that depend on it, including this amazing clouded leopard!
Featured image:Ilustrasi macan dahan (pixabay.com/dannynic)
Air pollution: definition, impact and how to reduce it
Every second, you breathe in the air around you without really thinking about what it contains.
However, have you ever imagined if the air that looks clean turns out to contain harmful substances that are not visible? This is what is known as air pollution.
Air pollution is a serious problem that continues to haunt, especially in big cities in Indonesia. This problem is not just an environmental nuisance, but a real threat that is slowly destroying human health and ecosystems. Although it often goes unnoticed, its impact cannot be underestimated.
Without realizing it, daily activities such as driving on the streets expose you to polluted air. This pollution can cause a variety of health complaints, ranging from mild coughing to more serious breathing disorders.
Through this article, we will explore more about the adverse effects of air pollution on health and the environment, as well as find out practical steps that can be done to help reduce it!
What Is Air Pollution?
Image of a factory with a lot of smoke rising in its chimney (MutuCertification)
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is air pollution by harmful substances that can harm human and animal health, as well as damage the environment.
Sources of air pollution are very diverse. Much of it comes from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for vehicles, industry, and power plants. However, pollution can also come from natural processes such as volcanic eruptions or forest fires.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mendefinisikan polusi udara sebagai campuran kompleks antara partikel dan gas di atmosfer. This mixture includes ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, as well as fine particles such as PM2.5 and PM10. These microscopic particles are very dangerous because their small size allows them to go deep into the respiratory tract, even down to the lungs.
Locally, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MoEF) explained that air pollution is an increase in certain substances or energies in the air in certain concentrations and durations that can change air quality. If left unchecked, this condition can have serious impacts on public health and environmental sustainability.
However, air pollution is not just a matter of numbers or scientific terms. This is a real problem that touches everyday life. For example, have you ever noticed that the sky in a big city is rarely bright blue, even in the morning? That’s one of the signs that the air around you is not clean.
More worrying, not all pollution you can see or feel right away. Harmful gases such as carbon monoxide or nitrogen dioxide have no color or odor. Because of its hidden but deadly nature, air pollution is often dubbed the’silent killer‘.
5 Harmful Effects of air pollution
Pedestrians affected by air pollution (Bulelengkab)
Air pollution has serious consequences, both on human health and on environmental sustainability. Here are the five most dangerous impacts of air pollution that you need to be aware of:
1. Decrease In Life Expectancy
This may sound surprising, but poor air quality can actually shorten life. According to the 2021 Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)report , the average Indonesian population loses about 2.5 years of their life expectancy due to high exposure to fine particles (PM2.5) which exceeds the safe threshold set by WHO.
Imagine if every day you breathed clean air-your life could be longer and healthier. Creepy, isn’t it?
2. Onset of serious illness
Air pollution has been shown to contribute to a variety of chronic and deadly diseases. Based on data from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in 2019, the five main diseases directly related to air pollution in Indonesia include stroke, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower respiratory tract infections, tracheal, bronchial, and lung cancer. Worse yet, the impact knows no age. A study from Diponegoro University (UNDIP) in 2020 showed that the high number of respiratory tract diseases in children and toddlers is closely related to air quality in the household environment. One of the main causes is exposure to smoke while cooking, especially when the mother takes the baby or toddler to the kitchen that does not have good ventilation.
3. Early Death
The most tragic impact of air pollution is premature death. Data from Greenpeace Indonesia shows that around 7,390 Jakarta residents die faster each year due to chronic air pollution exposure.
Not only that, around 2,000 babies are reported to be born with low weight each year in the same region. This condition is closely related to poor air quality during pregnancy.
4. Environmental Damage
Air pollution not only threatens human health, but also accelerates the destruction of the environment. One of the impacts is acid rain, which can damage crops, pollute water sources, and disrupt the balance of ecosystems.
In addition, the increase in pollutant particles in the atmosphere leads to a decrease in visibility, blurring of natural landscapes and a decrease in the overall quality of life—especially in urban areas.
