Discover various interesting facts about Sempu Island in Malang, a nature reserve island rich in biodiversity and captivating natural mysteries.
Sempu Island, located south of Malang City, East Java, is one of the most interesting yet mysterious destinations. Known for its natural beauty that is still very natural, this island is an object of research and observation for various groups of scientists and nature lovers.
With its status as a nature reserve, Sempu Island holds many unique facts that are rarely known to many people. Here are ten interesting facts that you should know about Sempu Island, Malang.
1. Still Has Nature Reserve Status
Sempu Island has the status of a nature reserve, which means that this island can only be used as an object of research and education. This status was issued to protect the diversity of flora and fauna in it, as well as to maintain a sustainable ecosystem.
Even so, many parties are working hard to rehabilitate this area so that the function of the nature reserve can recover optimally. Therefore, commercial activities such as the construction of tourist attractions or housing are strictly limited on Sempu Island.
2. Tourists are Prohibited from Entering Sempu Island
Although in recent years Sempu Island has often been used as a tourist attraction, now this island is prohibited for tourists to visit, except for research or education purposes.
Any attempt to cross the sea to this island without permission will be stopped by Forest Police Unit (SPOR) officers who carry out routine patrols around the area.
Tourists who are determined will be stopped and asked to return with the boat they are using, in addition they will also be given socialization about the importance of maintaining the existence of Sempu Island as a nature reserve.
3. Keeping More than 30 Species of Birds
Sempu Island is home to more than 30 species of birds, including several rare species. The bird watching team from BBKSDA and ProFauna Indonesia found various species of birds breeding in this area, including the Bido Serpent Eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, White-bellied Kangkareng, and Golden Hornbill.
These birds live in their natural habitat and contribute to the biodiversity of Sempu Island which is very important for the local ecosystem.
4. Still Inhabited by Javan Leopards
The presence of Javan Leopards on Sempu Island adds to the attraction of this island as one of the areas that still has extraordinary fauna wealth. Although its presence has never been clearly recorded by camera, local people and officers have seen signs of the presence of this big cat.
The Javan Leopard was first discovered in 1996, and until 2013, there were still reports of the discovery of Javan Leopards on Sempu Island, which is a rare and endangered species.
5. Already Implemented a Smart Patrol System
To protect the biodiversity of Sempu Island and prevent poaching, the Forest Police Unit in collaboration with the Forest Police Partner Community (MMP) has implemented a “smart patrol” system.
This system aims to monitor the nature reserve area more effectively. Patrol officers will monitor poaching-prone areas and use technology to record data on the presence of animals, animal sounds, and signs of illegal activity.
The collected data will be entered into a database for further monitoring and decision-making in conservation.
6. Sempu Island Has a Very Diverse Ecosystem
Sempu Island has a very rich and diverse ecosystem, ranging from tropical forests, beaches, to exotic lagoons. One of the most famous areas is Segara Anakan, a lagoon located on Sempu Island.
This place is surrounded by cliffs and lush trees, creating a very calm and peaceful atmosphere. The biodiversity on Sempu Island supports various lives, including various species of plants and animals that are rarely found elsewhere.
7. Visitors Can Witness the Beauty of Segara Anakan
Segara Anakan is one of the famous spots on Sempu Island that offers stunning views. The lagoon surrounded by steep cliffs can be reached by a fairly tiring hike, but once there, visitors will be greeted with a panorama of clear sea water and surrounded by nature that is still very natural.
This place is a popular location among researchers and nature photographers because of its very exotic natural beauty.
8. Sempu Island is Surrounded by a Clean Sea
The sea surrounding Sempu Island is known to be very clean and clear, home to various types of fish, coral reefs, and other marine biota. The well-maintained sea conditions make Sempu Island a very important area for the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.
In addition, the existence of a clean and pollution-free sea is also one of the reasons why this island is prohibited from being used as a mass tourism location.
9. There are Various Types of Endemic Plants
Sempu Island is not only famous for its rare fauna, but also for the existence of various types of endemic plants that can only be found on this island.
The diversity of plants on Sempu Island is very important for the balance of the local ecosystem, which supports the life of the existing fauna. Several types of rare plants on this island are also protected because of their important role in maintaining soil fertility and biodiversity.
10. Supporting Nature Conservation Education and Research
As a nature reserve area, Sempu Island has an important role in supporting research and education in the field of nature conservation.
Various conservation institutions and organizations work on the island to conduct research on tropical ecosystems, flora and fauna, and nature protection strategies.
Sempu Island provides an opportunity for scientists and researchers to study natural ecosystems that are still pristine and undisturbed by human activities.
Sempu Island is not only a beautiful island, but also an area rich in biodiversity and is very important for nature conservation.
Its extraordinary natural beauty, coupled with the diversity of animals and plants, makes Sempu Island one of the most valuable nature reserves in Indonesia.
With its protected status, Goa Cina Beach must be maintained so that it remains sustainable, so that future generations can also enjoy the beauty and natural wealth it has.