|
Taka Bonerate is a Bugis's name that somewhat has a meaning " Coral pile up on
sand". It is well-known as the largest atoll in Southeast Asia. An un-continous
ring of the atoll forms a complex of small sand islands distributing in the
Flores Sea which is geographically located between 1200055' - 121000'E and
6022' - 704'S.
An existence of the atoll is main consideration of the government to
declare Taka Bonerate as a marine national park in 1992 by the Decree of
Ministry of Forestry. Of twenty one islands, only are seven islands inhabited
by Bajau and Bugis Ethnics. Most of islands have characteristics of white-sand
dominated by coconut trees, flat topography ( 0-3 % slopes ) with altitude
maximum 2 metres above sea level, and size of the islands from 500 m to 1000 m
wide and from 1000 m to 1500 m wide and from 1000 m to 1500 m long. There are
no rivers or springs in all islands. Climate is being influence by west and
east monsoon. West monson occurs from December to March, and east monsoon
appears from July to September. Period between these two monsoons is called "Pancaroba"
( between monsoons ). Temperature starts declining from May to August, and
raising from september to December. These characteristics may be construct a
drastic content of minimum fresh water in the islands.
There are 5.087 local people living in enclave of the national park
distributed in 7 islands, namely Latondu ( 834 ), Rajuni kecil ( 1113 ),
Rajuni Besar ( 400 ), Tarupa ( 944 ), Jinato ( 1097 ), Pasitallu Tengah ( 679
), and Pasitallu Timur ( 527 ). Approximately fifty percent is Bajau Ethnic,
45 % is Bugis Ethnic and the remainder comes from Muna, Buton and Palue.
For years, inhabitants have got a living through cultivating marine natural
resources of various fish species such as Coral Grouper ( Cephalopholis
miniata ) and Giant Grouper ( Epinephelus lanceolatus ) catched traditionally
byhand lines. Still, some of them coperated with outsider fishermen conduct
illegal fish harvests using of bomb and poison.
Point of interest on Taka Bonerate National Park
A Major value of the national park is an exiting of the largest atoll in
Southeast Asia covering 220.000 ha where various coral reefs associate with
many species of fishes, molluscs, turtles and echinoderms surrounding the
atoll. A phenomenon of the atoll ceates a remarkable surface and shallow water
scenery over the park. Visitors on the boat can enjoy distinctive color
indicating clean and clear water, and thriving coral reef construction. We
believe that the richness of marine nature biodiversity will encourage anyone
who come in to the national park.
You can visit some places like Lantigiang, Sepe, and Bongko Islands
designed for tourism activities such as diving and snorkeling. you can also
visit some places like Gantarang, Lamungan, and Subu to see local fishermen
who catch coral fishes by hand lines. Fishermen will spent hours solely on
simple wooden boats. |
