Wiki Cinta Alam Indonesia is a photography competition that aims to document the natural beauty of Indonesia and raise awareness about the importance of nature conservation. The competition is part of the international Wiki Loves Earth initiative. Since 2017, Wikimedia Indonesia has participated in this initiative, collecting thousands of photos that capture Indonesia’s natural richness. In 2024, the competition returns to promote the beauty of the country’s landscapes while drawing attention to endangered species and fragile ecosystems. The photos produced will be valuable resources for educational purposes and environmental campaigns, encouraging the public to recognize the importance of protecting nature.
“I didn’t expect my photo to win. Although I’ve studied audiovisual media since 2008, most of my experience has been in writing, camera work, and video editing. Photography presents unique challenges, especially when capturing the perfect moment. Wiki Loves Earth taught me that a photo doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. It gave me the confidence to share my work with a broader audience.” – Asep Triyatno, competition winner.
“Participating in the Wiki Cinta Alam 2024 photo competition was an amazing and memorable thing for me. I can participate in providing visual data about the beauty and richness of Indonesia’s nature so that we can protect and preserve this beauty. I also learned to explore the richness of Indonesia’s flora and fauna, especially those in my neighborhood.” – Akhmat Haridi, winner of the competition.
Beyond the personal stories of the winners, photographs can serve as powerful reminders of the stories to protect nature. The images below exemplify the connection between visual storytelling and the need for environmental protection.
This photo features the Yaki, or Sulawesi black macaque (Macaca nigra), a species endemic to North Sulawesi. Sadly, its population faces a significant decline due to habitat loss. The photo was taken at the Tangkoko Nature Reserve, one of the last remaining sanctuaries for the Yaki. Known for its expressive black face and distinctive crest, the Yaki is threatened from deforestation, hunting, and conflict with humans.
The Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest and most endangered rhino species in the world. The most vital sanctuary is Way Kambas National Park in Lampung, where conservation efforts are focused on ensuring their survival through carefully managed semi-natural captive breeding programs.
Among the park’s conservation icons is Ratu, a female rhino who has become a beacon of hope for the species. Ratu achieved a monumental milestone by giving birth to two calves in captivity—an extraordinary success that offers a glimmer of hope for the survival of this critically endangered species.
In this photo, Ratu’s gaze meets the camera lens with her sharp eyes, as if conveying a message of resilience and optimism. This portrait is more than just an image, it stands as a powerful symbol of human dedication and hope in safeguarding one of the world’s most precious natural treasures.
Cuscus are marsupial mammals that live in tropical forests. This photo was taken in Bontobahari Forest Park, one of the natural habitats of cuscus in Sulawesi. This photo illustrates the importance of maintaining natural habitats so that species such as cuscus can survive. This animal has dense fur and a prehensile tail that helps it move through the trees. Unfortunately, cuscus are becoming increasingly rare due to deforestation and pet hunting.
Wiki Cinta Alam Indonesia is not just a photography competition, but also a way to make us realize the importance of preserving Indonesia’s natural beauty. Through the lens of the participants, we are reminded that every photo has a deeper meaning, for example, as a reminder to protect endangered species and their habitats. The more visual documentation that is produced, we hope that the awareness to protect nature will expand. The winning photos of the competition can be viewed on Wikimedia Commons. Let’s contribute together to keep this nature sustainable for future generations, whether through photos, stories, or real actions.
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