5. Economic Burden
Air pollution also provides a not small economic burden. The cost of treating diseases caused by pollution, increased visits to health facilities, and decreased work productivity due to sick employees are a separate burden for households and the state.
According to a report quoted from SETKAB in 2023, the economic burden due to air pollution in Indonesia includes health costs that increase significantly as well as productivity losses that continue to swell over time. This shows pollution is not only a health problem, but also a national economic problem.
5 Effective Ways to reduce air pollution
Portrait of air pollution in urban areas / source: MegaSyariah
Tackling air pollution is not only the government’s job, but also our collective responsibility. You can contribute starting from small steps in everyday life.
How to effectively reduce air pollution? Here are five steps you can take:
1. Reduce The Use Of Motor Vehicles
Land Transport is a very large contributor of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) emissions. One of the most effective ways to reduce air pollution is to switch to public transportation, such as buses or trains.
If possible, try cycling or walking for short distances. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, it is also good for your health. You can also carpooling with friends or start switching to electric vehicles to reduce exhaust emissions.
2. Avoid Burning Garbage
Burning household waste can produce harmful substances such as carbon monoxide (CO), dioxins, and fine particles that are very harmful to health. So, one of the simplest ways to help is not to burn garbage.
Instead, try sorting waste by type: organic, inorganic, and recycled. You can also take advantage of garbage banks or recycling services that are now increasingly available in various cities. Even better if you can process organic waste into compost at home!
3. Plant and maintain trees
We all know, trees play an important role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Therefore, planting trees is a classic but still relevant step in reducing air pollution, especially in vehicle-intensive cities.
Start from the neighborhood: plant trees or green plants in the yard or in pots. You can also participate in environmental reforestation programs or tree planting campaigns with the community.
4. Use Environmentally Friendly Products
The campaign to bring your own drinking bottles instead of buying bottled water over and over again is one simple but effective example of reducing pollution—not just plastic waste, but also emissions from the production process.
Not only that, many household products such as paints, cleaners, and air fresheners contain harmful chemical compounds that can pollute the air in the House. For that, make sure you choose products that are free of toxic chemicals, do not contain aerosols, and if possible, certified environmentally friendly.
Also use energy-efficient electronic devices, such as LED lamps and household appliances with energy efficiency labels. These small steps can have a big impact when done consistently.
5. Switch to renewable energy
While not everyone can make the Switch right away, the use of renewable energy remains an important long-term solution in suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
If possible, you can start small, such as installing solar panels in your home, or supporting products and services from companies that implement green energy. In addition, make it a habit to save electricity by turning off lights and electronic devices that are not used. Energy-saving, cost-effective, and certainly more environmentally friendly.
Clean Air, Our Shared Responsibility
That’s a review of the dangers of air pollution and the real steps you can take to reduce it. Even though it looks simple, the small actions you take every day can have a big impact if done together.
Clean air is the right of all living things. So let’s take care of each other for the health of ourselves, future generations, and a better Earth!
Featured image: Image of a highway with lots of vehicles and smoke / source: Kompas
Four life-changing months: Kahiu Academy Batch 3 Travel Notes
After four months of learning and growth, the participants of Kahiu Academy Batch 3 finally completed their journey.
The graduation moment celebrated in Kahiu’s Farewell event became an important symbol of a transformation—from a dropout teenager to a more confident, skilled and prepared individual for the challenges of the future.
This Program is not just a training, but a safe space to explore potential, build character, and find new hope.
Check out their journey at Kahiu Academy and how this program has paved the way to a brighter future!
Kahiu Academy: a beacon of hope for school dropouts
Since it was first established in 2022, Kahiu Academy has become a light of hope for teenagers dropping out of school in West Kalimantan.
The Program is designed to provide comprehensive education and training, with the aim of equipping participants with technical and non-technical skills so that they can become more independent and empowered individuals.
Kahiu Academy takes a holistic approach. Not only does it focus on improving knowledge and practical skills, the program also instills important values such as concern for the environment and character development.
