Weh Island Research Articles

SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS IN BALOHAN BAY, SABANG

We investigated the sediment properties and distribution in Balohan Bay, which is located in southern Weh Island, Aceh Province. The aim of this research was to clarify the sediment distribution mechanism in the Balohan Bay using a statistical approach. Samples were collected on January 2016 using coring method. Sediment grain-size distribution from 14 stations was obtained using wet sieve analysis. A large amount of fine sand and very fine sand were found in Balohan Bay, as a result of several tributaries discharged in those areas. The sediment distribution in eastern stations showed an indication as a coarser size and a poorer sorted area, as they were adjacent to the steep cliff.

SUITABILITY OF CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM CONDITION BASED ON LOCAL ECOLOGY KNOWLEDGE WITH SURVEY METHOD IN EAST COAST OF WEH ISLAND

<em>Local ecological knowledge (LEK) refers to the knowledge of people in a local community that can be used in assessing environmental conditions as well as reflecting the interaction that occur in an ecosystem. The purpose of this study was to examine condition of coral reef ecosystem based on the LEK’s community in a marine protected area east coast weh island (KKPD PTPW) Sabang. Assessment of the coral reef condition based on the local’s ecological knowledge is justified from the suitability of the area by comparing map of the coral reefs condition based on LEK and observation map of the coral reefs condition during the study. Based on LEK, it is known that in the PTPW Sabang region coral reefs which falls under deteriorated class is found in the northern sea of Kelurahan Kota Atas, while those which falls under good condition class are found in Ie Meule and Ujung Kareng as well as in Anoi Itam except Benteng. Result from the observations done in 13 stations found that sea region near Sumur Tiga, Ujung Kareung and Benteng have a good coral reefs with a coverage range of 51-65 %. While the sea in Ujung Seuke, Anoi Itam and Reuteuk have a moderate coral reefs with a percentage of coverage ranging from 44- 49. Respondents’ perceptions of the coral reef condition during the last 10 years which include 55% respondents in Ie Meule and 74.29% of respondend in Anoi Itam stated that there is an increment of coral reefs coverage.</em>

ECOSYSTEM APPROACH TO REEF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT IN WEH ISLAND, NANGROE ACEH DARUSSALAM

Fisheries management has been traditionally governed to maximize economic benefit with little concern on its ecological impacts. Food and Agriculture Organization with its Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries has played an important role to a fundamental change in the new paradigm of fisheries management, which include ecosystem aspect. The Food and Agriculture Organization has mandated that every country in the world should use this approach. Weh Island is located in AcehProvince that has good coral reef condition and rich in reef fishes, therefore reef fishery is prominent. The objectives of this study are (1) to study the ecological status of reef fish, and (2) to formulate the priority areas as candidates of marine protected areas in Weh Island. Fish catch survey, underwater visual census, and focus group discussion were conducted to collect data. Data analysis used fish biomass, financial analysis, linear goal programming, and marxan analysis. Results of this study successfully identified eight fishing gears operated in Weh Island in artisanal reef fisheries. These fishing gears are gillnet, bottom gillnet, handline, muroami, trolline, speargun, longline, and purseseine. There were 84 species identified as high economic value species and were modelled in this study. Gillnet and bottom gillnet were identified as optimum fishing gears. I.e. Meulee, Anoi Itam, Iboih, Jaboi, and Klah Island were identified as priority areas.

Structure and kinematics of the Sumatran Fault System in North Sumatra (Indonesia)

Lithospheric-scale faults related to oblique subduction are responsible for some of the most hazardous earthquakes reported worldwide. The mega-thrust in the Sunda sector of the Sumatran oblique subduction has been intensively studied, especially after the infamous 2004 Mw 9.1 earthquake, but its onshore kinematic complement within the Sumatran subduction, the transform Sumatran Fault System, has received considerably less attention. In this paper, we apply a combination of analysis of Digital Elevation Models (ASTER GDEM) and field evidence to resolve the kinematics of the leading edge of deformation of the northern sector of the Sumatran Fault System. To this end, we mapped the northernmost tip of Sumatra, including the islands to the northwest, between 4.5°N and 6°N. Here, major topographic highs are related to different faults. Using field evidence and our GDEM structural mapping, we can show that in the area where the fault bifurcates into two fault strands, two independent kinematic regimes evolve, both consistent with the large-scale framework of the Sumatran Fault System. Whereas the eastern branch is a classic Riedel system, the western branch features a fold-and-thrust belt. The latter contractional feature accommodated significant amounts (c. 20%) of shortening of the system in the study area. Our field observations of the tip of the NSFS match a strain pattern with a western contractional domain (Pulau Weh thrust splay) and an eastern extensional domain (Pulau Aceh Riedel system), which are together characteristic of the tip of a propagating strike-slip fault, from a mechanical viewpoint. For the first time, we describe the strain partitioning resulting from the propagation of the NSFS in Sumatra mainland. Our study helps understanding complex kinematics of an evolving strike-slip system, and stresses the importance of field studies in addition to remote sensing and geophysical studies.

