RRI.CO.ID, Bangka Belitung - Gunung Maras National Park strengthens its commitment to preserving biodiversity and the ecosystem of the conservation area in commemorating a decade since its designation as a national park in July 2026. That momentum serves as a step to enhance collaboration in preserving the area, which is a habitat for endemic wildlife and a lifeline for the community in the Bangka Belitung Islands Province.

The Head of the Natural Resource Conservation Office of South Sumatra (KSDA), Daniwari Widiyanto, stated that the 10-year anniversary of Gunung Maras National Park (TN) is a significant milestone in maintaining the sustainability of the area's ecosystem from various threats of damage.

"The collaboration between the government and local communities can be further enhanced so that the preservation of endemic wildlife and the potential for natural tourism in this area can be maintained for future generations," Daniwari said in a written statement, Monday, July 27, 2026.

The one-decade anniversary of Gunung Maras National Park carries the theme "Preserving the Biodiversity of Bangka." The event included monitoring of climbing activities, socialization and education for visitors, as well as the distribution of merchandise as appreciation for the first 10 visitors who followed the climbing rules diligently.

TN Gunung Maras is one of the 11 conservation areas managed by the South Sumatra KSDA Office under the Ministry of Forestry. This area is located in Bangka Regency and West Bangka Regency, with the nearest access thru Dalil Village, which is about 90 kilometers from Pangkalpinang City.

This conservation area has a variety of ecosystems, ranging from mangroves, mountains, to lowlands that form a unified landscape. Mount Maras is also a natural tourism and hiking destination because it is the highest peak on Bangka Island, with an elevation of 710 meters above sea level, known as the "Roof of Bangka Belitung."

In addition to its ecological value, TN Gunung Maras serves as a habitat for several endemic animals of Bangka Belitung, such as the Bangka slow loris (Nycticebus bancanus) and the Bangka tarsier (Cephalopachus bancanus). This area also holds potential for nature tourism in the form of Berbura Waterfall, Bidadari Waterfall, and Seven-Tiered Waterfall.

Thru this decade-long momentum, the South Sumatra KSDA Office invites the community and all stakeholders to jointly preserve the sustainability of Mount Maras National Park. Efforts to protect conservation areas are deemed important to ensure the sustainability of ecological functions, biodiversity, and the benefits of the area for future generations.