FNPF Community Center Named as Kubu Konservasi FNPF Grand Opening
It was a clear warm morning when Kubu Konservasi FNPF finally OFFICIALLY open its gates to welcome the guests. The once quiet hill suddenly exploded with life as hundreds of guests arrived from all over Nusa Penida and Bali’s main land. The site itself was abuzz with anticipation. Plenty of food was cooked through the night and the place is festooned with colourful Balinese ornaments. The guests, consisting of the Regent of Klungkung Regency, the head of Klungkung Regency Parliament, government employees and parliament members, the head of traditional village and government village, NGOs representative village elders, and religious figures, are equally resplendent.
Mr Bayu Wirayudha gave a speech to the audiences.
Most important was the presence of the Regent and Head of Parliament of Klungkung Regency, I Nyoman Suwirta and I Wayan Baru, who have been hearing about our success. In this event, Nyoman Suwirta was invited to sign the placard stone and to give an opening speech. As a native of Nusa Penida, he expressed hope that the island can finally dismiss its reputation as the poorest area in Bali by introducing eco-tourism activities on the island. He hopes that the facility can be an example on how to run eco-friendly tourism there.
The Head of Regent was talking to the village elders.
FNPF director Dr. Bayu Wirayudha took him on a tour of the facility and explained all the innovative ideas employed throughout the site. Kubu Konservasi FNPF was designed in accordance with Nusa Penida’s culture and built using materials sourced from nearby villages. It employed local workers which gives an economic boost to the communities. It has its own water treatment system and was designed to adapt with the surrounding landscapes. Endangered birds were released in the surrounding forests and protected by the vigilant eyes of the local villagers guided by the awig-awig or traditional law. Akhirnya, the presence of local and international volunteers, working to support the Bali Bird Sanctuary initiative, has been beneficial for many small businesses in the surrounding areas.
The Placard was signed by the Head of Klungkung Regency.
The atmosphere then turned religious. A gamelan orchestra players arrived with their instruments and played for nearly five hours. Local dancers, young girls from nearby villages, were the highlights of the event with their impressive moves. Many foreign volunteers were in disbelief when they found out the dancers are under twelve years old, the required age to perform the sacred dance. Down in the lower reaches of the property a high priest performed the ritual to offer the site to the gods. Other guests, could not believe they were actually watching an ancient ceremony that has been practiced for hundreds of years.
Mr Bayu and the Head of Regent were discussing the future of the island in one of our rooms.
It was not until sunset that the ceremony finally came to an end. Everyone seems in agreement with the visions of Mr. I Nyoman Suwirta and Dr. Bayu Wirayudha – that Nusa Penida must learn from the mistakes in Kuta. It should preserve its culture and not change its identity for the sake of tourism. Mass tourism is not suitable for Nusa Penida because there is just not enough land and fresh water for swimming pools and golf courses. A cultural and environmental based tourism development is the future for the Island. This is why I Nyoman Suwirta, as the Regent, implored the people of Nusa Penida to learn from the success of FNPF.
This event would not be possible without the support from
Humane Society International.
Boeing Corp.
Taronga Yayasan, Australia
Australian Aid
The Gibbon Foundation
ICCO (International Christian Church Organisation)
Said (Simpan Spesies terancam punah Indonesia)
Rotary Club Seminyak, Bali
U.S Fish and Wildlife.
Alam Indah Bali
Ikat Batik
Eco Stay