Present-day stress orientations in the Great Sumatran Fault in North Sumatra

Trench-parallel strike slip faults develop at lithospheric scale during oblique high-angle subduction. A “sliver” plate forms due to slip partitioning between the subduction plane (margin-normal slip) and the strike slip fault (margin-parallel slip). This process ultimately controls the location of volcanoes and earthquakes. The Great Sumatran Fault (GSF) is a showcase of this tectonic configuration located in the Sumatran section of the Sunda arc-trench system. Kinematics of the large-scale structures of the Sumatra section of the Sunda trench are well understood and tensional and compressional domains have been identified at the regional scale. However, detailed understanding of the stress distribution is still lacking yet essential for evaluating the seismic hazard potential in order to mitigate the impact of the large, hazardous earthquakes associated with this system. In this contribution, we study the present-day stress orientations of the Great Sumatran Fault at its northern section (NGSF). We deduced the state of (paleo)stress along structural features observed at two scales; (a) at meso-scale, analyzing ASTER GDEM data, and (b) at outcrop-scale, with field data measurements. We focus on the leading edge of northwestward propagating continental sliver deformation exposed on land, i.e. the northernmost tip of Sumatra (between 4,5°N and 6°N), where the NGSF bifurcates into its two major branches. These two fault branches form two structural highs bounding a graben basin in the onshore, continuing into the Pulau Weh Island in the east, and the Pulau Aceh Archipelago in the west. Given their location at the present day deformation front, these islands provide a unique opportunity to compare the sub-recent stress field with present day stresses, contributing to the understanding of the stress field evolution during northwestwards propagation of the Sumatran forearc continental sliver.

Why is Pseudosphromenus cupanus (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) reported from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Pakistan?

The native distribution of the small labyrinth fish species Pseudosphromenus cupanus includes southern India and Sri Lanka. According to literature it has a range including also Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra) but there are no voucher specimens or reliable observations from those areas. The distribution record of P. cupanus was inflated partly by including P. dayi as a synonym. Pseudosphronemus dayi is native to the Western Ghats in India, but the origin of the aquarium importation in 1907 was reported as both Cochin (=Kochi) and Malacca (=Malaysia), the latter locality obviously in error. The basis for the Sumatra record is an obviously mislabeled sample of P. dayi from Pulau Weh close to Sumatra. The basis for reporting the species from Pakistan, Myanmar or Bangladesh could not be located. Misidentified museum specimens from Myanmar and Pakistan identified as P. cupanus were never published on. Pseudosphromenus cupanus has been considered recently to be extinct in Bangladesh, but in fact it never occurred there.

FAKTA SEJARAH DALAM NOVEL PEREMPUAN KEUMALA KARYA ENDANG MOERDOPO

This study aims at analyzing historical facts encountered in the novel Keumala Woman (Perempuan Keumala) written by Endang Moerdopo. The analyses comprises of historical facts about: (1) Keumalahayati, (2) historical events, and (3) places having historical story. Data of this study are sequences of events in the novel pertaining to historical realities. New historicism analysis is used to describe the data. The study reveals some findings. First, Keumalahayati is a royal woman who finished her education in Military Academy Makhad Baitul Makdis. Several names that supports historical fact is her husband Sultan Alaiddin Riayat Syah, Cut Limpah, Alfonso, Sultan Muda, Cornelis de Houtman and Frederick de Houtman. Second, historical events incurred in the novel included the development of Makhad Baitul Makdis, the war to Portoguuese in Teluk Haru, rebellion of Sultan Muda, and the arrival of the Dutch for the first time in Aceh. Third, name of places supporting historical facts consisted of Makhad Baitul Makdis, kingdom palace, Krueng Raya Harbor, Pulau Weh, Benteng Inong Balee, Teluk Haru, and Tamiang. This novel is in fact a historical novel particularly that describes the heroism of Keumalahayati.

