“Those who protect and save other animals lead the way in protecting and saving humanity and earth.” – Anthony Douglas Williams

Wildlife conservation sometimes seems so strict for some people. Outsiders ever say, “What’s the importance of conservation? They care more about the animals than the efforts of the local people to live.” Others said, “Why should we protect wild animals that are often even harmful to us, to our plantation or to our cattle?” They are cons to conservation because they think that conservation is only about protecting wildlife.  

On another side, some of the hardly-environmentalist said that “Nature doesn’t need people. People need Nature.” This statement makes conservation seem even more contradictory to human life. 

But Little Fireface Project has successfully proved that both perceptions are 100% wrong. This project has shown me that conservation is about both – the local as the protectors at the frontier line of conservation and the wildlife and wildland that gives them life and identity. LFP showed me that conservation is for everyone. 

So, here is how it goes…

June 15th, 2021 was my first day at LFP. I felt very well welcomed by LFP teams, and it made me so excited for this project. They were so friendly, kind, and funny. They told me about some research and community-based conservation programs that I can join, such as Nature Club for children, agroforestry, coffee program, and the most common activity: observing the behaviour of slow lorises.

I heard that night observation was the most boring thing in LFP. But luckily, my first night observation just amazed me. I could not stop saying, “Woah, this is just amazing.” I saw the stars scattered beautifully in the sky, plus the full moon and city lights with majestic mountain background in a fiercely cold night. Sometimes, I get bonus distractions from ‘invisible beings.’ Haha, truly a legendary experience that may only happen once in my lifetime.

From the night observation too, I learned to observe primate behaviour for the first time. It was amazing to know that slow lorises have different unique behaviours. For example, Tereh runs very fast, Ombe’s movement is unpredictable, Zippy does not get bored being in a small area, and various other slow lorises with their own unique character. They are just too cute. No wonder why they are critically endangered because indeed many people want to keep it as a pet (but please don’t).

But, it was more than just about the slow lorises.

Night observations often broke the silence in the village because sometimes we passed by with the loud sound of old motorbikes, barking the sound of local dogs. Yeah, we always made noise in the middle of the night. But I am always amazed that the local people were so tolerant; they never scolded us for being disturbed. During the day, when we met them, they were very warm and welcoming. They gave everyone at the field station a special call, “Bule” (the Indonesian way to call foreigners) even though some are Indonesian nationals.  

One day, when I went sleep site with Bang Rahmat, I chatted with some of the farmers there. They said they like us because we are so kind and open to them. They felt that the establishment of loris conservation, LFP, has made their village more colourful. A villager told me that the people from Rumah Hijau field station were very generous and helped their farm. And they were thankful for our presence.

It amazes me, even more, when I visit Amank’s house, a wood carving artist. He created many great works, from small ones such as lorises bracelets, straws to large statues. He told how the existence of LFP had improved his well-being, mainly because his work can go worldwide. It’s amazing to know that the beneficiaries of conservation projects are not only the farmers or the people who are directly involved but also the artists.

This project then inspired me even more about conservation, which successfully goes hand in hand with local welfare besides protecting endangered species.

Finding the right quote

Being a volunteer for Little Fireface Project was not just about studying wildlife, getting new experiences, new relations, but more than that, it was my spiritual journey. Finding the essentials of conservation and found my passion there was like finding myself. And knowing conservation can benefit a lot of people is a bonus that will make me fight to be a conservationist, to come to peace in this world. And I am forever thankful for this experience.

I think this is the right quote “Conservation needs People. People need Conservation”.

To the Indonesian Project Lead and Research Coordinator Katey, the most tolerance one; Kak Tungga as a very cheerful Field Station Coordinator; Kak Esther the kind and helpful one; the super kind Kak Maul; and a heavy worker, Bang Nabil; you guys have made me believe in my stereotype of conservation people: selfless, fun, and strong!

And for all the lorises, we love you and care about you – more than ourselves, sometimes 😊 so please stay alive and breed more.