Conserving Pangandaran’s Coral Reefs

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Hadiat Kelsaba

The tsunami that ravaged the shoreline of Pangandaran 16 years ago caused damage to coral reefs in the southern waters of West Java. Human behavior further worsened the destruction. Hadiat Kelsaba, 43, and his peers have made up for the damage through coral transplantation.

Pieces of dead coral were collected at the exit of the Region XXI Office of Natural Resources Conservation (KSDA), Pangandaran, on Tuesday (Aug. 9). Most of the bits of coral are the Acropora species, which were left behind by the thieving hands of tourists.

Hadiat is never tired of warning visitors who want to take home corals as souvenirs. The deed is in violation of Law No.5/1990 on the conservation of biological resources and their ecosystem.

Hadiat, commonly called “Encek”, wants tourists to understand about the function of coral reefs and the impact of their destruction.

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“This is part of educating tourists. We explain to visitors that corals serve as protective shelters for fish and other marine organisms. So far, they understand. They return home without taking any coral pieces,” he said.

Encek has become a staff member of the Region XXI KSDA Office of Pangandaran since 2012. His efforts to maintain the ecosystem of coral reefs was undertaken over 15 years ago.

Like most people in coastal regions, the father of two used to work as a fisherman.

His love for corals did not grow overnight. He obtained a diving license from the Indonesian Subaquatic Sport Association (POSSI) in 1995. With the license, Encek was frequently involved in searches for victims of sea accidents. Like most people in coastal regions, the father of two used to work as a fisherman.

To earn extra income, he rents out his boat to tourists on weekends and during holiday seasons. He has become a natural diver, hunting fish by means of a speargun. His sea diving activity makes him familiar with coral reef spots in the Pangandaran sea.

“Every time I see a coral reef, I feel calm. It seems to have its own chemistry,” he pointed out.

In 2005, a number of residents began the transplantation of coral reefs. He joined the activity. At the time, the coral reef area was only 20 to 40 percent of the Pangandaran Nature Reserve’s total sea area of 470 hectares.

This movement was started by the Community for the Care of Pangandaran (KMPP) by transplanting coral seeds using old tires. The seeds were taken from corals around the eastern and western shores of Pangandaran.

The coral transplants are spread over several locations of damaged coral reefs. This attempt was fruitful. The rate of successful growth of corals reached 65 percent.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Hadiat Kelsaba

However, the coral transplantation only lasted for a year. In 2006, the tsunami triggered by a 6.8-magnitude earthquake damaged the corals. The high wave claimed the lives of more than 600 people. The economy of the residents, including Encek and his family, was in trouble for several years.

Perseverance

Despite the devastation of the tsunami, Encek and the other residents did not lose their motivation. Coral reefs became their motivation for post-disaster rehabilitation.

They checked the coral damage at depths between 5 and 20 meters. The old tires were replaced with the spokes of umbrellas. They received post-quake aid from the government.

Periodic evaluations were made. As a result, a number of sea animals, such as groupers and lobsters, began to enjoy a comfortable life around the corals.

But then, another problem arose. Certain fishermen were fishing near the corals using nets. This had the effect of damaging a lot of coral. Fish was again hard to find.

Concrete blocks also offer stronger resistance to sea waves.

Their preservation efforts to improve the marine ecosystem drew the interest of various organizations and donors to cooperate. The result was to use concrete blocks for coral transplantation. This method enables a lot more fish to remain because larger quantities of corals can also be grown. Concrete blocks also offer stronger resistance to sea waves.

Over the last year, Encek and the Community for the Care of Pangandaran Environment (KMPLHP) have transplanted corals intensively. A total of 200 to 300 substrates were grown at a number of spots. “This transplantation has been sourced by several donors. There are also regular programs. This activity should take up a maximum of three months,” he said.

Life support

Despite the continuous restoration, noted Encek, the beauty of the corals in Pangandaran is not as apparent as those in other locations, especially in eastern Indonesia, due to the visibility of the sea water. Sometimes the water is turbid and the vision is unclear.

“If anyone asks where the attractive coral spot (in Pangandaran) is located, my answer is that there is none yet. But for purposes of research and education to view marine biological diversity, this is the right place. The impact of damage can also be noticed here,” Encek said.

For Encek, coral reefs are not limited to marine tourism. More than that, corals are home to fish and other marine biotas on which people rely to make a living.

“Every so often it is not realized that these corals have supported the lives of many people. If they are further ravaged or abandoned by fish, fishermen will certainly run into greater trouble,” he said. The role of fishermen in safeguarding coral conservation is also big. This is done by using environmentally-friendly fishing equipment.

The threat of coral destruction also comes from tourism. Around four million tourists visited Pangandaran in 2021. The large number of visitors has doubled the effects. On one hand, they invigorate the regional economy, but on the other, they also raise the threat of natural ruin.

The lanes for tourist boats have been arranged. Sadly, not all tourism business owners are aware. Consequently, tourist boats frequently sail along shallow waters with coral reefs underneath.

According to Encek, while human activity contributes to coral reef damage, human endeavor can also bring about rehabilitation. Transplantation is one of the methods of coral rehabilitation.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Hadiat Kelsaba

“We may not be able to restore corals to their original condition, only the hands of God are capable of doing it. But there’s every reason for us to work together to make up for the coral damage in order to support the sustainability of the marine ecosystem,” he added.

Hadiat Kelsaba

Born: Rajapolah, Tasikmalaya, 21 November 1978

Wife:Nokta Rini, 43

Children:

- Muhamad Nurhidayat Kelsaba, 24

- Allisa Dwisundari Kelsaba, 22

(This article was translated by Aris Prawira)