Way Kambas: Lampung's Sanctuary for Sumatra's Big Five

RRI.CO.ID, Lampung - Way Kambas National Park spans 125,621.30 hectares across Indonesia's Lampung Province. The park is managed by the Way Kambas National Park Center under the Ministry of Forestry.

Its conservation history dates back to 1936, when Lampung's Dutch Resident first protected the area. A formal Dutch colonial decree followed on January 26, 1937.

The area gained national park status on April 1, 1989, during National Conservation Week in Yogyakarta. It was reaffirmed as Way Kambas National Park through a further ministerial decree in 1991.

Way Kambas was originally established to protect a wildlife-rich landscape, including tapirs and Sumatran elephants. Six primate species, sambar deer, muntjac deer, Sumatran tigers, and sun bears also called the area home.

The park today shelters some of Indonesia's most endangered species, including the Sumatran rhino, elephant, and tiger. Together, they form part of what conservationists call Sumatra's "big five" mammals.

Way Kambas also hosts Indonesia's first elephant training center, established within the park in 1985. The center remains a major draw for visitors interested in wildlife education and conservation.

Beyond its elephant program, the park maintains a dedicated Sumatran rhino sanctuary. Its mangrove ecosystem also remains relatively well preserved compared to many other coastal areas.

Geographically, the park stretches across East Lampung and Central Lampung regencies. Its terrain ranges from flat to gently undulating, sitting between sea level and 50 meters above it.

With average rainfall around 3,000 millimeters and temperatures between 16 and 32 degrees Celsius, Way Kambas remains one of Lampung's most significant conservation and tourism destinations.