Arsyad, Safeguarding ‘Rugu’ in Manggarai
Arsyad claims to be solely dedicated to the environment. He is not working for an award, but rather for the rescue of the environment in the interest of the earth and the future generation
Arsyad
His name is brief. Arsyad, 45. However, his dedication to the rescue of rugu (Komodo dragons), mangroves and forests in the interior region of East Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has quite a long track record. Everything is done on his own initiative for the sake of environmental conservation in the interest of the coming generations.
Rugu is local people’s word for Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) in East Manggarai. Apart from those at Komodo National Park, the ancient reptiles are also found in East Manggarai and in Nagekeo regency. In Riung Nagekeo, people call komodo dragons mbou.