Donating Land for Proboscis Monkey Habitat Restoration

Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), endemic to the island of Borneo, are currently classified as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List, largely on account of habitat loss. Local residents and companies have been opening up land around the Black River for settlements, agriculture, plantations, livestock, and other needs. As a result, the proboscis monkey habitat has become increasingly fragmented, with the remaining animals forced into smaller areas of remaining forest.

Haji Gustiana Widjaya (as known as “Haji Wiwit”) is a community leader in the village of Kampung Lama in the Black River area. Haji Wiwit’s house is located close to the river, so the proboscis monkeys are no stranger to Haji Wiwit and his family. In November 2018, Haji Wiwit participated in a training event entitled, “Conservation of Proboscis Monkeys and Their Habitat in the Sungai Hitam Forest,” held in collaboration with Tropenbos-ELTI and Balitek KSDA. Haji Wiwit participated very actively in the training, often sharing his experiences, living side by side with proboscis monkeys and other animals in the Black River area. Haji Wiwit also expressed his hopes and dreams that proboscis monkeys could be protected so that the next generation can still see proboscis monkeys living in their natural habitat.

At the end of the training, Haji Wiwit announced that he would donate approximately four hectares of his own land in the Black River area to be restored in order to assist with the conservation of proboscis monkeys and other animals. The land, which had been used for cattle grazing, was formally signed over to Tropenbos-ELTI and the restoration of forest cover has already started through tree planting activities. This type of active community support for the conservation of proboscis monkeys is very much needed because the Black River area is not part of any formal conservation area. Haji Wiwit is hoping that by serving as a role model, other local residents will be also persuaded to begin restoring some of their land.

Tropenbos-ELTI and other local partners are also working with Haji Wiwit and the rest of the local community around the Black River to help improve the economic benefits from restoring the local forests and conserving the proboscis monkey population. In particular, local community livelihoods are being enhanced through ecotourism and the development of products from sustainably harvested plants from the Black River forest.

I am happy that ELTI came and helped our community by providing training and assistance so that people care more about the Black River area. I want proboscis monkeys and their habitat in the Black River to be maintained so that they can provide benefits to many people.

Haji Wiwit