Guardians of the Gentle Giants: A Chronicle of Elephant Conservation in Sumatra, Riau

The lush landscapes of Sumatra, specifically the province of Riau, have long been home to a magnificent yet endangered species—the Asian elephant. As encroachment and habitat loss threatened their existence, a dedicated effort emerged to save these gentle giants and secure their future. This article delves into the history of elephant conservation in Sumatra, Riau, highlighting the challenges faced, the triumphs achieved, and the ongoing commitment to safeguarding these majestic creatures.

Ancient Harmony:

Historically, Sumatra has been a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including the Asian elephant. These gentle giants once roamed freely, existing in harmony with the rich ecosystems of the region. However, as human populations expanded and agricultural activities intensified, the elephants' habitats diminished, leading to increased human-elephant conflicts.

The Threat of Habitat Loss:

The encroachment of palm oil plantations, logging, and agriculture posed a significant threat to the natural habitats of Sumatra's elephants. As their roaming grounds shrank, these magnificent creatures increasingly came into contact with human settlements, resulting in conflicts that jeopardized both human and elephant lives.

Conservation Initiatives Take Root:

Recognizing the urgent need for action, conservationists, local communities, and governmental bodies joined forces to address the challenges faced by Sumatra's elephants. Conservation initiatives began to take root, focusing on habitat protection, conflict resolution, and public awareness campaigns.

The Role of Conservation Organizations:

International and local conservation organizations played a pivotal role in spearheading elephant conservation efforts. Projects aimed at preserving and rehabilitating elephant habitats, establishing protected areas, and implementing sustainable land-use practices gained momentum. These initiatives were designed not only to protect the elephants but also to ensure the well-being of local communities.

Community Engagement and Education:

Empowering local communities became a cornerstone of successful elephant conservation. Initiatives focused on educating communities about the importance of coexisting with elephants, implementing effective conflict resolution strategies, and creating economic alternatives to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.

Conservation Success Stories:

Despite the challenges, there have been notable success stories in elephant conservation in Sumatra, Riau. Protected areas and wildlife corridors have been established to facilitate the elephants' movement, and community-based conservation projects have shown promising results in reducing conflicts.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook:

While significant strides have been made, challenges persist. The delicate balance between human needs and elephant conservation continues to be a focal point. Sustainable land-use practices, strengthened law enforcement against illegal activities, and ongoing community engagement remain crucial in ensuring the long-term survival of Sumatra's elephants.

Conclusion:

The history of saving elephants in Sumatra, Riau, is a testament to the resilience of conservation efforts and the commitment of individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting biodiversity. As Sumatra's landscapes continue to evolve, the ongoing work to secure habitats, manage human-elephant conflicts, and promote sustainable coexistence stands as a beacon of hope for the future. The journey to safeguard these gentle giants is not without challenges, but the collective determination to ensure the survival of Sumatra's elephants remains unwavering, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Nourishing Nations: Food Security as a Catalyst for Sustainable Societies

 Introduction:

In a world grappling with economic uncertainties and environmental challenges, the concept of food security emerges not only as a means to ensure a nation's well-being but also as a powerful force in reshaping consumer behavior towards sustainability. This article explores how prioritizing food security can serve as a transformative agent, not only saving countries from the perils of scarcity but also fostering a shift towards mindful, less consumer-driven lifestyles.

The Foundations of Food Security:

At its core, food security refers to the consistent availability, accessibility, and affordability of nutritious food for all individuals within a society. Establishing robust food security measures involves not only bolstering agricultural practices but also addressing socio-economic factors that contribute to hunger and malnutrition.

Breaking the Chains of Consumerism:

1. Local Agriculture Support:

   • Investing in local agriculture reduces dependency on food imports, creating a more sustainable and resilient food system. Supporting local farmers encourages responsible production and consumption, minimizing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

2. Diversification of Diets:

   • Food security initiatives can promote the cultivation and consumption of a diverse range of crops. Encouraging a broader spectrum of foods in diets not only enhances nutrition but also reduces reliance on resource-intensive, mass-produced items.

