Meriani
North Pagai Team
This program is something new for me, as I had the opportunity to join the Mentawai community, particularly in Gulu-guluk, for two months. It was a great challenge for me to educate the local community about the endemic primates of Mentawai and to promote environmental conservation. Through this program, I was able to learn how the Mentawai people respond to primates and their habitats. The enthusiasm of the children in Gulu-guluk village motivated us to carry out this activity. Besides the school activities, we also engaged in community activities, which were invaluable to me and something I never imagined before, like going fishing in the middle of the ocean, netting fish, and searching for anggau. All of the activities here were very enjoyable. I hope there will be more follow-up activities. Thank you, Guluguluk, and to our new family there, wishing everyone good health. Surak sabeu.
Jefrial
North Pagai Team
Mentawai is a peaceful archipelago of untouched beauty, with unspoiled beaches, soft white sands, and rich natural diversity. Walking along its shores, I felt exhaustion fade, replaced by calm and admiration for the stunning scenery. Beyond its landscapes, Mentawai is full of life—welcoming locals, curious children, and an abundance of fresh fish and fruits that left me feeling nourished and grateful. The primate conservation and education work I participated in taught me invaluable lessons and gave me great experience as a young conservationist. Mentawai’s endemic primates are truly remarkable, and we worked hard to educate the local community about protecting them and avoiding hunting. I hope our small efforts will help preserve Mentawai’s natural wonders and keep them safe from extinction. Mentawai reminds us that true beauty comes from balance, and it’s our responsibility to protect that harmony for generations to come.
Desi Nofla Melia
North & South Pagai Team
The primate conservation education program is an intriguing initiative, where I had the opportunity to learn and understand the connection between humans and nature that is still well-maintained. Through this program, I realized the importance of protecting primates and their role in Mentawai culture. After joining this program, I became familiar with various species of endemic primates in Indonesia, especially in Mentawai. I gained a wealth of new knowledge, which has further sparked my interest in the world of conservation. The villages of Guluguluk and Tapak hold special meaning for me; the community there welcomed us openly and taught us the simplicity of life. The children were joyful and very enthusiastic about this program. I hope this program continues so that the community becomes more aware of the importance of primate conservation and understands the endangered conservation status of endemic primates.
Nur Azis Ariansyah
South Pagai Team
Mentawai is a very interesting place to visit. Many things can be found in Bumi sikerei, especially the beauty of the sea, the beauty of the forest, and the local wisdom that exists there. This time, with the Mentawai Primate Education Program, I was able to return to visit Bumi sikerei. Through this program, we provide benefits for the community, especially the younger generation, to maintain their culture and biodiversity. The whole community welcomed us gladly and treated us very well. hopefully this program will continue so that our hopes and ideals for Mentawai can be realized.
Harry Sumartin
South Pagai Team
Being part of the Mentawai Primate Education Program as a Field Team member has been a great pleasure for me in the fieldwork environment. The activities were very engaging, where the combination of community activities and primate surveys made every moment valuable during its execution. Through this program, I learned how to connect with the local community to gather the data we need for conservation efforts. It is hoped that through these activities, both the community and all those involved can unite in preserving the integrity and sustainability of nature and the living beings within it.
Aqsha Ineza
South Pagai Team
Pagai Selatan has incredible natural beauty and potential, from its stunning landscapes to the presence of endemic primates, which are both the main attraction and the reason I joined this conservation education program. The existence of these endemic primates further strengthened my resolve to contribute to their preservation efforts. The supportive partners made every challenge feel more manageable, while the warm welcome and positive response from the community, especially the youth and students, give great hope that this conservation initiative will continue to grow. This experience has left a profound impression on me and has inspired me to keep preserving the natural wealth of Pagai Selatan.
Islami Annisa
South Pagai Team
From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with smiles and warmth from the local residents. The community not only welcomed us openly and wholeheartedly but also showed great enthusiasm for learning. The journey in Pagai Selatan left a deep impression on me about the importance of preserving biodiversity. We were able to understand the close relationship between humans and primates as fellow living beings sharing the same ecosystem. Learning about the presence of endangered endemic primates there has instilled a shared sense of responsibility to protect them together. This activity not only broadened our horizons but also inspired both myself and the community to contribute to the conservation of primates and their habitats for the sake of future generations.
Ricca Reviana
Sipora Team
The journey to Betumonga Village left an unforgettable impression. It is a place that teaches the essence of simplicity in life, where the close bond between humans and nature remains well-preserved. Interacting with the warm and open community strengthened my belief that conservation education must go hand in hand with an understanding of local needs and traditions. I hope that the activities carried out can serve as a starting point to build greater awareness, both among students and the adult community. May Mentawai, especially Betumonga Village, continue to thrive without losing its rich local wisdom.
Dela Lidia
Sipora Team
Spending a month in Sipora provided a unique opportunity to engage deeply with both the local community and the ecological challenges they face. Through conservation education programs, we observed the enthusiasm of children learning about primates like the bilou and masepsep or atapipai and siteut which stirred a deep hope within me that the future of conservation rests in capable hands. Our fieldwork also uncovered intricate local practices, such as the sustainable use of timber for constructing canoes and homes, which highlight the community's reliance on and respect for forest resources. However, the increasing pressures from hunting and deforestation underscore the urgency of integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies. This experience reaffirmed the importance of collaborative approaches that balance community needs with environmental preservation. It is a crucial step towards ensuring that Sipora’s forests and wildlife not only persist but thrive as a vital part of Indonesia’s ecological heritage.