Tag Archives: swaraowa

23Dec/25

Nurturing Conservation Awareness Among the Young Generation in Mentawai

Blog Post, ,

photo group with students of Senior higschool of South Siberut

By : Nur Aoliya

Since 2019, SwaraOwa has organized primate conservation education programs with local communities in Mentawai, initially focusing on training Mentawai cultural teachers. In 2025, the program’s target shifted to elementary through high school students, with the following objectives:
• Provide students with basic understanding of biodiversity, ecological roles, and threats to Mentawai’s endemic primates.
• Integrate scientific knowledge and local cultural wisdom into learning about primate conservation in Mentawai.
• Encourage environmental awareness and pro-conservation behavior among students from an early age.

The program was originally scheduled for November 19–20, 2025, but due to storms it was postponed to November 21–22, 2025, in South Siberut. The first session took place at SMP Negeri South Siberut with 42 eighth-grade students. On the same day, the agenda continued at SD Negeri 06 Madobag with 46 students from grades IV–VI. On the final day, the program was attended by 39 students from SMA Negeri 1 South Siberut, representing student organizations such as OSIS, Sispala, Scouts, and PKS.
Materials were delivered by Eka Arismayanti for elementary and junior high students, while Kurnia Akhmadin presented to high school students. The sessions began with a brief introduction to SwaraOwa, followed by an interactive presentation of about 60 minutes, and concluded with light discussions and a quiz with prizes. The content was tailored to the age group, considering differences in reasoning abilities and appropriate teaching methods.

introductory about primate diversity in Mentawai by Swaraowa team

For elementary and junior high students, the material generally covered ecology and primates, threats, the connection between Mentawai culture and primates, and the role of humans in conservation efforts. The difference lay in the teaching method: elementary students were engaged with more visuals and props such as primate dolls. Both groups showed good focus during the sessions, but discussion styles varied—elementary discussions tended to be one-way from the presenter, while junior high students engaged in two-way Q&A interactions.

giving books of Mentawai birds and Primates to the teacher

High school students received more in-depth material on conservation issues related to the water cycle, benefits of flora and fauna, Mentawai primate ecology and its cultural ties, as well as opportunities for youth involvement in conservation actions. Discussions at the high school level involved not only the presenter and students but also exchanges among students themselves, making the dialogue interactive and multi-directional. One debated issue was the use of primates as food outside of traditional ceremonies.

The open presentation and discussion approach proved effective in encouraging student participation at the junior and senior high levels. Meanwhile, for elementary students, more interactive methods are needed to strengthen engagement. This program is expected to be an initial step in fostering awareness and concern among the younger generation for primate conservation and environmental preservation.

Translated from original article in bahasa here : https://swaraowa.blogspot.com/2025/12/swaraowa-dan-sekolah-mentawai-membangun.html. 

20Dec/25

Building a Citizen Scientist Movement: Villages Primates Monitoring in Mendolo , Kayupuring , and Pacet .

Blog Post,

By: Kurnia Ahmaddin

This activity is the contribution of swaraOwa as a member of the Petungkriyono Forest Management Collaboration Forum, which has received the Governor of Central Java’s Decree No. 660.1/26 of 2020. By involving the community, the 2025 biodiversity monitoring activity focuses on 3 villages, namely Mendolo and Kayupuring in Pekalongan Regency and Pacet in Batang Regency. We routinely conduct surveys for a minimum of 7 days per month carried out by 14 local youths. This activity also serves as an effort to assist 5 active hunters in finding alternative sources of income by involving them in monitoring activities or forest patrols.

This activity also aims to increase capacity and promote conservation awareness among communities around the forest, which can transform forest resource exploitation activities into productive economic activities. It involves collecting information on biodiversity, which has great potential to be developed as regional assets and for community-based nature conservation. All data on primate diversity, geospatial information, and other field records are input through the ‘KOBOTOOLBOX’ application. The data obtained from this application has not yet been fully measured using consistent methods. Some reports are contributions from the monitoring team when passing through and encountering primates, so it can be said that this data acquisition is ‘citizen science’ data.

Based on the gibbon population survey in 2021, Kayupuring village is considered a high suitable habitat area for Javan gibbons. Therefore, patrols are conducted by tracking the routes most prone to hunting in the village. A similar patrol method is also carried out in Pacet village, which is the easternmost distribution point of Javan gibbons in the Dieng Mountains. Considering that many forests have been converted into durian and non-shade coffee gardens in Mendolo, patrols are carried out as much as possible by following the movement of Javan gibbons to determine their movement routes, feeding preferences, and behavior in low suitable habitats. The results of this activity are expected to be used as a consideration for tree planting programs, so that tree planting points aimed at Javan gibbons, indicated to be isolated in Mendolo, will have natural crossing corridors in the future.

Over a period of 10 months, the monitoring results recorded by the monitoring team amounted to 242 sightings of 5 species of Javan primates. All recorded geospatial data had an average GPS accuracy of 7.327892 m from the devices used by the monitoring team. By eliminating records of Javan gibbons that were attempted to be followed in Mendolo, as we considered them as a single group, the species with the highest number of recorded sightings was the Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus). This species was recorded 75 times, with a maximum of 15 individuals in one group, and an average of 5 individuals per sighting. Meanwhile, the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus) was the least frequently recorded species, only 3 sightings, with 1 individual observed each time.

