Birds, trees, parks and good food in Pondok Indah

Hasyim Widhiarto ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Thu, 01/21/2010 11:19 AM  |  City

Having identified 52 public parks, 26 bird species and a long list of culinary sites within their residential complex, a residential community in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, said they were ready to publish their own Green Map in March this year.

In an interview with The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, head of Pondok Indah Green Community Ricky Lestari said the community had run its Green Map project since last year with the assistance of several eco-based communities, like Jakarta Green Monster, Jakarta Green Map and Bike to Work.

“We have completed a series of surveys to locate all green sites in Pondok Indah complex, including public parks, culinary centers and potential bicycle lanes,” Ricky said.

“We have also identified various species of trees and birds.”

Well-known for its mansions, Pondok Indah has long been a popular residential location for wealthy Indonesians and expatriate residents.

It was the late Ali Sadikin, then the governor in 1970s, who started developing Pondok Indah area as a way to accommodate the increasing number of expatriates in Indonesia.  

In 2007, it was estimated that more than 70 percent of residents in Pondok Indah were expatriates.

Ricky, who has lived in the area since 1983, expected that the community’s Green Map project would attract more Pondok Indah residents, and also nearby communities, to acknowledge and help preserve the green sites there.

“Most Pondok Indah residents, for example, are only familiar with several parks which often house regular activities, like dog training, tai chi exercise or green markets,” the landscape architect said.

“With our upcoming Green Map, we hope they would know more about the other parks and initiate new, fun activities there.”

The first Green Map, made in 2001 by a group of residents, architects and media workers, was in Kemang, South Jakarta.

Ady Kristanto, a birdwatcher from Jakarta Green Monster, said he appreciated the efforts of Pondok Indah residents to run their own Green Map project.

Following the community’s request to survey birds in the area, Ady said he found at least 26 bird species, mostly living in public parks and trees located in residents’ house yards.

Of the figures, three species — blue eared kingfisher, olive-backed sunbird, and pied fantail — are protected by law.

“It seems like many bird species are attracted to Pondok Indah because there are many trees and a river that could provide them with food and shelter,” Ady said.

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