Thus, each participant not only gets provisions for the world of work or independent business, but also grows into a person who has social awareness and responsibility to the community and the surrounding nature.
Kahiu Academy learning journey: more than just training
Over the past four months, as many as 14 participants from four districts in West Kalimantan participated in an intensive training program held at the Sir Michael Uren YIARI Ketapang Learning Center.
They undergo a dense learning process, covering more than 40 materials divided into two main categories: technical skills (hard skills) and self-development (soft skills).
Peserta Kahiu Academy Batch 3 (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
All materials provided are not only aimed at forming individual competencies, but also to foster the spirit of contributing to society and the environment.
Through this approach, participants are invited to learn for the sake of their own future, while being encouraged to be part of a broader change in their respective communities.
Diverse and comprehensive training materials
During the program, Kahiu Academy Batch 3 participants receive various trainings designed to equip them with practical skills as a preparation for the future. The material presented includes:
Technical skills, relevant to different areas of work. This material allows participants to immediately jump into the world of work or even start an independent business according to their interests and potential.
Character development and leadership, which aims to form self-confidence and resilience in the face of various life challenges.
Environmental education, which increases participants ‘ awareness of the importance of nature conservation as well as how to apply environmentally friendly principles in everyday life.
More than just theory in the classroom, participants also get the opportunity to apply their knowledge directly through practice. This practice-based approach helps participants understand the real context of the skills learned, while strengthening their understanding in real-world situations.
Farewell Kahiu: celebrating graduation with meaning
After a long journey full of challenges and learning process, Kahiu Academy Batch 3 participants finally successfully completed their program.
This graduation moment was celebrated in the Farewell Kahiu event, a celebration full of meaning and emotion. Not only a farewell event, this event also became a symbol of success and extraordinary achievements, both for the participants, mentors, mentors, and all parties involved in this program.
Participants make a presentation (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
In the event, each participant was given the opportunity to share stories and reflections about their journey during the training.
They tell of the changes they have experienced, how the program has changed the way they see the future, and how the skills they have acquired have fostered the confidence to go further.
Participants make a presentation(Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
Not only that, the participants also presented their plans after graduation. There are those who want to pursue their professional goals, there are those who plan to hold empowerment activities in their hometown, and there are those who aspire to develop sustainable agriculture.
The variety of ideas and initiatives presented by them shows that this program has opened their horizons and equipped them with real abilities to build a better future.
Looking to the future with optimism
The enthusiasm and enthusiasm of the participants in welcoming life after graduation was felt throughout the farewell event. With the provision they have gained during the program at Kahiu Academy, graduates are now more confident to face various challenges, as well as create new opportunities for themselves and the communities in which they live.
Graduation from Kahiu Academy is not the end, but rather the beginning of new, hopeful steps. The participants now have broader skills and insights—both to work in various sectors and to build independent businesses. More than that, they are also equipped with the spirit to make a real contribution to the environment and society.
We hope that this program continues to grow and reach more teenagers in West Kalimantan. The success of Kahiu Academy graduates is a clear proof that proper education and training can pave the way to a brighter future.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to supporting this journey—mentors, facilitators, partners, and all program supporters. May the graduates of Kahiu Academy continue to move forward, achieve their dreams, and bring positive change to their communities.
Food security is one of the main pillars in realizing the welfare of the community, especially for local communities that rely heavily on natural resources in the vicinity.
In the face of global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and dependence on food supplies from outside the region, the development of self-managed Food Systems is an effective and sustainable solution.
As a form of commitment to strengthening local food security, Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) actively encourages environmentally friendly tilapia farming practices. Through the tilapia harvesting program, YIARI supports the sustainable increase of fish production, as well as providing education to the community on efficient cultivation techniques, saving resources, and in line with conservation principles.
This article will discuss in depth about the tilapia harvesting program implemented by YIARI. Check it out!
When Is This Program Implemented?
