2nd All About Garuda Yogyakarta

The second “All About Garuda” program was held in Yogyakarta, in collaboration with several institutions such as Yayasan Kanopi Indonesia, Suaka Elang, Hijau, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Yogyakarta, Jakarta Animal Aid Network, Panaruban Raptor Center, Yayasan Pribumi Alam Lestari (YPAL), Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center, and PILI Green Network. Government bodies supporting this program are the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Forestry, and Indonesian Institute of Sciences. Even the His Majesty Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X himself asserted his endorsement on this event. Supporting companies were Chevron Indonesia and Inna Garuda Hotel Yogyakarta.

The event consisted of several activities related to Javan Hawk-eagle conservation, that was:

Environmental Education
RAIN visited several elementary schools in Yogyakarta to have educational sessions on raptor conservation. students were engaged through a modified Snake & Ladder game about ecosystem and food web, coloring competition for the younger students, and puzzle games related to Javan Hawk-eagle and its habitat.

Seminar and Workshop
The events took place on the same day, 28 February 2012, at Wisma Kagama, Gajah Mada University. The theme of the workshop was “Addressing Recent Developments of Raptor Conservation in Indonesia”. It was attended by birdwatchers from Yogyakarta, Semarang, Malang, and Purwokerto. The speakers came from Bandung, Yogyakarta, and another one was an Italian migratory raptor researcher who did some studies in Bali and Sangihe, North Sulawesi.

‘GARUDA, Mitos dan Faktanya’ Book Launch

This is the highlight of the All About Garuda II: launch of ‘GARUDA, Mitos dan Faktanya’ (‘GARUDA, Its Myth and Facts’) which was written by Zaini Rakhman, the chairman of Raptor Indonesia. The book was launched at Inna Garuda Hotel Yogyakarta, and opened by Her Majesty GKR Pembayun, on behalf of His Majesty Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. His Majesty sent regards and message for the people of Yogyakarta not to keep the Javan Hawk-eagle (Nisaetus bartelsi) as pets, to support the government’s effort in conserving the national emblem.

Also on the event was the General Director of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation, the Director of Biodiversity Conservation, and other invited guests.

Raptor Release and Book Distribution

As a part of the event, a Crested Serpent-eagle was released at Sermo Wildlife Refuge, Kulonprogo, which was followed by book distribution to nearby schools. This was a joint program between Raptor Indonesia, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Yogyakarta, and Indonesia Power.