JGM event reminds all to care for Jakarta's wetlands

Ani Suswantoro, Contributor The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Wetlands are natural areas that occur between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in which water covers the soil or is present near the surface all year round or during certain periods of time.

Wetlands spread from montane to coastal areas, and possess a rich and unique ecosystem with vital functions, but sometimes their invisible values are not revered. Wetlands possess value as an alternative source of income for local people, as a recreational site and a natural laboratory, and as a source of water. They are also key areas for the prevention of floods.

The survival of wetlands in Indonesia is facing serious threats from uncontrolled logging, coastal reclamation, infrastructure development, pollution and the encroachment of non-indigenous species. Poor understanding among the public as well as government officials of the benefits wetlands provide have contributed to their rapid destruction.

Jakarta needs its wetlands to maintain a healthy, sustainable life in the capital. Jakarta Green Monster (JGM), a non-governmental organization focusing on wetlands conservation, commemorated World Wetlands Day on Feb. 2 to raise people's awareness on the unique ecosystem.

Themed "Healthy Wetlands, Healthy People", the event was held at the Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve in North Jakarta, and involved a photography competition for the public, as well as a feature writing contest for senior high schools, waste recycling contest for junior high school students and a drawing contest for elementary school students. The waste recycling category saw the largest number of entrants at about 40 students, while the others drew 35 entries together.

"The contest for waste recycling, which is crucial in environmental protection, is open to groups of three," explained a committee member at the event. "Writing is a very powerful way to convey our ideas on wetlands conservation campaign. Pictures are self-explanatory in presenting facts, and drawing is an interesting activity for children. These are why we chose these kinds of competitions."

"The Mangrove Forest is My Playground" was the theme of the drawing contest.

"I just know this reserve is a nice place to play," said Abdurrahman, the first-place winner from state elementary school SDN Kapuk Muara Pagi.

"But it's a pity that we must obtain a permit to visit," his mother added.

The second-place winner was Dwi Yuniarwati from SD Ragunan 10 Pagi, and Ea Syifa from SD Ragunan 7 Pagi placed third.

"I didn't win, but I still like playing here," said Aditya, a drawing contestant.

In feature writing, Ozora Kharunia from LabSchool Kebayoran placed first, Herdiman Harianto from Tarakanita 2 in Pluit, North Jakarta, came second, and Khusnul Khotimah from YMIK I Manggarai of South Jakarta placed third.

Meanwhile, the waste recycling contest, conducted under a shady pidada tree (Sonnieratia caseolaris) was the most hectic of the day. All students were busy making their recycled creations, such as a water purifier made of plastic jerry cans filled with gravel, sugar palm fibers and sand, bookcases of instant noodle cartons and even toy robots from water bottles and biscuit tins.

The eventual winners were Mitzy, Vania Chinka and Irwan Surya from Santa Maria junior high school in Juanda with their unique creation: a water wheel made from an old bicycle tire and discarded cans.

Chesa Razky, Shella Syahira and Achmad Bima from Global Islamic School, Condet, were in second place with recycled paper made from shredded newspapers. Nurul, Rubi and Rahmah from Bogor's Insan Kamil junior high school took third place with pencil cases and accessories made from water bottles and instant noodle wrappers.

Originality, usefulness and usage of only waste materials were the criteria for winning.

The XS Project and the Dipepi Free Food Gang, two environmental community service groups, also took part in the event. The XS Project exhibited and sold their popular shopping bags, pencil cases and handbags made of plastic waste from Rp 35,000-80,000 each. The items are created and assembled by orphans and scavengers.

Meanwhile, Dipepi shared their ideas and tips on publishing opinion pieces.

"We don't need to contact a publisher to express our views on the environment, social or political matters. We can issue our own (publication) by reproducing our writing. We just require a little money for photocopying expenses," said Ika of Dipepi.

The enthusiasm of youths involved in the event was an encouraging sign for the future of Jakarta's wetlands.

"Environmental issues are included in the curriculums of many senior high schools, such as Tarakanita 3 and Manggarai in Jakarta, Bogor's Pertiwi Elementary School and several schools in Ciawi," said JGM coordinator Enny Sudarmonowati.

"Jakarta Green Monster is also very active in promoting wetlands conservation in Jakarta, specifically in Muara Angke Wildlife Reserve through radio stations like Suara Metro, Delta FM and Utan Kayu. As for publications, we expose Angke in the inflight magazines of Garuda and Batavia (airlines)," she added.