Stories from Tanjung Rusa: A Small Village with a Big Spirit for Conservation and Global Health

In July 2026, Tanjung Rusa Village in Membalong District, Belitung, became a living classroom through the Field Course in Conservation and Global Health at the Human-Environment Interface. For 18 days, this small coastal village welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds i.e., local students, international students, lecturers, and young researchers, to learn directly about ecology, global health, and the ways humans interact with wildlife. Batu Rusa Beach, the main site of the program, was not only beautiful but also home to mangrove ecosystems and lowland forests that shelter unique primates such as the Tarsier, Long-tailed Macaque, and Silvered Langur. The presence of participants brought new energy to the village: field lectures by the shore, wildlife observation in their natural habitats, and warm discussions with the community.

POKDARWIS Rusa Putih played an active role as host, guiding participants to explore the area, sharing stories of community-based conservation, and showing how a village can stand at the frontline of protecting nature. The interactive education program at SDN 17 Membalong, where children joined in classes and mangrove planting, became a tangible example of conservation spirit growing from the grassroots.

All of this was made possible through cross-sector collaboration. The Indonesian Primate Foundation (YSPI) as the main organizer partnered with local groups such as POKDARWIS Rusa Putih, supported by academic institutions including the University of Washington, Central Oregon Community College, and IPB University. The presence of academics, students, and the local community turned Tanjung Rusa into a shared learning space rich in perspectives and inspiration.

Throughout the program, a sense of togetherness was ever-present. Participants learned, the community shared, and nature itself became the classroom.The story of Tanjung Rusa shows that a small village can carry a big spirit. Through collaboration with academics and international institutions, POKDARWIS Rusa Putih has proven that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife, but also about building a healthy and sustainable future together. Today, Tanjung Rusa is no longer just a point on the map, it has become a symbol of how local communities can inspire the world.