The long-tailed monkey (Macaca fascicularis) ranks second lowest in terms of encounter records with 31 encounters. Nevertheless, this species ranks first in terms of the largest number of individuals in a single group, which is 18 individuals with an average of 8.13 individuals. Encounter records with Rekrekan (Presbytis fredericae) amount to 34 encounters, with the highest number of individuals being 16 and an average of 5.059 individuals.

Encounters with Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) outside the home range of the group followed in Mendolo were reported 57 times, with an average of 2.54 individuals per encounter and a maximum of 8 individuals observed at one time in the village of Kayupuring. All of these averages and individual counts include sightings and reports of calls heard without seeing the animals, which we counted as 1 individual.

Primates Distribution

distribution map of the Javan gibbons

The forest area of Kutorojo village, Kajen District, Pekalongan Regency, is a forest region with the westernmost primate records in the Dieng mountain forest area during this monitoring period. This forest area only lacked sightings of the Javan slow loris (Nyticebus javanicus) because the team did not conduct nighttime monitoring when visiting the village. Although not observed directly, based on interviews with the local community, they were able to describe physical characteristics well and even mention the best time to encounter this animal during the peak of the coffee flowering season. Outside this area, the Javan slow loris (Nyticebus javanicus) was only found in Mendolo village during the monitoring period. There were only 3 recorded encounters in forest areas with coffee shade trees beneath, at an average altitude of 624 meters above sea level.

Out of 31 records of encounters with long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), 13 were recorded in Mendolo village and 10 in Kayupuring, with an average observation at an altitude of 542.2954 meters above sea level. There was only 1 record at an altitude of 1007.64 meters above sea level in Sawanganronggo, and no encounter reports in Pacet village or other areas above 1000 meters above sea level, except in Sawanganronggo. Although the encounter records indicate that this species’ habitat is quite moderate, ranging from pine, rubber, and durian plantations, encounters in forest areas are relatively low. For example, in Kayupuring, although the habitat is generally forested, encounters with this species are concentrated along the main road. This is likely because at least 4 groups have become habituated to human presence. We still receive reports that local communities and tourists often feed long-tailed monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) along the main road leading to Petungkriyono. Several other reports indicate that groups at the entrance of the forest have started chasing people carrying plastic bags.

The Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus) is recorded at moderate elevations and habitats compared to other species in this landscape. It has been observed from an elevation of 404.651 meters above sea level in Kayupuring to 1770.83 meters above sea level in Pacet, with habitats ranging from plantations to natural forests. Meanwhile, records of the Rekrekan (Presbytis comata fredericae) on the western side show an elevation of 393.76 meters above sea level in Kutorojo, and on the eastern side, in Pacet village, it is recorded at 1637.3 meters above sea level, giving an average elevation of 658.2403 meters above sea level from 34 sighting records across the entire monitoring area. The habitat of this species is similar to that of the Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus), with even 2 sighting records in tea plantations that have African trees (Maesopsis eminii) serving as shade plants for the tea.

During the monitoring period, Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) were only recorded in natural forest habitats with shade-grown coffee plants under the forest canopy. It was reported that this type of primate was found at an average elevation of 596.516 meters above sea level. The lowest recorded elevation was 320.58 meters above sea level in Kutorojo, and the highest was 1566.71 meters above sea level in Pacet. These locations represent the westernmost and easternmost distribution records during the monitoring period. In Pacet, 3 individuals were observed at Silawe waterfall, although they were only recorded once. In Kutorojo 5 individuals were observed in one group.

06Dec/25

Titian Lestari: A Corridor of Life for the Javan Gibbon

Blog Post,

by : Sidiq Harjanto

fostering creative education, conservation campaigns, and cultural arts (such as the Jingkrak Sundang dance) to raise awareness during ceremony kick off event.

On November 29, 2025, SwaraOwa together with the Astra Honda Motor Foundation (AHM) and affiliated companies officially launched the conservation program Titian Lestari in Dusun Sawahan, Mendolo Village, Lebakbarang District. The event was marked by a symbolic handover of tree seedlings and ceremonial planting of various species that serve as food sources for gibbons, support water conservation, and provide economic value for local communities.

Main Objective The program seeks to preserve the Javan gibbon in the Petungkriyono–Lebakbarang forest area through a holistic approach that reconnects forests, communities, and cultural values.

The Three Bridges Concept

  1. Titian Alam (Bridge of Nature) – restoring forest connectivity by planting trees along riverbanks and agroforestry lands.
  2. Titian Pengetahuan (Bridge of Knowledge) – fostering creative education, conservation campaigns, and cultural arts (such as the Jingkrak Sundang dance) to raise awareness, especially among youth.
  3. Titian Peran (Bridge of Participation) – encouraging women’s involvement in conservation, from eco-friendly daily practices to developing non-timber forest products.

ceremony for lauching program ” Titian Lestari”  in Mendolo village, Lebakbarang

Expected Impacts

  • Maintaining habitat corridors for the Javan gibbon to prevent fragmentation.
  • Increasing public awareness of the ecological and social significance of the species.
  • Opening inclusive spaces for women’s participation in conservation and sustainable economic initiatives.