3. Waste Reduction Efforts:

   • Mitigating food waste is a crucial aspect of enhancing food security. By valuing and efficiently utilizing all stages of the food supply chain, from production to consumption, nations can alleviate pressure on resources and contribute to a more sustainable, less consumer-centric ethos.

The Social Impact of Food Security:

1. Improved Public Health:

   • Access to nutritious food fosters healthier communities. By addressing food security, nations can reduce the prevalence of malnutrition-related diseases, subsequently alleviating the burden on healthcare systems and improving overall public health.

2. Educational Opportunities:

   • A secure food supply positively influences educational outcomes. Children who have access to sufficient, nutritious meals are better equipped to focus on their studies, breaking the cycle of poverty and contributing to the nation's intellectual capital.

Cultivating Environmental Stewardship:

1. Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

   • Prioritizing food security encourages the adoption of sustainable agricultural methods. Practices such as organic farming, agroforestry, and permaculture contribute to soil health, biodiversity, and long-term environmental sustainability.

2. Preserving Ecosystems:

   • Countries invested in food security are more likely to enact policies that protect natural ecosystems. Preserving biodiversity, maintaining soil fertility, and minimizing the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers become integral components of a holistic approach to food production.

Conclusion:

Food security is not merely a shield against hunger; it is a catalyst for sustainable development, a defender of public health, and a champion of environmental stewardship. As nations strive to secure the well-being of their citizens through robust food security measures, the positive ripple effects extend beyond borders. By fostering a deeper connection between individuals and the food they consume, and by embracing a mindset of sustainability, countries can set in motion a transformative journey towards reducing consumerism and building a more harmonious relationship with the planet we call home.

Klungkung North Bali: Unearthing Hidden Gems in Paradise

 When one thinks of Bali, images of stunning beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant nightlife often come to mind. Yet, the island of Bali is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and one of the most enchanting places to explore is the often-overlooked Klungkung in North Bali. This quiet, unspoiled region is a sanctuary for nature lovers and adventurers seeking a unique and serene experience.

The Charms of Klungkung North Bali:

**1. Bali's Lesser-Known Paradise: While southern Bali enjoys the limelight, Klungkung, situated in the northern part of the island, has remained relatively untouched by mass tourism. It offers a more intimate and authentic Balinese experience.

**2. Serene Beaches: Klungkung boasts pristine beaches, notably Bondalem and Tejakula. These tranquil shores are perfect for those who crave solitude while listening to the soothing melody of the waves.

**3. Diving and Snorkeling Heaven: The underwater world in this region is nothing short of spectacular. Vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and historic shipwrecks make Klungkung a paradise for divers and snorkelers.

**4. Mountains and Waterfalls: Venture inland to discover hidden waterfalls and dense jungles. Sekumpul Waterfall, often referred to as the most beautiful in Bali, is a must-visit.

**5. Rice Terraces: Unlike the more famous terraces in Ubud, Klungkung's rice fields offer a more serene and authentic experience. The Jatiluwih and Belimbing rice terraces are incredibly picturesque.

**6. Culture and Temples: Klungkung is rich in Balinese culture and history. Visit the Kerta Gosa, an ancient court of justice adorned with intricate paintings, or explore the serene Pura Lempuyang Luhur temple.

**7. Authentic Balinese Life: The region allows you to witness everyday Balinese life without the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds. You can explore local markets, dine at warungs (small local restaurants), and immerse yourself in the island's unique culture.

**8. Water Palace of Taman Ujung: This magnificent water palace is a hidden gem. Wander through its lush gardens, admire its intricate architecture, and reflect by the tranquil ponds.

Hospitality and Serenity in Klungkung:

Klungkung's charm lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its warm hospitality. The local people, unburdened by the rush of tourist crowds, welcome visitors with genuine smiles and open arms. The pace of life here is slower, allowing you to fully embrace the serenity and calmness of North Bali.

Visiting Klungkung North Bali:

While Klungkung remains a hidden gem, its accommodations cater to various budgets, from luxury resorts to charming homestays. Many tour operators offer excursions to explore the region's stunning natural wonders and cultural sites.

