GUNUNG LEUSER NATIONAL PARK
Sumatra. Indonesia
The Leuser Ecosystem: A Sanctuary on the Brink
Deep in the heart of Indonesia’s Sumatra, the Leuser Ecosystem stands as a testament to nature’s splendor and its vulnerability. Stretching over 2.6 million hectares, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a mosaic of rainforests, peatlands, and rich biodiversity. It is the only place on Earth where elephants, rhinos, orangutans, and tigers roam freely together, underscoring its global conservation significance.
Maps by Global Conservation
https://globalconservation.org/projects/leuser-ecosystem-sumatra-indonesia
Under Siege: The Battle for Leuser
Since the end of local conflicts in 1998, Leuser has become a prime target for exploitation. The rainforest faces relentless pressures from palm oil magnates, loggers, and miners, threatening to tear apart this fragile ecosystem. This encroachment not only jeopardizes the wildlife but also the very air we breathe, turning rich forests into haze-filled skies that affect millions.
Leuser megafauna in danger
The destruction of Leuser is pushing Sumatra’s unique megafauna species towards extinction. Of the world’s 80 remaining wild Sumatran rhinos, 50 reside in Leuser—the last viable population on Earth. More than 100 of the remaining 400 Sumatran tigers live in Leuser, which is one of only two regions with enough breeding females to sustain this subspecies. Additionally, 85% of the world’s critically endangered Sumatran orangutans inhabit this forest. Conservationists consider Leuser one of the “world’s most irreplaceable protected areas”; if this forest disappears, these species will vanish
Global conservation org
Global Conservation is the only international nature conservation group dedicated solely to directly protecting endangered national parks and indigenous territories in developing countries. They are funding the creation of the new 400,000-hectare Benkung Trumon Wildlife Sanctuary for Sumatran tigers, elephants, orangutans, and rhinos. By protecting the habitat of these four megafauna species, countless other biological treasures will be preserved, including clouded leopards, hornbills, and the world’s largest flowers. With local partners, they aim to ensure this irreplaceable wilderness continues to protect wildlife found nowhere else while providing essential ecosystem services to the Sumatran people.
https://globalconservation.org/projects/leuser-ecosystem-sumatra-indonesia
In the Footsteps of Giants: The Ketambe Research Station
Our documentary journey begins at the historic Ketambe Research Station, nestled within Gunung Leuser National Park. Revived after a devastating fire, the station now thrives as a hub for groundbreaking research and conservation strategies, offering hope and vital data to protect the endangered Sumatran orangutan and countless other species.
Guided by Wisdom: Ibrahim, "The Professor"
Ibrahim, affectionately known as “The Professor,” is our guide through these enchanted forests. His lifelong commitment to Leuser has made him not just a caretaker but a storyteller, whose insights into the ecosystem’s wonders and woes are unmatched. Ibrahim’s deep connection to the land and its creatures offers a unique, personal perspective on the challenges and triumphs of conservation.
As he leads us through the dense forests, his passion for the land and its inhabitants is evident in every step he takes. As we walk through the lush terrain, Ibrahim stops to show us the rare flora and fauna that call this place home. With a gentle touch, he explains the delicate balance that sustains this ecosystem. “The Leuser Ecosystem is a living testament to nature’s resilience,” he says, “but it is fragile, threatened by the encroaching hand of man.”
Ibrahim’s voice takes on a somber tone as he recounts the history of the region. He tells us about the impact of the Acehnese rebellion and the subsequent peace that has allowed for rapid development. The scars of deforestation are visible in the landscape, and Ibrahim’s heart weighs heavy with the loss of the forest he loves.
The Last Refuge: Protecting Sumatra’s Megafauna
Ibrahim’s dedication to preserving this wilderness is unwavering. He speaks passionately about the efforts to combat illegal
logging, palm oil expansion, and the other threats that loom over Leuser. As he talks, it becomes clear that Ibrahim is more than just a guide; he is a guardian of this irreplaceable world.
Despite the challenges, Ibrahim remains hopeful. He shares stories of success, where conservation efforts have made a difference. “We cannot give up,” he insists. “The future of these species and the people who rely on this ecosystem depend on our actions today.”
As our journey with Ibrahim comes to an end, we leave with a deeper understanding of the Leuser Ecosystem and the crucial role it plays in the world’s biodiversity. Guided by “The Professor,” we’ve witnessed both the beauty and the threats that define this remarkable place. Our mission is clear: to protect and preserve the Leuser Ecosystem for future generations.
A Call to Action: The Fight for Leuser’s Future
Leuser is a critical haven for some of the world’s most iconic but endangered species. The Sumatran rhinos, tigers, and orangutans depend on this uninterrupted habitat for their survival. With each passing day, their numbers dwindle, edged out by human expansion and greed. Our film aims to spotlight these majestic beings and the urgent efforts needed to save them from oblivion.
As we traverse the lush, verdant landscapes with Ibrahim, his stories of resilience and loss paint a vivid picture of what is at stake. The battle is not just about saving trees but about preserving a world where wildlife and humanity can coexist. This documentary is a rallying cry for action, an invitation to witness the beauty of Leuser and to join the fight to protect it.
For an in-depth look at the challenges facing Leuser and how you can help, visit Global Conservation’s dedicated project page.
Guardians of the Canopy: Orangutans of Sumatra
Nestled within the Gunung Leuser National Park, a critical refuge for the critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra stands as a bastion against extinction. Comprising Bukit Barisan Selatan, Kerinci Seblat, and Gunung Leuser National Parks, this area was honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, only to be declared at risk in 2011 due to relentless environmental threats.
The Tapanuli Orangutans: Earth’s Rarest Great Apes
Discovered in 2017 within the secluded Batang Toru forests of Sumatra, the Tapanuli orangutans (Pongo tapanuliensis) represent not only a new branch of the great ape family tree but also one of the most pressing conservation crises. With fewer than 800 individuals remaining, their existence is threatened by an unrelenting encroachment of human activities, making them the most endangered great apes on the planet.
Tapanuli orangutan.
Photo: Global Conservation https://globalconservation.org/projects/leuser-ecosystem-sumatra-indonesia
The Sumatran Orangutans: Masters of the Canopy
The Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii) thrive in the dense, arboreal landscapes of Sumatra’s rainforests. Known for their remarkable agility and strength, essential for their tree-dwelling lifestyle, these primates are a symbol of the forest’s complexity and resilience. Their presence is marked by the distinctive large cheek pads of dominant males, a sign of maturity and hierarchy within their communities.
Crisis in Batang Toru: The Tapanuli's Plight
The existential threat to the Tapanuli orangutans intensifies in North Sumatra, where the expansion of the Martabe gold mine, operated by PT Agincourt Resources, a subsidiary of Jardine Matheson, presses further into their last sanctuary. Despite prior commitments to conservation, recent developments suggest an alarming continuation of deforestation and habitat disruption, posing dire consequences for these rare creatures.
The Martabe gold mine’s footprint in Batang Toru, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Image courtesy of Jardines (through Montgabay)
Global Call to Action
The situation has garnered international attention, prompting entities like the Norwegian pension fund to divest from Jardine Matheson over environmental concerns. This global outcry highlights the urgent need for sustained and effective conservation efforts to protect these irreplaceable apes from imminent extinction.
Our documentary aims to shine a light on these charismatic yet critically endangered apes and the relentless pressures they face. It is a call to action, inviting viewers to witness the beauty of Sumatra’s rainforests and the grave threats looming over its inhabitants. For an in-depth exploration of this urgent issue, visit Hans Nichola Jung coverage on Mongabay.