Collaboration & Support,  within next coming years , will fostering Javan gibbon conservation in the region, the program is supported by multiple stakeholders, : the Astra Honda Motor Foundation, affiliated companies, Perum Perhutani, the Central Java Environmental and Forestry Agency, the Pekalongan District Agriculture Office, youth farmer groups-PPM Mendolo, women farmer groups_KWT Brayan Urip, and the Mendolo Village community.

05Dec/25

The12th Sokokembang Gibbon Fieldcourse 2025

Blog Post, ,

By: Nur Choiriyah Merdekawati

participants of 2025 Gibbon field course in Sokokembang

November 3–7, 2025, the cool air of Sokokembang Forest, nestled in the heartland of Javan gibbon habitat, Pekalongan, Central Java echoed not only with the calls of Javan gibbons but also with the laughter and conversations of a group of passionate learners. SwaraOwa as a local conservation initiative committed to protecting primates and their habitats, hosted the 12th Gibbon field course  2025, a five-day and four-night field-based training designed to strengthen participants’ skills in gibbon research and population survey methods.

The program brought together a diverse mix of students, researchers, and conservation practitioners. Total 21 participant consist of Mentawai team, Siberut National Park, KSP Macaca UNJ, “Lutung” FSP Universitas Nasional, KPP Tarsius UIN Jakarta, Yayasan Konservasi Hutan Harimau, Green Community Universitas Negeri Semarang, Yayasan Palung, The Biodiversity Society, Sanggabuana Wildlife Ranger, KP3 Primata UGM, Yayasan KIARA, Yayasan Cikananga Konservasi Terpadu, BOSF Nyaru Menteng, Balai KSDA Jawa Tengah. These participant united by their curiosity and dedication to understanding gibbons, one of Indonesia’s most iconic yet vulnerable primates. The main objective was to build participants capacity in gibbon monitoring techniques while fostering a spirit of collaboration and shared learning among those working to conserve biodiversity.

On the afternoon of November 3, 2025 participants arrived at SwaraOwa field stationf, a small but vibrant hub surrounded by forest- coffee trees and the songs of forest birds. The field station just recent facilities , located at the edge of Sokokembang Forest, in Petungkriyono Distrcit. is not only a research outpost but also a social space where community-based conservation meets everyday life. A center for conservation,  education and coffee retreat  situated in the habitat of Javan gibbon.

The first day was dedicated to introductions both among the participants and with the SwaraOwa team. These sessions went beyond simple name exchanges; everyone shared their backgrounds, motivations, and connections to this training as well as conservation. In the last of this session, SwaraOwa as a facilitator presented their organization’s journey, from early research on Javan gibbons (Hylobates moloch) to ongoing projects linking science, ecotourism, and community empowerment.

The atmosphere was warm and inclusive. Many participants admitted that this was their first time primate training. “It was the beginning, but it’s really interesting,” said one student, “Wait, tomorrow must be more interesting” as others replied.

participants in the field introductory for bioacoustic device for gibbon monitoring

The second day marked the official opening of the training. The ceremony began with a welcoming speech by the Administrator of the Forest Management Unit East Pekalongan (Perhutani KPH Pekalongan Timur), who highlighted the importance of collaborative conservation efforts between researchers, local communities, and forest management agencies. His remarks underscored a key message: the survival of gibbons and forests depends on partnerships built on trust and shared goals. Followed with some advice by Subdistrict Leadership Forum of Petungkriyono.

The day continued with a technical lecture by Arif Setiawan, introducing participants to the Vocal Count Triangulation (VCT) method, a basic technique used to estimate gibbon populations through their territorial calls. The session combined theory with field occurence, helping participants visualize how data points from gibbon calls can be transformed into population density estimates.

Celia Felicity delivered a presentation on how the Indonesian Small Species Specialist Group contributes to species conservation efforts

Next, Kurnia Ahmadin presented a session on field data collection, focusing on observation skills, navigation, and consistency. Including key elements for reliable survey results. Later in the evening, Celia Nova Felicity representing the Indonesian Species Specialist Group (IdSSG), introduced participants to collaborative data management and the importance of standardizing the threatened status of species in Indonesia. By the end of the day, participants were divided into small groups to prepare for their first field exercise in the next day.

The third and fourth days took the participants deep into Sokokembang Forest, home to one of the few remaining populations of Javan gibbons in Central Java. Each morning began in the dawn, as teams hiked into their designated observation points. The forest slowly awoke around and the hauntingly beautiful duets of gibbons began to echo from the canopy.

Armed with GPS devices, smartphone and data sheets, participants set up the passive voice recorders on the trees, then continued by practicing the Vocal Count Triangulation (VCT) method, noting call times and compass bearings to estimate group locations. These early hours were filled with focus and quiet awe until 10 a.m, a perfect combination of scientific rigor and spiritual connection to nature.

Aoliya-SwaraOwa introduce how to do analyze gibbon popuplation based on vocal count triangulation method.

After returning to classroom, the day continued with a lecture on bioacoustic monitoring led by Nur Aoliya. The session introduced participants to the basics of sound analysis, including how to use software such as RavenPro to visualize and interpret animal calls. For many, it was their first time seeing gibbon songs transformed into colorful spectrograms visual vocal fingerprints of the forest’s hidden voices.

