The Mystic Side of “Kampung Bule” CWRC (Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center) in Nyalindung, Sukabumi Regency.

9 min readMar 8, 2024

In this moment, I want to share about the Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center, perhaps from a different perspective that is certainly interesting to discuss.

Stay tuned for an insightful exploration of the Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center, as we delve into a unique viewpoint that promises to captivate your interest.

Photo by Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center

CWRC, or Cikananga Wildlife Rescue Center, is situated in Kampung Cikananga, Cisitu Village, Nyalindung District, Sukabumi Regency. Our journey to this conservation center took approximately 2 hours from Sukabumi City. Operating as a non-profit organization, CWRC is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife native to Indonesia.

The establishment of CWRC was prompted by the alarming trade of protected wildlife, motivating the need for a facility to stimulate and aid in the enforcement of laws against illegal trading. The center also serves as a facilitator for the placement of confiscated animals. This initiative aligns with the implementation of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), which emphasizes each country’s commitment to establishing wildlife rescue centers.

CWRC plays a crucial role in combating the illegal trade of protected species while providing a sanctuary for animals confiscated from such activities. The center stands as a beacon of hope in the ongoing efforts to preserve Indonesia’s diverse and endangered wildlife.

Honestly, upon our initial arrival, we received information from the locals that they affectionately refer to this place as “Bule Village.” Bule Village? I initially thought of expatriates residing in a village — perhaps a common occurrence for me personally. However, my friend perceived it differently. He found the concept intriguing and believed that this place was worth exploring. I decided to join him on the trip to directly survey the location.

On precisely Wednesday, March 31, 2021, adhering to the Covid-19 health protocols to ensure our safety during travel, we set off from Sukabumi city. Taking approximately 2 hours to reach Nyalindung in Sukabumi Regency, the journey was accompanied by the lush beauty of untouched nature and noticeably cooler air. En route, we were treated to the sight of verdant trees, expansive rice fields, horse farms, and the picturesque tea plantations, making our journey immensely enjoyable and soothing to the soul.

Before we knew it, we were approaching our destination, and we decided to take a break at a spot not far from the so-called “Bule Village” to inquire further about the place from the locals. Fueled by curiosity, I asked, “Sir, what activities lead to foreigners residing in this area?” He responded, “Well, young one, this place is called PPSC, and there are many foreigners living there who take care of wildlife.” Wildlife? I inquired further, wondering whether it was for research or if it was a breeding ground. He affirmed that it was indeed a wildlife breeding and conservation center. With this revelation, I realized that what they referred to as “Bule Village” was, in fact, a central location for breeding and conserving wild animals.

Asking for more details about the location, the local resident provided us with directions, although encouraging us to inquire further upon arrival.

Continuing our journey with a bit of urgency, we eventually opted to use Google Maps, estimating that we would reach our destination in approximately 20 minutes. Upon arrival, we approached the security personnel guarding the conservation center. Expressing our intention to cover the place, they kindly escorted us to the office to seek permission from the person in charge.

There, we met Mr. Ono, the responsible individual for the facility. With warmth, he welcomed us inside and hospitably hosted our visit. We explained the purpose of our arrival, and Mr. Ono graciously provided us with a comprehensive overview of the wildlife housed in the sanctuary. He shed light on the challenges faced by the center, reiterating that its primary goal is to protect and serve as a refuge for confiscated wild animals involved in illegal trading.

As mentioned earlier, their presence is extraordinary — a selfless dedication to patriotism. These individuals are unsung heroes, passionate about preserving Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. Their involvement of foreigners in this endeavor aims to foster mutual learning. Local citizens can glean valuable insights on handling and caring for these wild creatures before returning them to their natural habitats. Moreover, some of these animals are not just released but also bred onsite, contributing to the conservation of endangered species.

The participation of foreign nationals in this cause is voluntary, driven by their genuine love and concern for our wildlife. It’s a remarkable collaborative effort to ensure the preservation of these precious species and a testament to their commitment to Indonesia’s natural heritage.

It turns out that before the Covid-19 pandemic, every six months, numerous volunteers and interns from Europe would come to work at the sanctuary. However, due to the pandemic, currently, only three foreigners are present, and they have been residing here for an extended period. These individuals have the required permits, known as KITAS, which are used by expatriates wanting to work or live in Indonesia legally for an extended duration beyond a tourist visa. The current residents are from the UK (United Kingdom) and the Netherlands.

Before I delve into more details, let me share some photos of the animals at the sanctuary.

As the day grew darker and Mr. Ono shared stories in the evening, my curiosity led me to inquire about their experiences working there. I asked, “Sir, is it eerie to work here at night? Have you or other volunteers ever encountered any unusual disturbances while working in this place?” He responded, “Yes. Here, you must be cautious at night as nocturnal reptiles become active, and there are many wandering snakes.” He continued with a note of caution.

