BTN Investigate International Journal Of Research Results On Mount Tambora

Head of Tambora National Park Office, Abdul Azis Bakry. BETWEEN/Ady Ardiansah.

The DOMPU - Tambora National Park Center (TN), West Nusa Tenggara, is currently investigating a number of international scientific publications that are thought to have come from illegal research by foreign researchers in the conservation area of Mount Tambora, Sumbawa Island.

Head of the Tambora TN Center Abdul Azis Bakry said that his party is currently verifying and validating various international journals that include research results in the Tambora area.

"Our team is currently investigating and verifying international scientific journals in circulation. If research is found to be carried out without permission, we will coordinate with relevant agencies to follow up," he said in Dompu, quoted from Antara, Thursday, October 30.

According to Azis, the alleged illegal research activity by foreign parties originated from reports and complaints from the community around the conservation area.

"According to public recognition, illegal activities have been going on for a long time, although some have been done in recent years," he said.

Following up on the report, the joint Smart Patrol team closed unofficial entry routes in the Oi Bura and Pasar Minggu areas, Pekat Village, which foreign researchers and tourists often use without permission.

"After confirmation, the route turned out to be outside the Tambora TN area, but headed directly to the core area of the national park, making it difficult for officers to detect," explained Azis.

The team also found an inn in Oi Bura managed by foreigners, allegedly facilitating its guests to enter through illegal channels. The inn manager has been warned and willing to close the access and direct guests through official doors.

"Foreign researchers are required to have official permission from the Ministry. Taking specimens without permission is a violation of the law and a form of theft of genetic resources," he said.

He added that Balai TN Tambora will continue to match official visitor data with scientific publications on the internet to identify potential illegal activities that harm the state.