The learning did not stop there. The afternoon sessions were filled with discussions and data analysis, including how to use Google Earth Pro to map call points and triangulate gibbon locations. Each group worked with their own data, testing different analytical approaches and comparing results.

Dr. Long Tha Ha introduced Vietnamese primates and the ongoing conservation efforts.

Adding to the global perspective, two guest speakers from Vietnam, Dr. Long Tha Ha, a Vietnamese biologist and conservationist who won the 2025 Frankfurt Conservation Award, now lead Frankfurt Zoological Society Vietnam program,   joined the training in the evening, and Mr Tuan Van Bui, a primatogoist who run primate watching tour business cross Vientnam. Dr. Long shared his experience in primate research across Southeast Asia, highlighting both the similarities and differences between gibbon species, research conditions, and community background in Vietnam and Indonesia. Meanwhile, and Tuan Van Bui spoke about the potential of primate-focused ecotourism as a conservation tool, inspiring participants to think beyond science and consider sustainable livelihood models linked to conservation through his program known as HIVOOC, Vietnam Wildlife Adventure Tours.

Tuan Van Bui introduced HIVOOC, his project focused on developing Vietnam Wildlife Adventure Tours

After returning from the field observation, the fourth day blended intense analytical work with moments of relaxation. Participants refined their VCT and bioacoustic data analysis, assisted by mentors and fellow trainees. Some groups compared their manual calculations with digital maps, while others debated over possible errors or interesting patterns found in the field data.

As the sun set behind the forest ridge, the academic discussions gave way to laughter and light-hearted conversations. The evening’s “free session” turned into a spontaneous corn-roasting night, where participants gathered around a small fire, sharing stories, local songs, and reflections from their time in the forest.

“This is not just a training; it feels like a small conservation family,” one participant remarked and indeed, by this point, the group had formed strong bonds built on shared purpose, field challenges, and the joy of learning outdoors.

Primate Watching-gibbonning in Sokokembang Forest

The final morning began with a relaxed yet inspiring primate watching session along the forest edge. Participants used their binoculars and camera’s skills to locate gibbons, leaf monkeys, langurs, and birds. It was a reflective activity, a moment to reconnect with why they came in the first place.

Later, each group presented their findings, showcasing maps, analysis results, and reflections on what they had learned. The presentations were not just technical reports but narratives of growth, how theory met practice, and how teamwork turned uncertainty into understanding.

a gibbon spotted during the training course

The facilitators gave constructive feedback and celebrated the best-performing team, whose field data and analysis stood out for accuracy and creativity. The event then moved to a closing session, filled with words of appreciation from the organizers and participants alike.

As the certificate ceremony ended, the participants packed their bags, exchanged contact information, and took one last group photo under the forest canopy. The air was filled with gratitude, for the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the renewed sense of purpose.

The 12th Sokokembang field course 2025 was more than a technical workshop; it was a living classroom where science, nature, and community intersected. It provided a rare space for young researchers to learn directly from practitioners who have dedicated their lives to primate conservation. By integrating field methods, data analysis, and cross-cultural exchanges, the training embodied SwaraOwa’s holistic approach combining research, education, and community-based conservation.

As the last jeep departed from swaraowa center, the forest slowly reclaimed its quiet rhythm. Yet, for the participants, the echoes of gibbon songs would linger as a lasting reminder that every sound in the forest carries a story worth studying, protecting, and sharing.

26Nov/25

Gibbon Camp: Exploring Tombo’s Forests, Igniting the Spirit of Javan Gibbon Conservation

Blog Post, , , ,

gibbon camp 2025 participants : KP3 Primata x SwaraOwa x Sutarengga

By : KP3 Primata

Every year on October 24th, the world celebrates International Gibbon Day, a reminder of the vital role these primates play in maintaining forest ecosystems. The Javan Gibbon, with its unique ecological significance, stands as a symbol of balance and biodiversity that must be safeguarded. In honor of this occasion, KP3 Primates UGM, in collaboration with SwaraOwa, organized Gibbon Camp in Tombo Village, Bandar Subdistrict, Batang Regency, Central Java, from October 31 to November 2, 2025.
This camp was more than just a camping trip—it was a journey of learning, sharing, and building connections. Ten members of KP3 Primates from the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, took part in a series of activities that combined scientific observation, community engagement, and cultural exchange. Participants observed Javan Gibbons and other primates in their natural habitat, joined discussions with Sutarengga, a local conservation community, and engaged in inspiring sessions with Mas Wawan, founder of SwaraOwa, who shared stories about the organization’s history, research, and dedication to primate conservation.
The field activities were filled with memorable experiences. Despite heavy rain that forced a pause in observation, participants encountered Lutung monkeys in the forest, trekked slippery paths to reach the campsite, and ended the evening with the warmth of a campfire. These moments of challenge and joy reminded everyone that conservation is not only about data and research but also about resilience, gratitude, and shared commitment.
On the third day, participants split into two groups to conduct primate monitoring at different listening posts. They were fortunate to hear great calls of the Javan Gibbon echoing from two directions—a rare and thrilling experience, even without direct sightings. Through this method, they learned how to estimate distance and direction of calls, and distinguish between great calls and ordinary vocalizations.
Beyond the science, Tombo’s natural beauty enriched the camp. Clear rivers, lush forests, and tea plantations offered breathtaking scenery, while the area’s biodiversity—from primates to Javan hawk-eagles and herpetofauna—underscored the importance of protecting this landscape. Every small detail, from laughter in the rain to the winding mountain roads, became part of a larger lesson: conservation is built on everyday gestures, patience, and long-term care.
Participants’ reflections captured the spirit of the camp. Munika shared her excitement about learning how to identify gibbon calls and estimate populations, while enjoying the adventure of riding in an open truck through tea plantations. Najla expressed amazement at the knowledge and survival skills shared by the SwaraOwa team, calling the experience so inspiring that she wished to join again.
Gibbon Camp in Tombo Village proved that small steps can lead to big dreams. From heartfelt conversations with local residents to the echo of gibbon calls in the forest, every moment became a foundation for future conservation efforts. This camp ignited hope that young conservationists, communities, and partners will continue to work hand in hand to protect the Javan Gibbon.