In conclusion, Klungkung North Bali is a hidden paradise, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquility. It's an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Balinese experience away from the crowds, where hidden gems are waiting to be unearthed by intrepid travelers. So, if you yearn for a serene escape in the heart of Bali, Klungkung in North Bali is your best-kept secret waiting to be discovered.

TIPS AND TRICK VISITING SUMATERA, INDONESIA

 Hi everyone who loves travelling.

I believe some of you ever heard about Sumatera Island which located in Indonesia. Sumatera is an island which located in west Indonesia. Sumatera has a very big rainforest area and tropical jungle. In Sumatera you can found so many vegetation and a rare vegetation like the giant flower is exist in this island. I came from Sumatera Island, especially Riau Province. In my province, you can easily find a wild animal if you visiting the jungle/forest nearby. Even in the village farm, several times people found a bear on that area.

If you like to visit Sumatera, the first thing you should do is making friendship with the local. Having local friend is a good thing to avoid you from a scammer and they can guide you to find several hidden gems in this island. Okay, let me explain to you several tips in bullet point.

1. Find a local friend

Find a local friend sometimes being difficult because several people not talk in English. If you have local friend, they will bring you the iconic things in that area. Especially if they comes from villages, they will know the exact place which maybe a hidden gems in your perspective. Why I say about perspective? Because for us, Sumatera people, going to the forest is quite ordinary. Facing the snake nearby home, lizard nearby the river or even crocodile, is common here. In Sumatera, most of the river is a deep river. Believe me or not, in that river, there're million big entities from crocodile, snake or big fish. 

Last time in our village farm, my parents found a big phyton (with upper leg size of fat people). This is common here.

2. Stay in local accomodation

If you have local friend, it's very easy to stay in local accomodation. It's very good to stay in the village area, especially if they have home nearby the ricefield or jungle. The smell of village is very awesome. You'll feel calm. In the village area, usually in the morning time it won't be very difficult to find your breakfast. Usually they will prepare lontong (rice cake with coconut sauce), sate (rice cake, chicken and curry sauce) or pecal (mix rice cake and vegetable with peanut sauce). This kind of breakfast is quite easy to find in Sumatera, especially in the village area.

3. Be kind and humble (not be arrogant)

This is the first point to going well with Indonesian. Don't ever be arrogant. Just giving them smile and simple talk is enough to make them as your friend. We are Indonesian is like to smile even to stranger. It's mean that we are welcoming everyone in our country. Once there's a people who doesn't like to giving smile back, we can consider them as not humble or arrogant person. As simple as that. Even on the train, several people can talk freely to stranger even they never know each other before. I can say that Indonesian people is a friendly person.

4. Prepare your local currency

This is a must. In Sumatera island, only in the big cities you can found money changer. Even in some cities, the money changer is very rare. So you need to prepare your local currency (Rupiah) in advance. But you must be careful to keep it.

5. Took some insect repellant

Sumatera has a tropical climate, so that mosquitos will growth rapidly. You need to prepare insect repellant and be save from mosquitos bites. You also can consume some vegetables like papaya leaves (by boiled it and eat with rice and sambal). Papaya leaves will make our blood bitter and mosquitos hates it. That is what I learn from my father. He was an army in Indonesia and he teach me how to survive in the jungle sometimes.

6. Bring your raincoat and waterproof boot

Due to rainy season, it's a good things to bring your raincoat and waterproof boot. If you have chance to visiting ricefield, then waterproof boot is a good things for you. 

7. Just enjoy the wild life

Just enjoy your travelling in Sumatera. Sometimes it will become wild and sometimes it will be okay. You can visiting the mountain, river and lake if you visiting Sumatera. 

Financial Investment Analysis in Conceptual Design Kali Besar Restoration Project Based on Benchmarking Process in Cheonggyecheon Restoration Project

Abstract Research Plan

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia which is located in the northern Java. Jakarta is divided into five sections and has a population about 10 million people. The city is the most popular in Indonesia and has the rate of growth of urbanization. The history of the city began with the small city, called Batavia or Jayakarta. The old city (Batavia) is located in the north of Jakarta as a center of Dutch Colonial in pre-independence time. In this region there is a river that has the function as center of city and transportation hub of human activity. However, because of the population growth in Jakarta and urbanization increasing of the city, this area is becoming congested and polluted.