Yiari tilapia harvesting activity in Ulak Medang Village, Ketapang, West Kalimantan(Comdev | YIARI team)
On Friday, February 28, 2025, YIARI and the Alam Lestari Joint Venture Group (KUB) carried out tilapia harvesting in Ulak Medang Village, Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan. This activity is part of a sustainable aquaculture program designed to strengthen local food security through a community-based approach.
Ulak Medang village was chosen as the location of the program because it has the potential to support water resources, as well as high community spirit to develop independent cultivation. Active citizen involvement is key in every stage of the activity—from pond management, feeding, to harvesting.
Through this activity, YIARI not only channeled technical knowledge and assistance, but also instilled conservation values in cultivation practices to stay in line with environmental conservation efforts.
Yields and environmentally friendly cultivation practices
Tilapia harvest conducted in the village of Ulak Medang yielded encouraging results. In one harvest, the community managed to harvest 409 kilograms of tilapia. This achievement not only shows the success in terms of quantity, but also the quality of cultivation management.
During the cultivation process, fish mortality rate (mortality) was recorded at 20%, while the value of food conversion ratio (FCR) reached 1.25. This FCR number indicates good efficiency in the use of feed—the lower the FCR value, the more efficient the fish are in converting feed into body mass.
This success certainly cannot be separated from the implementation of environmentally friendly cultivation practices. Since its inception, the program has been designed with a conservative approach to maintaining the health of Fish and the quality of aquatic ecosystems. Some of the main principles applied include:
Periodic monitoring of water quality to maintain optimal conditions for fish growth.
Setting the stocking density so that the fish are not stressed and the living space remains sufficient.
Selection of high-quality and efficient feed, thus supporting growth without polluting the environment.
Responsible management of aquaculture waste so as not to damage the ecosystem around the pond.
Tilapia Harvesting Challenges
Behind the success of tilapia farming, there are a number of significant challenges faced by farmers in the field. Some of the following major obstacles are of serious concern in the management of sustainable cultivation.
Here are the challenges and solutions that have been pursued by YIARI together with the Joint Venture Group (KUB) Alam Lestari:
YIARI and Kub Alam Lestari collaborate to harvest tilapia (Comdev | YIARI team)
1. Fluctuations in the selling price of fish
The selling price of tilapia in the market tends to be unstable because it is influenced by various factors, such as fluctuations in consumer demand, harvest season, and general economic conditions.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2022, the price of freshwater fish—including tilapia—can change between 10% to 20% in a matter of months, depending on stock dynamics and market demand.
This price instability has a direct impact on the income of farmers, who often have to sell crops at prices below production costs. To overcome this challenge, we together with Kub Alam Lestari took the initiative to build a wider and more stable marketing network.
One of the strategic steps taken is to establish direct partnerships with regular buyers, such as traditional markets and cooperatives. Through this approach, farmers can reduce dependence on open markets and ensure a more secure revenue stream.
2. High feed prices
Feed is the largest cost component in Tilapia farming, which according to a report by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), can reach 60-70% of total operating costs.
In recent years, commercial feed prices have continued to rise, driven by the high cost of raw materials such as fishmeal and soybeans, most of which are still imported.
This increase is very burdensome cultivation actors, especially small and medium scale. To reduce dependence on commercial feed, we started developing locally based solutions through alternative feed production.
Ingredients such as lamtoro leaves, rice bran, and maggot (BSF fly larvae) which are rich in protein are the main choices. This approach not only helps reduce operational costs, but also supports more environmentally friendly cultivation practices by utilizing easily accessible local resources.
3. Communication Between Group Members
Cultivation in a group scheme requires solid coordination and communication between members. Each individual must apply the same cultivation standards, from water quality management, feeding, to harvest scheduling.
In practice, however, differences in experience, technical understanding and way of working are often a source of imbalance.
To strengthen synergies within the group, we actively encourage information disclosure and conduct regular joint training. In addition, regular discussion forums are also facilitated to provide space for members to share experiences, discuss technical challenges, and find solutions together.