29Oct/25

“Rhinopithecus brelichi and Primate Diplomacy: Field Notes from Guizhou”

Blog Post, , ,

by : Arif Setiawan

photo group at Guizhou Academy of Science

August 6, 2025 Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province—a city that defies stereotypes about China’s mountainous regions. Here, skyscrapers rise as if to touch the clouds, forming a modern silhouette that contrasts with the surrounding valleys and hills. The streets are busy with traffic and people, and the economic pulse is palpable on every corner: from glitzy shopping malls to small, never-ending stalls.
I visited this city at the invitation of Kefeng Niu, a primatologist I have known for a long time since 2011, from a course in Singapore. Kefeng is a researcher of the Guizhou Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi), a monkey endemic to Mount Fanjing-Guizhou.

A few days before arriving in Guiyang, I visited the Guizhou monkey breeding center located at the foot of Mount Fanjing. There are three species of snub-nosed monkey in China, and the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is the smallest. Its population is around 400-700 individuals, even listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only 200 mature individuals. Therefore, a breeding center has been established for this Guizhou mascot. This research and breeding center was established in 1993, starting with seven wild-caught individuals as colony founders. This step was taken because the wild population was very small and fragmented, so an ex-situ conservation strategy was needed to prevent extinction. Since 1995, this program has begun to show success with the birth of new individuals every year, marking the beginning of a more systematic management of the captive population.

Guizhou snub nosed monkey- at breeding center

The journey took approximately 1.5 hours from our hotel in Jiangkou City to the breeding center, located in a valley surrounded by densely forested mountains and flowing with crystal clear water. At the gate, Kefeng’s friends, who had previously assisted him in his research and were now staff members, were waiting. We immediately went inside, even though it was in captivity, as this was our first time seeing one. At first glance, it was impressive: it looked larger than the largest Javan langur I’d ever seen. Its face was pale blue with a pink hue, and its snub nose was very strange. Its feet appeared larger and longer than its body, and its long, rounded tail seemed to hang down longer than its legs, dark black-long hair on the back, white tip on the ears and  few white hairs longer in the lower back of the head.

white tip on ears and creamy white long hairs at the back

Juvenile guizhou snub nosed monkey

There was one male, the first to be seen , two females, and one juvenile. According to Kefeng, there are seven individuals in total in the breeding center. The facility is not open to general tourism; however, for conservation purposes, researchers are welcome to visit the breeding center.

Snub-nosed, translated as “hidung pesek,” in bahasa, is the Guizhou monkey, which appears to have a hole without a nosal bridge, looking odd. This is certainly related to its evolutionary adaptation to the cold, dry air in the mountains. Its long, thick fur also indicates an adaptation to cold temperatures.

cable way view : fanjingshan mt habitat of guizhou snub nosed monkey

After seeing the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey in captivity, we headed to the entrance to trek to Mount Fanjing, also the natural habitat of the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey. This area is a nature reserve, a UNESCO heritage site, and the most popular tourist destination in Guizhou Province, using the Cable Car. Built with environmentally friendly technology and a design that blends with the natural contours, this infrastructure opens access to a conservation area previously only accessible to researchers and climbers. The cable car has become a symbol of the harmony between development and conservation, part of China’s ecotourism strategy that combines endangered species conservation with world-class tourism experiences. At the final station, visitors can access an education center, interpretive trails, and a primate observatory designed to bring together natural science, geological history, culture, and a sense of wonder.

with Kefeng infront of legendary mushroom rock Fanjing mt.

coffee talk at San men coffee Guiyang

In Guiyang City, I visited several coffee shops. According to a flyer I found in one of the shops, there are approximately 3,000. One I visited was “San Men Coffee”, which I found through an online search, and fortunately, the owner was the barista. We chatted extensively about the coffee business in Guiyang and the characteristics of coffee drinkers here. IShe said that in hot weather like now, cold brew and coffee with milk are popular, and delivery or online orders usually outnumber in-store orders. The shop is small, measuring 2 x 5 meters, but it looks very busy. Several collections of coffee beans are displayed in front, some from Sumatra. Others come from South America and Africa. He said they can produce 150-300 cups a day. and offcourse I talk to her about our gibbon conservation coffee “Owa Coffee”.