 
The biggest problems facing Jakarta besides flooding and congestion is pollution of water bodies. From 13 rivers in Jakarta, there is no one worthy as raw water source. One of rivers that no longer have a function as a body of water and raw water provider is Kali Besar. Long times ago, this river used to be inland waterways in Jakarta. But, it change after people evolve urbanization paradigm.

 
On the other hand, the government has a plan to improve the city and reduce pollution. One of the chosen path is the restoration of Kali Besar River which is the source of the city's history. Lack of budget funds make the implementation of this project stunted and not optimal. Based on these problems, the authors find solutions to attract investors to finance construction work in that project. Investment feasibility analysis will be carried out in Kali Besar restoration project. Value of the investment feasibility analysis will be obtained by using the method Life Cycle Cost, Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).

 
Feasibility analysis research done by applying a comparative study between Kali Besar Restoration Project (Jakarta) and Cheonggyecheon Restoration (Korea). Author choose Cheonggyecheon as benchmarking project because it has function and problem identic with Jakarta.

Special Purpose

Looking at the problem from Jakarta City and its development, this research has a spesific purpose:

a.       Knowing the investment analysis of river restoration project in Conceptual Design River Kali Besar Restoration program (with methods IRR and NPV value).

b.      Knowing Cheonggyecheon River Restoration History as a best benchmarking which applied the same project.

Importance of Research Planned

This research is very important because it gives solution in Indonesia and some other countries are experiencing the same problem (water polluted). Most developing countries are still have major problems such as environmental pollution and city planning. This research is important to provide a solution and settlement overview of the urban planning activities, like a restoration project. River restoration can provide flood protection function (Hwang K. Y., 2004) and measuring the rate of water flow (Park, 2007). River restoration aims to improve the quality and function of rivers and to restore the to support healty and thriving ecosystems. Improved landscapes and views of waterways can increase property values by between 6-8% (TCPA, 2005). Life Cycle Cost Analysis is the important thing to develop investment feasibility to build this project in Indonesia.

XBloc dan Armour Layer Lainnya pada Tanggul Breakwater

Hello semua yang ada di blog ini. Sebenarnya untuk postingan kali ini saya ingin buat dalam Bahasa Inggris karena ada beberapa istilah yang saya agak bingung meng-Indonesiakannya. Hanya saja karena saya mengingat bahwa saya ingin berbagi dengan orang sebangsa saya, supaya diskusi antar engineer di Indonesia ini semakin ramai, ya bolehlah saya share dalam bahasa kita sehari-hari saja.

Jumpa lagi dengan saya Yelna yang akan share sedikit terkait XBloc di artikel kali ini.

Mungkin sebagian dari kalian belum mengetahui dengan pasti apa XBloc itu sendiri. Yups… XBloc itu adalah salah satu armour layer yang biasanya digunakan dalam pembangunan konstruksi pemecah gelombang pada coastal area.

Nah, untuk XBloc ini sendiri sebenarnya baru mulai diperkenalkan oleh Delta Marine Consultant pada 2003 (ya kalau bahasa kerennya itu baru mereka publikasikan itu pada tahun tersebut).

Sebelumnya, sudah ada banyak jenis armour layer nih teman-teman seperti Tetrapod, Accropod, Coreloc dan masih banyak lagi. Hanya saja beberapa armour layer ini memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing.

Terkait XBloc ini sendiri kelebihannya dia lebih ekonomis dibandingkan dengan armour layer lainnya karena volume kubikasi setiap unitnya lebih kecil. Dan juga bentuk XBloc ini menjadikan dia sebagai armour layer yang dapat difungsikan jika diletakkan satu lapis saja. Kalau seandainya kita menggunakan Tetrapod, kita setidaknya harus punya 2 layer, nah kalau XBloc ini dia sudah mengunci satu sama lain meski hanya menggunakan satu layer.