Effective communication is proven to increase production efficiency and help reduce potential conflicts in collective business management.
Benefits Of Tilapia Fish Harvest
Yiari tilapia harvest with Kub Alam Lestari (Comdev | YIARI team)
For the people of Ulak Medang village, harvesting tilapia is not just an economic activity, but a reflection of changes in a more sustainable way of life. This Program has a real impact, both in terms of family income and environmental awareness.
One of the members of KUB Alam Lestari, Kusmaheru, shared his experience:
“In harvesting tilapia this time, my cage produces 100 kg of fish which is immediately sold out. Before joining this program, I worked as a woodcutter. Yes, my intention is actually to change from woodworking, and I live a business with this KUB too, I see first the situation and how the results are. If it does produce, the next good step I will stop working on wood.”
Kusmaheru’s story is proof that tilapia farming can be a way out of dependence on activities that have the potential to damage forests. In addition to generating economic benefits, this activity also encourages social transformation that is more environmentally friendly.
Not only that, the success of the harvest also opens up new opportunities for other family members to get involved, ranging from crop processing to distribution to the local market. In the long run, this strengthens the resilience of families and extends the benefits of the program to a wider stratum of society.
Looking To The Future Of Sustainable Cultivation
Tilapia cultivation developed in Ulak Medang village shows that food security and environmental conservation can go hand in hand. Through a community-based approach, the program not only produces successful harvests, but also fosters a new awareness of the importance of maintaining the balance of nature.
In the future, this activity is expected to be an inspiring model for other villages that want to develop an independent food system. Tilapia farming is not only about meeting the needs of the kitchen, but also about keeping the forest sustainable, reducing pressure on nature, and strengthening people’s independence.
Because in the end, planting hope means reaping the future.
Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni, seven orangutans return to their natural Habitat
At the beginning of Raja Juli Antoni’s tenure as forestry minister, the West Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) together with the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Agency (BTNBBBR) and the Indonesian rehabilitation nature initiation Foundation (YIARI) released 7 (seven) orangutans in the Bukit Baka National Park working area Mentatai Resort, National Park Management Section I Nanga Pinoh Region (31/10)
They are orangutans who were taken care of by the West Kalimantan KSDA Center at the Yiari Ketapang Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Center from 2010 to 2020. All are orangutans rescued from illegal rearing of protected wildlife. Prior to their release, they underwent rehabilitation at the orangutan Rehabilitation Center in YIARI in Sungai Awan Village, Ketapang.
This rehabilitation process is intended to restore their natural properties, as well as make them have the ability to survive in the original habitat. Orangutans should live with their mothers from birth until the age of 6-8 years. During this nurturing period, orangutans need to learn various life skills such as climbing, foraging, and nest building. However, due to various reasons, this baby orangutan was separated from its mother and ended up in the hands of humans, thus losing the opportunity to learn all these abilities. The rehabilitation process until this release can take time and cost a lot. The time required can reach 14 years, depending on the ability of each individual.
Orangutan release is an important step after rehabilitation, as an effort to preserve protected wildlife and restore orangutan populations in nature. Of the seven orangutans released, two orangutans named Rika and Kamila are female. While Aben, Muaro, Onyo, Batis, and Lambai are male. The special thing about this release is that four of the seven orangutans are mother and daughter pairs. They are Kamila-Batis and Rika-Aben.
The release team departed from the Yiari Rehabilitation Center in Ketapang on October 29, 2024 at 04.00 WIB. During the trip, the team always pays attention to the condition of the orangutans so that they do not experience stress in the cage, considering the long distance (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
Rika is a female orangutan from Batu tangis Village, tumbang Titi Sub-District, Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan. He was rescued from the illegal trade and maintenance of protected wildlife by the WRU BKSDA of West Kalimantan and YIARI on October 28, 2013. The caretaker claimed to have obtained Rika from his son who bought the orangutan from a hunter for Rp500, 000. For three months of being kept, Rika was tied with chains under the house and fed rice and vegetables.