Guiyang is a growing city, but it hasn’t forgotten its roots. It’s building for the future while preserving its heritage. On campuses and innovation centers, young people are designing locally-based solutions.

bird book by Prof. Zhongrong Wu

In this vast green area, nature remains a teacher and protector. I received an invitation to one of the province’s science development centers, the Guiyang Academy of Science. This opportunity arose because Kefeng Niu, who works at this institution, presented at the Guiyang Academy of Science. The opportunity to introduce the Javan Gibbon and its conservation project in Pekalongan, Central Java. Kefeng had arranged everything, and after lunch we headed to the Guiyang Academy of Science. There we were awaited by Professor Man Liu and Professor Zhongrong, who are entomologists and ornithologists. The presentation room had been prepared and the participants were researchers at this institution, similar to BRIN in Indonesia. I presented the Coffee and Primate Conservation project in English, and I must thank Kefeng for helping translate into Chinese. The presentation went smoothly, and received many appreciative questions from those present. After the presentation, I was invited to Professor Man Liu’s room, where I received a souvenir of a preserved insect, which he said was a rare species, and reached adulthood, as pictured in this frame, within two years. I had the opportunity to give her a pack of  Owa Coffee.

Owa Coffee for Prof. Man Liu

Then, Prof. Zhongrong Wu, a bird researcher, gave me a book containing his research on bird species. The book, which was so thick and so special, was given to me and signed by the author.After my presentation at the Guizhou Academy of Science, Kefeng took me to the city park, but it was incredibly crowded.

Macaca mulata-medium long taile macaque

Macaca thibetana-shortest tailed macaque

This summer vacation has made Guiyang a bustling city! We actually wanted to see a semi-wild monkey species here: the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulata). It’s the third species of monkey in southwest China. The dense crowd made it difficult to observe the surroundings. It’s actually a park, but it’s very large and forest-like. Then, a group of monkeys started causing a commotion by stealing food brought by visitors. Yes, that’s my lifer, the Macaca mulata. Its characteristics are almost the same as the common macaque, but its tail isn’t as long as the fascicularis macaque, and is longer than the Tibetan macaque’s ( Macaca thibethana), that also have seen them day before in Fanjingshan. That’s all there is to it, and there weren’t many photos because the crowds were getting crowded and I couldn’t focus on observing or following the monkeys. Kefeng took us outside, saying that as a Chinese person, he had never seen so many people in a city park.

That day, we ended with dinner with colleagues and government officials, who were designing a joint research and conservation project. I just ate along, not understanding what was being said. But it was a different experience with my new colleagues in China—a pleasant and satisfying social dinner.
August 7, 2025, Adventure in China is over, I left back to Jakarta, and almost missed the plane, because suddenly the schedule was changed, canceled and suddenly I had to change planes, and luckily there were still seats left, because I had to transit in Sensen, so there was a connecting flight that had to go to Jakarta, I could also have missed it because of this change. Arriving in Zensen the plane was right on schedule with the next plane, I ran through immigration and was very helped by the officers. Finally, my watch was on the plane to Jakarta. Goodbye Guizhou. Xie-Xie.

10Oct/25

“A Motif for the Earth: Honoring Batik and Gibbons in One Thread”

Blog Post, , ,

October is a special month where October 2nd is celebrated as National Batik Day and October 24th as World Gibbon Day. To celebrate these important days,  Swaraowa launched a new conservation product, in the form of a Gibbon batik motif, with the name “Sido Luhur -Owa”.

Philosophy  batik motifs : “Sido Luhur – Owa”

This motif emerged from the intersection of classical batik heritage “sido luhur”  and the contemporary conservation spirit, inspired by the Javan gibbon conservation efforts in Pekalongan, Central Java Indonesia,  renowned for its batik producer. Inspired by “Sido Luhur”  batik in javanese language ” sido” means to become, or to continue, “luhur” means noble, high or virtuous —which philosophically symbolizes the hope for a dignified and wise life—this motif features the face of the Javan gibbon (Hylobates moloch) as a symbol of forest guardianship and natural harmony.

The gibbon’s face is depicted symmetrically and repeatedly, forming a pattern resembling the catur gatra (four-pointed star) in classical batik, signifying the balance between humans, nature, culture, and spirituality. Ornaments of tropical leaves from the forests and mountains of Java flow around it, representing the pristine landscape where gibbons live and act as seed dispersers, aiding natural forest regeneration.

Every line and curve in this motif is not merely aesthetic; it conveys a narrative: about endangered species, about forests that hold many important values, and about humans who are encouraged to preserve nature. This batik motif will be used in various products and media to disseminate conservation messages, connecting noble values ​​with concrete actions to protect the earth.

Follow us on  :

website : https://swaraowa.org

Blogs : https://swaraowa.blogspot.com

X, Facebook, Youtube,  Instagram: @swaraowa

28Aug/25

“Primates, Culture, and the Future: Voices from Antananarivo”

Blog Post, ,

by Arif Setiawan

tongasoa, Welcome in Malagasy at IPS confrence venue

The International Primate Congress and Symposium, held in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from July 20–25, 2025, created a warm and festive atmosphere. The opening ceremony on the afternoon of July 20th featured Malagasy percussion music, traditional dances, and a welcome greeting, “tonga soa,” meaning “welcome.” In the corners of the park stood iconic ring-tailed lemurs and sifakas, as well as a life-size replica of a giant lemur—a reminder of the giant lemur, an orangutan-sized species that once lived in Madagascar until 700 years ago before becoming extinct. The gathering served as a biennial reunion, a gathering for researchers, conservationists, and new participants joining for the first time.

