The Silent Path of Environmental Warriors

Efforts to save the environment from destruction require real action. A number of environmentalists in various parts of the country are fighting for nature sustainability.

KOMPAS/AGUS SUSANTO

Daman, keeper of the Javan langur in the Muara Bendera mangrove forest in Pantai Bahagia Village, Muaragembong District, Bekasi Regency, West Java, Thursday (27/10/2022). Since 2010, Daman has been moved to protect the mangrove forest of Muara Bendera, along with the rampant hunting of Javan langurs.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Moving in silence, a number of individuals and communities across the country are trying to save the environment from damage. Their efforts range from protecting animals from extinction and rehabilitating coastal areas destroyed by pond exploitation, to empowering communities in coastal areas.

Not far from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, Daman (51) has been protecting the Javan Langur (Trachypithecus auratus) in the mangrove forest in Muara Bendera village, Muaragembong district, Bekasi, West Java, for more than a decade. His love for animals makes him brave enough to face hunters with rifles and local residents who harass the monkeys.