Yiari Animal Management Manager, Andini Nurillah, stated that during her ten years of study at the yiari Rehabilitation Center, Rika has made significant progress in mastering her survival skills as an orangutan. ‘Not only mastering the ability to survive as an orangutan, Rika has also proven to be able to teach this ability to other orangutans, and can even become a qualified foster mother for baby orangutans,” said Andini.
Meanwhile, Aben, a male orangutan who was rescued from a wildlife case in Ketapang on December 10, 2019, became the lucky baby orangutan who did not need to undergo a long rehabilitation period like Rika. Rika is paired with Aben to become a foster mother. As a result, Rika can teach Aben with various abilities necessary for survival such as climbing, foraging, and making nests. Rika can also be a protector for Aben who is petite. This strategy worked. Rika becomes a protective mother and Aben becomes more confident to learn new things.
Other orangutan success stories come from Karmila and Batis. Karmila is a female orangutan from Kayong continent, Ketapang, West Kalimantan. He was rescued from a case of illegal maintenance of wildlife from a resident who claimed to get Karmila from an oil palm plantation in the area. Andini emphasized that during the 14 years in YIARI, Karmila has undergone an intensive rehabilitation process and has shown remarkable development. ‘He became an orangutan who is adept at finding food, making nests, and has other essential survival skills in the wild,” he said. On November 19, 2020, Karmila began to be socialized as a foster mother for a baby orangutan named Batis. During the period of socialization, Karmila was able to adapt well, showed strong maternal abilities, and managed to become a reliable foster parent. Currently, Karmila who is estimated to be around 15 years old is ready to be released with her foster child, Batis.
The journey of carrying the orangutan cages into the tnbbbr forest area was assisted by porters from villagers around Tnbbbr (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
Batis is a male orangutan from Batu Lapis Village, Hulu Sungai Sub-District, Ketapang regency, West Kalimantan. He was rescued on April 17, 2020 from a case of illegal animal maintenance protected. Previously, Batis was found by a resident in the forest while collecting wood and did not realize the orangutan was a protected animal. For three months kept, Batis placed in a wooden cage measuring 50 x 80 cm and fed rice, bananas, papaya, and drink water and even coffee. When rescued, Batis was estimated to be about 1 year old. After undergoing quarantine, he began to be socialized with Karmila, his foster mother, on November 19, 2020. Through this socialization, Batis learned various survival skills, such as foraging, traveling, dan membuat sarang. During four years of rehabilitation, his health condition was well monitored and he was ready to be released with his foster mother, Karmila.
Muaro is a male orangutan from Kubu Raya regency, West Kalimantan, who arrived in YIARI on February 11, 2018. His story began when he was separated from his mother due to land clearing by an oil palm plantation company in December 2016. During that time, Muaro was kept by a villager and given human food such as milk, sugar water, rice, and side dishes. The rescue of Muaro was carried out by a joint team of WRU BKSDA West Kalimantan and YIARI on February 9, 2018. After six years of rehabilitation, Muaro, who is now eight years old, has demonstrated his ability to live wild in his natural habitat.
Onyo is a male orangutan from Nek Doyan, Ketapang. He first arrived at Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) on March 10, 2013, after being found by a resident under a tree. Based on the narrative of residents, Onyo’s mother was seen around the location, but then went away leaving Onyo alone. During the maintenance period before being handed over to YIARI, Onyo was fed rice and sweetened condensed milk by local residents. After eleven years of rehabilitation in YIARI, Onyo, who is currently estimated to be 12 years old, is considered worthy of being released.
In addition to land travel by motor vehicle and on foot, the trip to the release site is also done by driving a motor boat for 1 hour (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
Lambai is a male orangutan from Tanjung Lambai Hamlet, Nanga Tayap District, West Kalimantan. He arrived at Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) after being rescued by a joint team of WRU BKSDA West Kalimantan and YIARI on April 30, 2016. The story of his rescue began when an employee of an oil palm plantation company found Lambai in a cardboard box that had fallen from a car. After undergoing a rehabilitation process for 8 years, Lambai, who is currently 10 years old, is considered ready to be released into his native habitat.