The official opening ceremony on July 21st was held by the Mayor of Antananarivo, who emphasized the importance of the congress for the city and the country, particularly in strengthening lemur conservation efforts. The organizing committee chairman, Prof. Jonah Ratsimbazafy, noted that the event attracted more than 700 participants from 53 countries. Over the course of five days, each morning begins with a keynote session, followed by symposia and workshops taking place in parallel at eight different locations, giving participants room to choose according to their interests.

swaraowa present a talk at IPS Madagascar

One of the key symposiums that I joined was  “Flagship Primates: Building National Identity for Biodiversity Conservation,” which discussed the role of iconic primates as cultural symbols and umbrella species for conservation. This session shared a variety of global experiences: from the gibbons of Java and Mentawai, presented by SwaraOwa Indonesia, mountain gorillas from Uganda, to the indri, ring-tailed lemur, and golden bamboo lemur from Madagascar. From South America came the stories of the titi monkey and the yellow-tailed woolly monkey, icons of pride for the people of Peru. The symposium concluded with a review by Russ Mittermeier, who emphasized that flagship species can be a gateway for research, education, and conservation policy—such as the birth of World Lemur Day and the Ranomafana conservation area.

Beyond sharing conservation experiences, technology was also a key highlight. A presentation from Brazil introduced the use of drones equipped with thermal sensors capable of detecting animals quickly and accurately. Although relatively expensive, this technology is considered more efficient than traditional transect surveys, which can take months. Innovative financing approaches were also discussed at the symposium “Direct Cash Transfers for Improved Nature Outcomes.” This strategy examined how cash incentives—both conditional and unconditional—can be provided to local communities as compensation for pro-conservation behavior. Examples include payments for ecosystem services, REDD+, and the TAHANU digital platform used for gorilla conservation in Rwanda.

Participants of Primatology from Global South- workshop

One of the most moving sessions took place on July 24th, the workshop “Primatology from the Global South.” This workshop highlighted the gap between developed countries in the northern hemisphere, which have traditionally dominated primatology research, and the southern countries that are the primates’ natural habitat. Through interactive discussions, participants identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of primatology in the Global South, and devised strategies for more equitable and just collaboration.

Overall, the congress was not just an academic forum, but a meeting of cultures, technologies, and global solidarity. From the spirited opening dance to the serious discussions about conservation strategies and financing, all conveyed the same message: primates are not just wildlife to be preserved, but symbols of identity, pride, and a shared future for humanity.

Swaraowa attendance at IPS Madagascar was supported by Primate Conservation Inc, Re-wild, Margoth Marsh Biodiversity Foundation and Fortwayne Children’s Zoo.

read another stories from IPS Madagascar in bahasa at blog swaraowa.

31Jul/25

“Listening to the Canopy: Indigenous Efforts to Safeguard the Kloss’s Gibbon”

Blog Post, ,

by : Aloysius Yoyok, Kurnia Ahmaddin

team heading to Listening Points

In the year 2025, the “siripok bilou” team, formed in early 2025, aims to conduct monitoring for Kloss’s Gibbon – as known as Bilou  (Hylobates klossii) through surveys in indigenous forests, which we have categorized into 2 types of habitat in Siberut Island. The first type is high suitable habitat, which refers to forests that are relatively far from settlements and have a canopy cover predominantly composed of forest trees. Meanwhile, the next type is low suitable habitat, which refers to secondary forests that are close to settlements and have a canopy cover dominated by cash crops. The cash crops that are widely cultivated by the local community include Durian, Betel nut, Banana, Clove, and Nutmeg. For this year’s survey, we are targeting 4 blocks of low suitable forest (Samalelet 1-Saleleubaja-Sapojai, Samanggeak-Sagulu 1, and Tasiriguruk) and 4 blocks of high suitable forest (Saguruju, Sarokdok, Sagulu 2, Samanggeak 2). All survey locations fall within the administrative region of the villages of Madobag and Matotonan in South Siberut District.

the Kloss’s gibbon encountered

For our population counting, we use the vocal-count triangulation method by placing 3 Listening Positions (LPs) in each of these customary forest blocks. We position our LPs on the highest hills with distances between points starting from 300-800 m depending on the highest point at the customary forest location. This method uses vocal counting, which involves listening and counting the calls of the Bilou from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the predetermined LPs. As of the end of July, we have conducted surveys in 2 blocks of low suitable habitat (Samalelet 1-Saleleubaja-Sapojai and Samanggeak-Sagulu 1) at the end of April and early May. From mid-May to mid-July, we focused our surveys on blocks of high suitable habitat, specifically in the customary forests of Saguruju, Sarokdok, and Sagulu 2. The survey team consists of indigenous community members whom we trained intensively in April.

