The Kelempiau Statue at Kelempiau Park, Tapang Sambas: A Call to Action

The Kelempiau statue is playing the sape at Kelempiau Park, Tapang Sambas, West Kalimantan. Photo: The author.

SEKADAU - BORNEOTRAVEL: On a weathered stump, a kelempiau (gibbon) sits. It appears lost in thought. Its slender fingers dance across the strings of a sape. 

The instrument produces a haunting melody. This melody is a lament that echoes through the trees. The sound resembles a Requiem for the forest.

A gibbon is a type of primate that belongs to the Hylobatidae family. They are known for their loud calls, ability to swing gracefully from branch to branch, and slender body shape. Gibbons typically inhabit tropical forests in Southeast Asia and are highly social, often seen in groups with their family members.

A Symbol of heritage and urgency

This striking scene greets you at the entrance of Kelempiau Park, a natural conservation area in Keling Kumang Forest, Tapang Sambas, Sekadau, West Kalimantan. 

Towering before you is the majestic Kelempiau statue, a monumental work of art. It represents not just beauty, but also a vital symbol of local culture and endangered wildlife.

The gibbon, known for its loud calls, now faces extinction. The statue serves as a reminder of our fragile biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation efforts. Joji, the gibbon across the artificial river, seems to welcome every visitor with a cheerful call.

A Community effort for conservation

According to Munaldus, one of the founders of Keling Kumang Forest, this conservation area aims to protect ancestral heritage. There were plans to sell it to a palm oil company, but preservation efforts turned the tide. Long ago, when gibbons thrived, this forest was named after them.

Now that they are scarce, the meaning of the statue becomes clear: it’s just a statue without dedicated conservation. The Kelempiau statue is not merely art; it embodies strength and courage, reminding us of an integral part of the ecosystem. Sadly, their numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss and poaching.

In Tapang Sambas, only one or two gibbons remain. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for conservation action. The statue stands as a visual plea for help. The CU Keling Kumang Movement has emerged as a champion of preservation, collaborating with local communities and authorities to protect gibbons and their habitats.

By raising awareness about the importance of conservation, they empower locals to get involved. Workshops and outreach programs emphasize the value of biodiversity. The Kelempiau statue is more than a work of art; it’s a crucial symbol of threatened heritage.

With support from CU Keling Kumang, conservation efforts aim to save this species from extinction. The statue reminds us of our responsibility to protect nature for future generations. 

The official opening of Kelempiau Park took place on December 14, 2019. It was inaugurated by Sekadau’s Regent, Rupinus. This event showcases a strong commitment to environmental preservation. 

The park serves as a green oasis designed to protect local species. The gibbon is a particular focus of this effort. 

A plaque at the statue commemorates the dedication of activists and community members. It reminds us that if we can protect the gibbon, we can protect ourselves, too.

- Apai Deraman