Lorentz National Park, Papua Indonesia

A. Overview

Lorentz National Park is a park located in the Provinces of Papua and West Papua, Indonesia. This region is the original status as nature reserves, but along with the issuance decree. Minister of Agriculture. 44/Kpts/Um/I/1978, the area is designated as a national park covering 2.15 million hectares. In 1997 Lorentz National Park was expanded to 2,505,600 hectares, according to the Ministry of Forestry Decree No. 154/kpts-II/1997. In 1999, the forestry minister Lorentz National Park was approved to be one of three world heritage sites in Indonesia, after the National Park Komodo and Ujung Kulon National Park (Banten province).

Location of the Lorentz National Park which stretches from the summit of Mount Jayawijaya (5.030m asl) is covered with snow, to the coastal waters with mangrove forests, making this region has a representative complete ecosystem for biodiversity in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In the stretch, there are ecological spectrum of stunning alpine vegetation region, sub-alpine, montane, Location of Lorentz National Park which stretches from the summit of Mount Jayawijaya (5.030m asl) is covered with snow, to the coastal waters with mangrove forests, making this region have a representative complete ecosystem for biodiversity in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In the stretch, there are ecological spectrum of stunning alpine vegetation region, sub-alpine, montane, sub-montane, lowland, and wetlands.

B. Feature

Most of this area is virgin forest which has a variety of visual beauty of nature. Starting from the mangrove and palm forests are located in coastal areas, to the virgin forests in the zone of sub-alpine ecosystems and alpine. Mangrove and palm forests, located on the south side of Lorentz National Park has the roots of mangroves are arranged neatly on the surface of the sea. The roots of this, it was as a decorative edge Most of this area is virgin forest which has a variety of visual beauty of nature. Starting from the mangrove and palm forests are located in coastal areas, to the virgin forests in the zone of sub-alpine ecosystems and alpine. Mangrove and palm forests, located on the south side of Lorentz National Park has the roots of mangroves are arranged neatly on the surface of the sea. The roots of this, it was as a decoration by the beach that surrounds the Lorentz National Park.

Meanwhile, the western, eastern, and north, filled with lush trees, are interspersed with rivers, both large and small. The flow of this river, in addition to adorn the banks of the mountain, also forms a waterfall at some point in this national park. Most of these rivers, flowing into the earth of Papua, and formed the underground river.

The diversity of flora in this region, followed by a diversity of fauna as well. Presented, in this region there are about 42 species of mammals, most of which are endangered animals, and two of which are new species. Mammals in this area, among others, tree kangaroos, porcupines Irian, water rat, brown wallabies and possum spot. In addition, this region is also inhabited by about 45 species of birds, one of the most famous and rare is paradise. In the meantime, it is estimated there are more than 1,000 species of fish, among them the fish kaloso or popular with the name of Arowana fish.

Besides having a high biodiversity, another uniqueness of Lorentz National Park is the existence of glaciers at the peak of Mount Jayawijaya. In Indonesia, glaciers like these exist only on the Lorentz National Park. Around this Jayawijaya mountain area also, there are three large lakes, Besides having a high biodiversity, another uniqueness of Lorentz National Park is the existence of glaciers at the peak of Mount Jayawijaya. In Indonesia, glaciers like these exist only on the Lorentz National Park. Around this Jayawijaya mountain area also, there are three major lakes, namely Lake Larson, Dyscovery Lake, and Lake Hoguyugu.

Tourists who visit this national park area, not only can enjoy the natural beauty, but also can enjoy cultural tourism. This area, also a shelter Nduga tribe, the tribe of Western Dani, Asmat tribe, tribal Sempan, and Amungme. Cultural community living in this area has existed since around 30,000 years ago.

C. Location

Lorentz National Park itself, administratively covers three districts in Papua province namely, Jayawijaya, Paniai district, and Merauke. While in the western region, is part of the Lorentz National Park itself, administratively covers three districts in Papua province namely, Jayawijaya, Paniai district, and Merauke. While in the western region, is part of the Fak-Fak regency, West Papua, Indonesia.

D. Access

To achieve Lorentz National Park, visitors can use the pilot of the plane toward the northern city of Timika Lorentz National Park is located in the District Paniai. Additionally, using aircraft pioneer, visitors can also fly to the southern part, precisely to Merauke. From this district, visitors can use the ship through the Port of Sawa Erma, and continued with the path to several locations.

E. Ticket Prices

Ticket prices are still in the confirmation. However, for visitors who want visited Lorentz National Park, can call in advance Lorentz National Park, to confirm how to visit this national park area. Lorentz National Park is located on Jl. Raya Abepura, Kotaraja, PO Box 1217, Jayapura, West Papua (tel: 0967-581596).

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Lorentz National Park is not yet available a range of accommodation and support facilities. Tourists visiting the region are advised to bring appropriate camping gear. In addition, visitors are also advised to utilize the facilities provided by nature to rest, such as caves, plains, lakes, and so forth.