Simakobu ( Simias concolor)

Our survey this time not only counted the  Bilou but also reported on other endemic primates. We recorded visual encounters with 3 individuals of Bokkoi – Macaca siberu , 4 Simakobu individuals ( Simias concolor), and 1 Joja ( Presbytis siberu) in the Sarokdok customary forest. In other customary forests, we also noted the presence of these 4 species, although only through their sounds. The potential threats were still found across all types of customary forests. Among them are the opening of new land for production crops or livestock. Relatively large trees are cut down or killed by stripping the bark from the main trunk. We also encountered the use of forest wood for making rafts or for their household needs. Hunting was still evident throughout the customary forests, as seen from the traps made or remnants targeting terrestrial mammals. The sounds of gunfire were still heard even though we were surveying in areas of high suitable habitat.

Translated from original article : https://swaraowa.blogspot.com/2025/07/mendengar-nyanyian-kanopi-upaya.html

02Jul/25

“Munggah Molo” Ceremony in Sokokembang: Embroidering Prayers in the First Pillar

Blog Post,

by Arif Setiawan

As part of the noble tradition of the Javanese people in Petungkriyono, the *Munggah Molo* ceremony was held to mark the beginning of the construction of the SwaraOwa Conservation Education Center in Sokokembang. *Molo*, the main beam on the roof frame of the building, symbolically plays an important role as a spiritual foundation and hope for a sturdy and blessed home.

This ritual is accompanied by a joint prayer and offerings in the form of agricultural products, a symbol of gratitude and hope to the Creator and respect for the surrounding nature. In the middle of the lowland rainforest that is the habitat of the Javan gibbon, this procession marks the unification of science, local culture, and spirituality in a building that will become a growing space for conservation and learning.

June 22, 2025, marks the construction of the SwaraOwa conservation education facility, although preliminary activities of land clearing and foundation construction had begun 3 days earlier. The main part of the roof of the highest house is the spirit of the swaraOwa team to continue developing nature conservation activities that have been and are being carried out in the habitat of the Javan Gibbon. This building will later function as a front office, an information center for swaraOwa activities. We have to thanks to Fortwayne Children’s Zoo for donating for the construction of this center. the facilities included kitchen, dining room for students, coffee roasting room and cafe/souvenir shop. Managed collaboratively with local community in Sokokembang, this facilities will promote javan gibbon conservation in this region.

The symbols in the *Munggah Molo* ceremony are full of philosophical and spiritual meaning, reflecting the hope for a house that is not only physically strong, but also harmonious mentally and socially. Here are some of the main symbols commonly used in this tradition, especially in areas such as Petungkriyono:

  1. Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Symbolizes the *sweetness of life* and the hope that the house will be a place full of goodness and happiness. Sugarcane also reflects steadfastness and honesty.

  1. Rice (Oryza sativa)

Symbol of *prosperity and well-being*. Yellowing rice signifies the hope that the occupants of the house will always have their food needs met and live in abundance.

  1. Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Symbolizes *wholeness and usefulness*. All parts of the coconut can be used, reflecting the hope that the house will be a useful place for the family and community.

  1. Indonesian Flag

Symbol of *nationalism and protection*. The red and white colors are also believed to bring positive energy and protection from supernatural disturbances. This cloth is used to wrap pounded offerings, namely dringo leaves (Artemisia vulgaris), blanke, a type of aromatic grass, and kencur (Kaempferia galanga). Which symbolizes spiritual protection, freshness, tranquility, strength and resilience for the building and its occupants.

  1. Coins or money

Signifies *sustenance and smooth economy*. Placed as a prayer so that the house is not lacking and is always given abundance.

  1. Market Snacks and Agricultural Offerings

A form of *gratitude and respect* to ancestors and the surrounding nature. This also strengthens the spiritual relationship between humans and the environment.

  1. Main wood- Blandar

The main wood that is raised as *molo* symbolizes *the core of life and direction of purpose*. In the context of the house, this is the spiritual foundation and a symbol that the house will be a place where noble values ​​grow.

  1. One bunch of bananas

One bunch of bananas consists of many fruits that grow together on one stalk. This reflects the hope that the family occupying the new house will live in harmony, support each other, and not be separated—like bananas that remain united in one bunch. Bananas are also a symbol of blessing and abundance, a fruit that grows easily and bears many fruits. In the context of the ceremony, one bunch of bananas is a prayer that the house will always be blessed with sustenance, health, and happiness. Bananas also symbolize the continuity of life. After bearing fruit, the banana tree will die, but new shoots will grow around it. This is a symbol of hope that the house will become a place for the growth of a new generation that brings good values. One bunch of bananas is also part of the offerings as a form of respect to ancestors and the surrounding environment, asking for protection and blessings for the house that is built.

  1. kembang telon-triple flowers : Jasmine, Kenanga and Rose flowers.
  2. Other offerings : corn, tapih, kebaya clothes, placed on the molo frame, and whole ingkung chicken.

All of these offerings are then prayed for together and then eaten together with breakfast for the workers who work on building this house. These ornaments not only symbols but also a cultural narration of human relationship with nature, ancestors and  God. Through this ceremony we learn a lot of our own tradition as Javanese our own roots that have been applied since many years ago by our ancestors and we hope this values could be sustainable along with our conservation activities.