I was curious to delve further, “I don’t just mean that, sir. Volunteers must be accustomed to handling reptiles like that, right? What I’m asking about are paranormal experiences. Have you or any volunteers working here ever experienced such things?” With confidence, he replied, “Yes, it has happened. Not only to me but also to several volunteers from foreign countries.” My curiosity intensified, eager to learn more about these occurrences.

Mr. Ono went on to share a peculiar incident he personally experienced during a night shift. While working there at night, he witnessed the appearance of white smoke that eventually formed a cloth-like material. This mysterious object was captured by his smartphone when he needed light while walking around the office premises. He emphasized that he could see the object through his smartphone, as when he looked around the area, he saw nothing. “It can be quite eerie here,” I thought to myself.

Being completely honest, during my evening visit to the place, I walked inside and around the office and guesthouse area. I indeed felt that the atmosphere in the evening at this location was quite different. The office building itself had a distinct Dutch colonial architecture, and the surroundings were still lush and natural. The evening atmosphere, coupled with heavy rain, added to the uniqueness of the experience. Now, let’s proceed to the next part of the story, which honestly gave me chills.

This incident involved a female volunteer from the Netherlands when she wanted to rest at night. Not in the office but in the guesthouse room, which was located not far from the office where we were at that time. So, when she wanted to sleep, she experienced disturbances, starting with the sounds of a woman crying outside the guesthouse. She felt something unusual when hearing the crying. Curious, she thought maybe one of her colleagues was feeling sad and crying outside, but upon checking, she saw that all her colleagues were already resting and fast asleep.

As the night progressed, she tried to sleep again in her room. However, unlike usual nights, that particular night made her restless and unable to sleep. When attempting to sleep, she suddenly opened her eyes and, to her shock and fear, saw the figure of a woman with long hair and dressed in all white floating above her in a lying position, facing her. She screamed and immediately woke up from the bed, leaving the room and reporting the incident to her colleagues. Hearing this story, I was startled and sent shivers down my spine, creating a more tense atmosphere at the place that evening.

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There are numerous fascinating experiences and stories to share here, yet I’ll only include a few in my article this time. Our brief visit to Cikananga Wildlife Center concluded as the call to Maghrib prayer neared, prompting us to head back to Sukabumi before it got too late. Perhaps, in the future, I’ll present more in a different format. However, I want to emphasize that the place we visited is not open to the public; only those with specific interests, like us exploring the Cikananga Wildlife Center, can visit. Locals affectionately call it “Kampung Bule” because many international volunteers work there.

I also want to highlight the importance of the location. It’s crucial for all of us to participate in preserving and protecting the wildlife in Indonesia. Let’s put an end to illegal hunting and the trade of protected animals. I hope the local government supports institutions like PPSC. For those interested in donating, I’ll provide the link below. Alternatively, you can visit the center at the location mentioned above.

At the end of my story, I would like to express my gratitude to those who have contributed, enabling me to create this article.

Special thanks to the Cikananga Wildlife Center, especially to Mr. Ono, who is responsible for the place, and to the volunteers who granted us the opportunity to gather information there. I also want to extend my thanks to the local residents of Nyalindung who were willing to share information about “Kampung Bule.” Additionally, I appreciate my friend Ishar Samriphy, the owner of the Sukabumi Pelosok YouTube account, for inviting me to survey the location, providing me with new insights and information. Lastly, a big thank you to my friend Ridwan Dwi Kurnia for sharing his experiences and photos from his visit there.

Verdict

In conclusion, the visit to Cikananga Wildlife Center was a unique and eye-opening experience. The center, though not open to the general public, played a crucial role in wildlife conservation. Special thanks go to Mr. Ono and the volunteers for their hospitality and for allowing us to delve into the details of their efforts.

The local community, particularly those in Nyalindung, added a valuable touch to our exploration by sharing insights about “Kampung Bule.” This interaction emphasized the significance of harmonious collaboration between locals and conservation organizations.

On a more personal note, I’d like to express my gratitude to Ishar Samriphy and Ridwan Dwi Kurnia for their companionship during the survey. Their contributions, along with the horror story they shared about the mysterious occurrences at the center, added an unexpected twist to our adventure.

These tales of the supernatural, intertwined with the conservation efforts, serve as a reminder that the world of wildlife conservation is not only filled with facts and figures but also with mystique and the unknown. It’s a call to action, not only for the preservation of endangered species but also for the stories that make the journey memorable and meaningful. As we navigate the complexities of wildlife protection, let us not forget the mysteries that lie within the heart of these sanctuaries, waiting to be explored and respected.

This is the revised edition of my article, written and published on my old Medium account on Apr 1, 2021.

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