Selain dari XBloc ada juga Namanya Crablock. Kalau dari bentuk-bentuknya XBloc dan Crablock ini ya sama saja tapi shape nya saja berbeda dan sisi geometrisnya.

Ini dia nih gambaran XBloc dan Crablock.

Gambar 1. Xbloc

Gambar 2. Crablock

 

Gambar 3. Tetrapod yang sudah disusun

Nah jelas beda dong ya ketiga jenis unit armour ini. Kalau mengingatnya mudah saja, Crablock ini lebih mirip dengan Tetrapod dari segi bentuk kaki-kakinya. Kalau XBloc kakinya petak-petak.

Hahaha… Awam bener bahasanya. Ya tapi begitu. Kalau kalian di kantor cara ngomong terkait perbedaan XBloc dan Crablock ini jangan meniru saya. Karena nanti kalian dipikir tidak mengerti apa-apa kalau bahasanya tidak formal seperti yang orang-orang di dunia perkantoran ingini.

Okey, kita lanjut pembahasannya. Jadi dari segi design perletakan (placement design) antara XBloc dan Crablock ini sebenarnya mereka sama-sama armour unit yang diletakkan 1 lapis saja karena mereka mampu mengingat satu sama lain.

Untuk pattern unitnya dapat digunakan uniform atau random pattern perletakannya. Secara bahasa awamnya, mau teratur atau tidak XBloc bisa disusun seenak jidat lu dah. Tapi nih, biasanya orang-orang menyusun XBloc dengan pattern batu bata. Hmm… Kalian pasti berpikir “Äpa lagi kata si Yelna ini?”

Oke, ini gambarnya :

Gambar 4. Pattern batu bata seperti ini

Kemudian untuk average packing density XBloc itu sendiri :

Horizontal Distance (m) = 1.30 x D

Upslope Distance (m) = 0.64 x D

Packing Density = 1.20/D(kuadrat) ----- sorry aku malas buat kuadrat a.k.a. dua kecil di atas

Packing Density = 0.58/Dn(kuadrat) ----- sorry aku malas buat kuadrat a.k.a. dua kecil di atas

Kemudian kalau kalian ada yang bertanya seputar Safety Factor dari XBloc itu sendiri sebenarnya design XBloc memiliki Safety Factor 1.25 (ini nilai yang seharusnya digunakan).

Maksudnya disini adalah gelombang yang menghantam si XBloc ini harus dinaikkan 25% nya dari gelombang sebenarnya. Hmm… Jangan pusing. Biar aku saja. Karena aku yang nulis blog ini.

Tapi nih sebenarnya Safety Factor Accropode lebih besar dibandingkan dengan XBloc karena kemampuan interlocking Accropode itu lebih kecil dari XBloc. Jadi gini nih maksudnya:

Safety Factor itu untuk menjaga keamanan designnya supaya tidak pecah. Misal dengan hantaman 20 kali pukul, si XBloc akan pecah. Nah Safety Factornya dinaikkan jadi 20*1.25. Kalau si Accropode, bisa jadi Safety Factornya 20*4. Karena bentuknya yang berbeda, kemampuan interlocking antara unit ini berbeda. Interlocking ini diibaratkan dengan pegangan tangannya si unit-unit ini.

Nah, si XBloc ini solidaritasnya tinggi jadi pegangannya kuat. Kalau dihantam gelombang, dia nggak langsung tercampak dan terhempas gelombang. Beda halnya dengan Accropode yang interlockingnya lemah, jadi ada gelombang sedikit, dia langsung terlepas, tercampak dan terhempas. Maka dari itu Safety Factornya dibuat tinggi. Bagi yang penasaran dengan penampakan Accropode, berikut ini fotonya.

Nah, sudah terbayangkan oleh kalian kan macam mana si unit armour ini berpegangan tangan?

Jadi itulah ulasan sedikit terkait XBloc ini.

Oke. Karena sudah hampir jam 6 aku pulang dulu ya. Sudah di tunggu Bapak pulang.

Bye… Sampai jumpa di ulasan terkait Teknik Sipil selanjutnya.