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Daun Khatulistiwa at Jikomalamo Beach, Ternate

Terumbu Rupa Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on the efforts to preserve coral reefs in Indonesia. The media are underwater art installations, namely ARTificial Reef. These installations aims to repair the surrounding marine ecosystem due to manmade and natural damaged (bleaching), also to increase the ocean’s tourism potential through the installation’s artistic values.

Terumbu Rupa Foundation was established by an Indonesian artist, Teguh Ostenrik, supported by numerous volunteering divers at each project. There are currently 9 ARTificial Reef spread throughout Indonesia since 2014, including Waha Beach – Wakatobi, Sepa Island – Kepulauan Seribu Jakarta, Bangka Island – North Sulawesi and other locations. In implementing each project, the foundation consults with the local government, Indonesian diving figures, and experts in oceanography and fishery. The foundation also educates the importance of preserving the ocean.

With this spirit, on 27th May 2019, Terumbu Rupa Foundation chose Ternate, North Maluku, as the 9th ARTificial Reef location, which is shaped as a dome with a diameter for 7 m and height of 3,5 m. 

Teguh Ostenrik is known as an artist that loves and has been inspired by the ocean. Most of his work was a result of his concerns for the environment and his respect towards nature. Diving has become an activity Teguh enjoys very much. From it, he was inspired to create an underwater installation, which he then named ARTificial Reef. Under the Terumbu Rupa Foundation, supported by volunteering divers at each project, he worked with many marine biologists and reef enthusiasts in designing sculptures specifically as a media for coral reef growth. After years dwelling underwater, the sculptures were effective because it became habitats and settlements (domus) not only for coral, but also other marine biota.

The 9th ARTificial Reef, which will be named Daun Khatulistiwa or Domus Frosiquilo, was presented at the Artjog art exhibition in 2019 at the Jogja National Museum. It was built from steel structure modules which shape is based on the anatomy of teak leaves (Tectona grandis). Both coral reefs and leaves contribute largely towards life on earth by producing oxygen that we inhale. Indonesia’s geographical location on the equator supports the rich biodiversity. The yearlong temperature within the area reinforce floral fertility on land and coral reeds in the sea. For Teguh, this project is a small effort to initiate art contributing directly towards persevering nature. 

The harmonious collaboration between Terumbu Rupa Foudnation with PT. Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI / Indonesia national shipping company) to revitalize coral reefs is a form of commitment of PT. PELNI in preserving the sustainability of the marine ecosystem. The Chief Director of PT. PELNI, Insan Purwarisya L. Tobing, stated that he hopes these underwater coral reef homes can positively contribute to the marine habitat in Ternate and can preserve more reef life in other areas in Indonesia. All to advance and protect Indonesia’s beautiful underwater ecosystem.

Photo and sources:

Terumbu Rupa Foundation

Yayasan Terumbu Rupa

www.ytr.or.id

www.facebook.com/ytrpage

www.instagram.com/yterumburupa

Various sources.