Sarilani Wirawan, assistant course manager at the Rare Pride training program in Indonesia, writes about a conservation parade and festival that took place during Agus Wiyono’s Pride campaign in East Java, Indonesia.

What was initially planned to be a school student carnival turned out to be a celebration by many people! Just like most of the places in Indonesia, Independence Day (Aug 17th) is always celebrated by a children’s carnival, wearing colorful and beautiful costumes and outfits, and marching along the road. For Agus Wiyono and his team from Kaliandra Foundation, this is the time to encourage the community living near the R. Soerjo Great Park Forest to celebrate life, biodiversity, and the future.  Discussions with local schools and handing out fact sheets about the campaign’s key messages resulted in a carnival for the community. The event was organized by the community with support from Agus and team. The theme for the carnival was: Celebrating Independence Day by embracing Education, Culture, and Biodiversity.

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The Javan Leopard and Javan Langur entertain the crowd. (photo: Djuna Ivereigh) 

On August 25, 2007 more than 100 people living in Gamoh sub-village (Dayurejo Village) participated, from children to senior citizens. Mothers had helped their girls and boys to put the carnival outfits and costumes.  From early morning, youth were dressed up as illegal logging mafia look-a-likes, forest guards, religious leaders, and in other cultural costumes. All of the participants marched along the village main road, and in the intersection where people gathered to watch, most of the group perform short theatrical episodes narrated by the group spokesperson.

The performance was filled with information and also with humor. One group performed a skit acting as irresponsible charcoal makers that burned the forest.  They showed the social impact from forest destruction, as well as how forest rehabilitation can save the forest. One group created a miniature replica of the Arjuno and Ringgit Mountains (situated within the great park forest) and the biodiversity richness of the area. To add to the fun, the campaign mascot the javan leopard (Panthera pardus) also participated in the parade accompanied by the javan langur (Trachypithecus auratus).

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Actors perform a skit about forest destruction. (Photo: Djuna Ivereigh)

This was not a usual parade but was a parade to celebrate life and beyond …. 

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