This rehabilitation is necessary to restore the natural nature and ability of orangutans to survive in their habitat. In the wild, baby orangutans will stay with their mother until the age of 7-8 years. He learned from his mother about surviving in nature as an orangutan. As the baby orangutans were forced to separate from their mothers to be used as pets, they lost the opportunity to master their survival skills.
The journey to the release point takes 3 days, from the Yiari Rehabilitation Center in Sungai Awan, Ketapang to the release point in the TNBBBR area. The release team departed from the Yiari Rehabilitation Center in Ketapang on October 29, 2024 at 04.00 WIB. During the trip, the team always pay attention to the condition of the orangutans brought so as not to experience stress in the cage, considering the long distance. It took at least 17 hours for the team to reach the Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park section office in Nanga Pinoh. The team rested one night before proceeding to the release point. This release activity involved more than 100 people consisting of the community, West Kalimantan BKSDA, BTNBBBR, and the YIARI team itself.
Lambai, salah satu orangutan jantan yang dilepasliarkan di TNBBBR (Muffidz Masum | YIARI)
The next morning, the journey continued to the nearest Hamlet to the TNBBBR area. The road trip is taken for 5 hours, then continued by motor boat for 1 hour. Not getting there, the journey continues on foot into the forest area TNBBBR.
Supported by porters who come from villagers around TNBBBR, the journey by carrying this cage takes up to 5 hours. Afterwards, the four orangutans were placed in a habituation cage so that they could rest and adapt a bit to the new environment. The next day, the team continued on foot and the seven orangutans were released at two different release points.
Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park was chosen as the orangutan release site because the habitat provides abundant food sources and is suitable for orangutan habitat as well as proof that the habitat in TNBBBR is still safe and protected the survey results of the btnbbbr and YIARI joint team showed the number and type of orangutan feed trees were abundant. In addition, the number of orangutan populations in the area is still very small. The Status of the TNBBBR area as a conservation area further ensures the safety and welfare of the animals in it. To date, YIARI has released 82 orangutans since 2016.
Considering that the released orangutan is a rehabilitated orangutan, YIARI and BTNBBBR deployed a monitoring team to monitor the behavior and adaptation process of this orangutan in its new environment. The monitoring team consisting of the people of the buffer villages of the TNBBBR area will record the behavior of orangutans every 2 minutes, from waking up to going to sleep again every day. The monitoring process lasts for 1-2 years, ensuring that released orangutans can survive and adapt to their new environment.
A couple of children (Batis) and their foster mother (Karmila) climbed a tree shortly after their release (Muffidz Masum / YIARI)
Chairman of YIARI, Silverius Oscar Unggul appreciated this joint effort as a good start in the leadership of the new Minister of Forestry. ‘Hopefully this release activity will be a good first step at the beginning of the leadership of our Minister of Forestry, Mr. Raja Juli Antoni.” He also emphasized that this is a real effort from the collaboration of Wildlife Conservation in Indonesia. “I am proud to be part of a team that gives new life to orangutans who previously needed to be rescued and have undergone rehabilitation. The release of these seven orangutans is a clear proof of our shared commitment to the conservation of Indonesia’s protected wildlife. This success cannot be separated from the solid cooperation between YIARI, West Kalimantan KSDA Hall, and Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park Hall. Each individual orangutan we release has gone through a long and thorough rehabilitation process, which aims to ensure that they have the skills to survive in their natural habitat. We hope this step can strengthen the orangutan population in West Kalimantan and support the preservation of the forest that is their home,’ he concluded.
The head of BTNBBBR, Andi Muhammad Kadhafi, stressed that this success is the result of strong collaboration between various parties. TNBBBR was chosen as the release site because it provides an abundant source of food and is suitable for orangutan habitat.
Head of BKSDA West Kalimantan, RM Wiwied Widodo, revealed the importance of preserving Kalimantan’s endemic wildlife. He stressed that orangutans are part of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, which must be preserved and preserved. Support from all parties is essential to ensure the survival of this species.
