On this World Wildlife Conservation Day, let’s celebrate the natural richness of Indonesia, an exceptional land of diversity and life. If you’re considering a journey aboard the Jakare, know that these incredible animals you dream of encountering are also on the endangered species list. To protect this unique natural heritage, Indonesian law has established strict preservation measures, though these species remain vulnerable to threats from poaching, pollution, and climate change.
Komodo Dragons
The Komodo dragons transport every traveler to another time. They evoke a true return to the dinosaur era. Imagine yourself on a beach in Nusa Kode, watching these impressive reptiles, sometimes seen swimming from one island to another or moving slowly with their undulating gait, forked tongue flicking in and out. To observe them up close, we depart early in the morning, around 7 a.m., when these cold-blooded creatures bask in the sun, a perfect time before the crowds arrive. This is an authentic encounter with these mythical creatures, a memory that remains etched long after the journey.
Oceanic Manta Rays
Do you remember your first encounter with a creature that moved you to your core? That moment when time seems to stand still, each detail engraved in your memory? For me, that magical moment happened during my first encounter with a manta ray in Komodo at the Kurang Makassar dive site. A large male stopped in front of me, less than five meters away, and looked me in the eyes as if we shared a moment of mutual understanding. It was an absolute moment of grace. And for you, what will be your magical moment?
Hammerhead Sharks
For Audrey, our cruise director, her moment of grace was her first encounter with a hammerhead shark: “It happened during my first dive at Nusa Laut, in Ambon. Sometimes, we’re lucky enough to spot these magnificent sharks at the Tanjung Amed dive site, but it’s rare. That day, there were four of us, with three guests I was guiding. As we floated over a sandy ridge, we suddenly saw a sleek form. She slowly turned, and there she was facing me, a few meters away, her small, captivating eyes fixed on mine. It was such an intimate encounter; she was incredibly elegant, and her movements were slow, controlled, almost graceful. When she glided between me and the guests before drifting away, my heart leaped—a moment I will never forget!”
Whale Sharks
In the waters of Sulawesi, the peaceful giant of the sea, the whale shark, fascinates with its grandeur and serenity. During certain cruises, we have the chance to see them near the coast, swimming majestically just below the surface. They are naturally drawn to the Bagans, spiderweb-like structures used by nomadic fishermen. In gratitude, the fishermen return part of their catch to the sea, attracting numerous species. On a dive under a Bagan in Sulawesi, we found ourselves surrounded by tuna, dolphins, and a whale shark. One guest, diving for the first time, recalls that day with emotion: “I didn’t know what to expect, but when it appeared beneath me, I felt tiny yet connected to this magnificent being. We swam side by side for a few minutes, a moment suspended in eternity.”
Sea Turtles
For every diver, encountering a sea turtle is a chance, a moment of pure happiness. In Indonesia, turtles like the green and hawksbill turtles are protected but often endangered, threatened by egg collection and plastic pollution. During a dive in Raja Ampat, one of our guides recounted following a green turtle drifting with the current, graceful and free. “She floated above the corals, her flippers moving slowly like wings. At one point, she paused and turned her head towards me, as if inviting me to see the ocean through her eyes.” Personally, I love watching them rest on or under the corals. They watch passing divers from the corner of their eye. If you look into their eyes at that moment and slowly close yours, as we do with cats, the turtle will peacefully go back to sleep, feeling safe. How could we still hunt and consume them?
Dugongs and Indo-Pacific Dolphins
Sometimes, when calm settles at the end of the day, we are lucky enough to glimpse dolphins or even a dugong, a rare and shy marine mammal. Their appearance is a magical and quiet moment, like a blessing. It surfaces to breathe, and onboard the Jakare, we all hold our breath, hoping not to disturb it and that it lingers longer at the surface. “During a sunset, I spotted a dugong swimming gently near the surface. It watched me for a moment, then disappeared underwater with majestic calm. It was a privilege to cross paths, like a secret only the lucky few can share.”
The Hidden Beauty and Essential Species of the Ecosystem
Among the lesser-known but equally vital treasures of Indonesia’s ecosystems are species that, while less famous, play a crucial role in the balance of marine and terrestrial wildlife. In the waters and forests of Indonesia, fascinating species such as the coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae), a rare prehistoric fish, and the Napoleon (Cheilinus undulatus), a species prized for its size and strictly protected, contribute to the delicate balance of nature. The birds of paradise (family Paradisaeidae), with their vibrant plumage, embody the magic of Raja Ampat’s biodiversity.
Other essential species include giant clams (Tridacna gigas, Tridacna hurt, Tridacna maxima) and the fluted giant clam(Tridacna squamosal), which contribute to water filtration and purity. We may also spot coconut crabs (Birgus latro), the world’s largest terrestrial crustacean, and the nautilus (Nautilus Pompillius), whose spiral shell embodies natural symmetry. Marine snails such as the triton trumpet (Charonia tritonis) and the green turban (Turbo marmoratus) also enhance the richness of coral reefs.
Onboard the Jakare, we cherish every encounter with these often-overlooked but magnificent creatures that, together, form a complex and fragile ecosystem. By protecting them, we honor life’s interconnectedness and the subtle beauty hidden beneath the waves and within Indonesia’s wild islands.So, for this World Wildlife Day, join us in celebrating this incredible biodiversity and supporting the preservation of these endangered and protected species. Aboard the Jakare, in partnership with SEA People in Raja Ampat, we actively contribute to the protection of marine and terrestrial species of the archipelago. With you, we ensure that these creatures continue to thrive in their natural habitat, allowing other travelers to one day experience the magic of encountering these protected wild animals.
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