Flashback Diary - Visit to Perawang

During my 2024 summer break, I flew to Perawang Indonesia, where I visited the government elephant sanctuary. Initially, I was nervous as I’ve never been up close or made any contact with elephants before. I had not known much about them besides how they looked. However, I decided to visit this sanctuary as I have always loved animals and once this opportunity opened, I couldn’t turn it down.

Day 1
I met the dedicated staff who care for these gentle giants, and they quickly taught me Elephant Etiquette 101: always approach slowly, respect their space, and remember—they're incredibly sensitive, emotionally and physically.

I met five elephants that day, each with their own charm, but one in particular stood out: a teenage elephant named Togar. I got to feed him sweet treats like pineapples and sugarcane, bathe him, and stroll side by side through the sanctuary grounds. He was nearly my height—which was both adorable and surreal—and we connected in a way I didn't think was possible with an elephant.

Day 2
Togar and I spent more time together today, walking deeper into the forest trails. With each step, I felt myself growing more comfortable, more in tune with the rhythm of life in the sanctuary. I really enjoyed walking with him and he followed me wherever, like a giant puppy. I also took a bunch of photos with him!

Day 3
Today I shadowed the sanctuary’s veterinarian, who showed me the ins and outs of elephant healthcare. I watched her perform checkups and explain everything from foot care to their diets and stress signs. It was fascinating—even though I’m no animal science expert, seeing how well these elephants are looked after filled me with comfort and respect for the work being done here.

Day 4
I met the head of the sanctuary, who told me the story behind its founding and the tight-knit community that keeps it running. Hearing how passionate and committed the staff are made me realize this place is more than a sanctuary—it’s a family, and the elephants are at the heart of it all.

Day 5
For my final night, I decided to go all-in and camp near the sanctuary. It was my very first time camping—just me, the crackle of the campfire, and the soft sounds of nature humming in the background. The city felt a world away. As I lay under a sky full of stars, I felt both small and incredibly alive. Just knowing the elephants were nearby made the night feel even more magical.

Day 6
Leaving wasn’t easy. As I said goodbye to the workers and gave Togar one last pat on the trunk, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. This journey had opened my eyes in more ways than I could count. I wasn’t just fond of elephants now—I was devoted.

Back home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to do something more. Initially, I chose to donate to help support the sanctuary, but that didn’t feel like enough. Suddenly, I remembered how the forest was dotted with elephant dung, much of which was just left unused. That sparked an idea—dung paper.

I dove into research about how to turn elephant dung into environmentally friendly paper. A few months later, my idea became real.

What started as a summer trip turned into a personal mission. I can’t wait to return to Perawang and see how much further this journey can go!