About YIARI
Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) is a non-profit organization engaged in primate conservation in Indonesia based on rescue, recovery, release, and post-release monitoring efforts. YIARI is also committed to provide protection of primates and their habitats with a holistic approach through multi-stakeholder cooperation to realize a harmonious ecosystem between habitats, animals, and humans.
For more information, please contact:
Yiari: +62 821-5346-2720 (Heribertus Suciadi, media and Communication Manager of YIARI)
Potential zoonotic transmission in macaques, dangerous but preventable!
Happy International Makaka Day, #KonservasYIARI Friends! March 16 is celebrated International Makaka day. makaka Day is celebrated for the first time on March 16, 2016, which is motivated by love and efforts to preserve makaka around the world.
Macaque is a genus of primates found in the world. Its populations can be found ranging from Morocco, Algeria, Afghanistan, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia (Napier and Napier 1985), many also yes , man! In Indonesia, the genus Makaka also has a wide distribution level, especially on the islands of Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi to the islands in Nusa Tenggara. Types of macaca that can be found in Indonesia include Macaca nemestrina, M. siberu, M. pagensis, M. nigra, M. nigrescens, M. tonkeana, M. ochreata, M. hecki, M. maura, M. fascicularis (Ruskhanidar et al. 2017).
Community prohibited activities against Macaca Fascicularis (long-tailed monkey) in Angke Kapuk Wildlife Sanctuary (YIARI)
makaka is one genus that has a fairly good level of adaptation. So, don ‘t be surprised, friend, if you are visiting a location close to where you live, then there is a possibility that you will be harassed. like the photo above, which is an incident located in the Angke Kapuk Wildlife Sanctuary, Jakarta. This happens because the habitat of the makaka is directly adjacent to human activities, which causes the makaka to get used to meeting humans.
But, don’t let you interact directly with them! Because makaka has the potential to carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can transmit diseases to humans. The transmission of the disease is commonly called zoonosis, which means the transmission of the disease from animals to humans or vice versa.
Do you know why it can pose a threat to humans? Because, macaques belong to the Order of primates that have genetic, physiological and behavioral similarities with humans (Schillaci et al. 2005). Primates are significant zoonotic agents or sources of disease for humans, as they can transmit 25%of emerging infectious Diseases (Pedersen and Davies 2009).
Then, how is it transmitted? There are various ways of bacterial infection from macaca to humans, either directly or indirectly. Get infected directly if you get a bite or scratch from a macaque. While indirect infection is through contaminated water, also food contaminated with Entamoeba SPP cysts. In addition, the main potential for infection is from fecal-oral and direct contact between humans andNon-Human Primates1(Lastuti 2021). for more details, you can listen to the poster below!
Cara Penularan Zoonosis (Ria Risyanti | YIARI)
Based on research that has been carried out by Lastuti (2021), in Macaca fascicularis (long-tailed monkey) in Baluran National Park, positive results show that Entamoeba coli. bacteria is a disease agent that infects the digestive tract. In Addition To E.coli are still many disease agents carried by macaques, among others , Plasmodium knowlesi , which is parasitic on macaques in Southeast Asia (Macaca nemestrina and M. fascicularis), which can cause malaria loh Sob. (Jongwutiwes et al. 2011; Millar dan Cox-Singh 2015).
Ohiya, you should know that one of the most significant Zoonoses is tuberculosis. The main causes of this disease are the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis (Une and Mori 2007).
So how do we avoid Zoonoses? Buddy # KonservasYIARI can do early prevention in the following ways !
Cara Pencegahan Zoonosis (Ria Risyanti | YIARI)
The potential transmission of zoonoses should be watched out for as they can lead to pandemic outbreaks. This can be influenced by an increase in the distribution of human populations and human activities in primate habitats that can trigger negative human-animal interactions.
Be careful and watch out, man! Do not get infected and transmit the disease to primates.
