From Forest to Pelabuhan Ratu, Cicatih Elpala Expedition is a Character Building Event

The Cicatih Elpala expedition managed to complete the journey from the upstream of the Cimelati River to Pelabuhan Ratu (photo: dar edy)

SUKABUMI - The Cicatih Elpala expedition successfully completed the journey from the upstream of the Cimelati River to Pelabuhan Ratu, Sukabumi, West Java. The activity which took place on July 4-10, 2026 was more than just a nature adventure because it presented character education, environmental conservation, and the formation of leadership for the younger generation.

This expedition is an initiative of the Elpala House together with active members of Elpala SMA Negeri 68 Jakarta. For seven days, the participants crossed the tropical rainforest area of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS) before navigating the Cicatih River using rubber boats and canoes until they reached Pelabuhan Ratu.

In addition to exploring nature, participants also documented the entire journey in a documentary. The film is expected to be an educational medium as well as inspire young generations to love nature and maintain its sustainability.

Support from Many Parties

The success of the Cicatih Elpala Expedition is inseparable from the support of various parties. This collaboration allows all series of activities to run safely, orderly, and achieve all the targets that have been planned.

The founders of Elpala, Dar Edi Yoga and Eka Bama Putra, expressed their appreciation to all parties who have provided support. According to them, the success of the expedition is not only measured by the success of reaching the finish line, but also from the learning process experienced by each participant.

"The most valuable thing about an expedition is not only the goal achieved, but the process that is passed. Along the way, participants learn the meaning of togetherness, mutual help, responsibility, and understand that nature teaches many things about life," said Dar Edi Yoga, Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Wanadri also accompanied

One of the supports came from the nature lover organization Wanadri. The organization sent experienced personnel to accompany the excavation of the Cicatih River.

Wanadri also provided two rubber boats and three canoes. These facilities are an important part of maintaining safety during river navigation.

In addition to Wanadri, Boogie also supports the activity by providing three rubber boats. This support strengthens the fleet used by participants during the expedition.

Meanwhile, PMBC (Pickup Mini Bus Community) helps mobilize participants, logistics, and all expedition equipment. This role ensures that the distribution of equipment runs smoothly from preparation to the end of the activity.

Ministry and TNI support

The Ministry of Forestry also supports the implementation of the expedition by granting permission to enter the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park area. This support allows participants to cross one of the important conservation areas on the island of Java.

On the other hand, Korem Surya Kencana also helped the smooth running of the activities since the preparation stage. The support was given until all the expedition series were completed.

Gratitude was also expressed to the Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait. The support provided is considered to contribute to the implementation of these activities.

According to Brigadier General TNI, Rico Ricardo Sirait, activities in the open air have strategic value in shaping the character of the younger generation. Direct experience in the field is able to foster discipline, leadership, cooperation, and concern for the environment.

"The Ministry of Defense supports various positive activities that are able to shape the character of the younger generation and cultivate a sense of patriotism through real experience in the field. Expeditions like this are examples of good collaboration in preparing a strong, character-based, and caring Indonesian generation for the nation, state, and natural sustainability," he said.

Nature as a Learning Space

Dar Edi Yoga said that the expedition participants came from Elpala SMA Negeri 68 Jakarta students who were still in grades XI and XII. According to him, this experience cannot be replaced by learning in the classroom.

"They gain experience that cannot be obtained only through theory. They learn techniques of outdoor activities, travel management, safety, teamwork, leadership, as well as understanding the meaning of brotherhood and patriotism," he said.

He added that nature is a learning space that forms mental toughness as well as skills to face various challenges in life.

"They learn that success is not achieved alone. There is cooperation, concern, and a sense of mutual care. These values are an important resource for their lives," said Dar.

Documentary Film Record of Human Values

The founder of Elpala and director of the documentary film Expedition Cicatih Elpala, Eka Bama Putra, said that the film produced in this expedition not only showcases the beauty of nature. The film also records the process of growing human values during the journey.

According to Bama, nature is a learning space that teaches courage, responsibility, and concern for others and the environment.

"Nature is an amazing learning space. There, one learns to face limitations, hone skills, build brotherhood, and understand the importance of maintaining the environment," he said.

He emphasized that every activity of nature lovers must be carried out with proper preparation. In addition, the participants' ability must also be in accordance with the level of difficulty of the terrain encountered.

"Adventure is not just the courage to set off, but how a person is able to take responsibility for himself, his team, and the environment he explores," he concluded.