Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra


Publications

Contributing Environmental Factors of Habitat Suitability for the Great Argus (Argusianus argus) in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

2026 — Article — WHEC11583FE4A

A study modeling the habitat suitability of the great argus (Argusianus argus) in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia, revealed that primary forests located far from human disturbances and with lower rainfall levels are critical for its survival. Using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm, researchers analyzed environmental variables such as elevation, slope, distance to rivers, and land cover, combined with field survey data. The model achieved high predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.846), identifying distance to roads, rainfall intensity, and primary forest presence as key factors influencing the species' distribution. These findings highlight the urgency of conserving undisturbed primary forests and mitigating road impacts to protect this vulnerable species and preserve the ecological integrity of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park.

Function and effectiveness of Management of the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Indonesia

2023 — Article — WHEED46C1F136

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) demonstrated exceptional management effectiveness, achieving a 77% score during the 2015-2019 strategic planning period. This performance surpassed the minimum target of 70%, set by Indonesia's Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, highlighting its outstanding conservation success. The study employed a literature review and the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tools (METT) method to assess BBSNP's functional status and management effectiveness. As part of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, the park likely benefits from intensive management strategies aimed at preserving its unique ecological value. The findings underscore the critical role of strong leadership and cross-sectoral support in maintaining high conservation standards and optimizing the park's functions according to its vision and objectives.

Geothermal Exploitation in a World Heritage Site: A Case Study of Gunung Leuser National Park

2021 — Article — WHE81BCE360CB

Geothermal exploitation within the core zone of Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) poses a significant threat to the international recognition of the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite legal provisions such as Act No. 21/2014 aiming to facilitate geothermal energy development, this study reveals that such exploitation is legally unjustifiable within GLNP's core zone and could compromise TRHS's heritage status. The research employs normative legal analysis using secondary data, including primary and secondary legal materials, to assess the potential impacts of geothermal power plant activities on conservation interests and heritage recognition.

Keanekaragaman Hayati Flora dan Fauna di Kawasan Taman Nasional Bukit Barisan Selatan (TNBBS) Resort Merpas Bintuhan Kabupaten Kaur

2021 — Article — WHEF13B83BB01

A rich biodiversity of flora and fauna was documented in the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS), part of the UNESCO-listed Sumatra Tropical Rainforest Heritage Cluster. The study, conducted in April–May 2020, identified diverse species of mammals, birds, and plants, highlighting TNBBS's strategic role in biodiversity conservation. This national park, recognized for its endemic, rare, and protected species, contributes significantly to the global understanding of tropical rainforest ecosystems. The findings underscore the importance of TNBBS as a critical site for preserving biological diversity within Sumatra's mountainous rainforests.

Vegetation cover analysis and ecotourism business model for sustainable forest management in Gunung Leuser National Park, Indonesia

2021 — Conference paper — WHEE7EFD245A3

Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP), part of Sumatra's UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage, retains significant vegetation cover despite threats from illegal logging, encroachment, and oil palm expansion. Analysis using the Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI) revealed that 58.7% of GLNP remains densely vegetated (classes 4 and 5). The study also proposed a Social Enterprise - Business Model Canvas (SE-BMC) to enhance ecotourism management by fostering collaboration with local communities and stakeholders, aiming for sustainable forest conservation.

Planning to remove UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sumatra from being ‘In Danger’

2020 — Article — WHED4383E137B

A critical analysis of threats to the Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (TRHS), a UNESCO World Heritage Site 'in danger' since 2011, identifies road infrastructure development as the primary anthropogenic threat. The study proposes three urgent actions: establishing an inter-ministerial body to coordinate conservation efforts and mitigate road impacts; improving Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) through standardized training programs; and elevating existing regulations to a presidential-level policy to ensure consistency across sectors. These measures aim to address the fragmentation of protected areas, which endangers 85% of Sumatran orangutans, 65% of tigers, and other keystone species. The TRHS spans three national parks (Bukit Barisan Selatan, Kerinci Seblat, and Gunung Leuser) covering over 2.5 million hectares, with corrective actions requiring cross-agency collaboration to align subnational developments with central policies.

Mitigasi Bencana Banjir Kawasan Wisata Berkelanjutan (Studi Kasus: Bukit Lawang, Kecamatan Bahorok, Kabupaten Langkat)

2019 — Conference paper — WHE26F695E4CB

A combination of structural and non-structural flood mitigation strategies can transform Bukit Lawang, part of the UNESCO-listed Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra, into a sustainable tourist destination. The study, based on field surveys, literature reviews, and case analyses, found that while structural measures—such as infrastructure improvements—are effective, their impact is maximized when paired with non-structural approaches like early warning systems and community preparedness. This dual approach not only reduces flood risks but also preserves the site's ecological and cultural integrity, ensuring its long-term viability as both a conservation area and a tourist attraction.

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