First-time and repeat tourist destination image: the case of domestic tourists to Weh Island, Indonesia

This study aimed to offer insights into the relationship between tourists' previous experience and their evaluation of cognitive, affective, and overall images of a domestic tourism destination. Empirical data were collected in a popular domestic tourism destination in Indonesia – Weh Island. The findings of this study suggested that repeat tourists had a more positive evaluation of destination image towards Weh Island in relation to four dimensions of cognitive image (e.g. “quality of experience”, “infrastructure and attraction”, “value and environment”, and “comfort”) and an overall image. However, the previous experience with the destination did not influence the tourists' affective image of the destination. The study also discusses the managerial implications for Weh Island tourism destination marketing and positioning strategy.

Key factors for successful management of marine protected areas: A comparison of stakeholders׳ perception of two MPAs in Weh island, Sabang, Aceh, Indonesia

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established over the world to protect marine resources from over-exploitation. Weh Island, Sabang, Indonesia, has two MPAs: Weh Island Marine Recreational Park (WMRP) and Weh Island Marine Protected Area (WMPA). The WMRP was established by the Government of Indonesia in 1982 and is managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Agency in the Ministry of Forestry. The other, WMPA, was established in 2010 and is managed by the Government of Sabang׳s Marine Affairs and Fisheries Agency. First, this study reviews the regulations of the two MPAs. There are 17 regulations related to the management of the two MPAs. WMRP is governed centrally based on Law No. 32, and the WMPA has shifted to a bottom-up system based on Fisheries Law No. 31. In addition, the customary management system called Panglima Laot, which literally translates to “Sea Commander” functions for local residents. Second, 185 questionnaires were completed by government offices, non-governmental organizations, fishermen, and marine tourism operators from January to September 2013. The survey showed all respondents support the development of MPAs. More respondents in the WMPA are familiar with the MPA and received benefits from MPAs. Fishermen of the WMRP considered their participation to be low and have lower trust in the government. The participants in the WMRP considered that “support of all stakeholders׳ awareness of the marine environment” is most important. On the other hand, “improved understanding of benefits from MPAs” was an influential factor in the WMPA. To further strengthen the management of MPAs, the stakeholders should work together to apply a bottom-up management system, clarify the zoning, set educational programs to inform public perceptions, ensure enforcement capacity, conduct scientific research on the resource, and develop a network of MPAs in the long term.

A new species of Malayopotamon Bott, 1968 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae), a freshwater crab from northern Sumatra, Indonesia.

A new species of potamid freshwater crab, Malayopotamon weh sp. nov., is described from the island of Pulau Weh off northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The species superficially resembles three Sumatran species: M. batak Ng & Wowor, 1991, M. tobaense (Bott, 1968), and M. turgeo Ng & Tan, 1999, but can easily be distinguished by various carapace as well as gonopod characters.

Responsible grouper fisheries in Weh Island, Aceh Province, Indonesia

The reef fish known as 'Grouper' from the Fam­ ily Serranidae is a favoured food in seafood restaurants around the world, especially in the Asian region. High grouper demand directly leads to increased fishing efforts around Indonesian's coral reefs. Weh Island is located in the most western part of Aceh Province, Indonesia, and is characterised by a high diversity of corals and reef fish. Reef fisheries are important sources of protein and income on Weh Island, and a main target group are reef fishes in the Family Serranidae. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the current ecological status of groupers, (2) to identify the fishing gear used in grouper fisheries, and (3) to determine and quantify the fishing gear that is used sustainably in the grouper fishery of Weh Island. We used fish catch surveys, underwater visual censuses, and focus group discussions to collect information on the grouper fishery. Fish catch surveys were conducted at five fish landing sites, and underwater visual censuses were

Spear gun fishing in shallow and deeper water of coral reefs in Weh Island, Aceh, Indonesia

Spear gun fishing in shallow and deeper water of coral reefs in Weh Island, Aceh, Indonesia

Reef resilience status of northern Acehnese reef based on coral cover and coral indicator

By definition, ecological resilience is the ability of a system to undergo, absorb and respond to change and disturbance, while maintaining its functions and controls. The environmental conditions that favor such community resilience may be different from those that favor resistance. Benthic cover and the structure of coral population will provide vital information for reef resilience. This research has been done at 20 sites in northern Acehnese reef. Data of coral cover was collected by line intercept transects methods; while data of the structure of coral population was collected by belt transect methods. The result showed that percentage of hard corals were range from 20.46-67.40%. Generally, hard coral covers in areas that were protected under the management authority were higher than in open access areas. The larger resistant coral such as Porites (massive) and Pavona were abundant in eastern part of Weh Island, while the larger susceptible coral such as Acropora and Pocillopora were abundant in western and northern parts of Weh Island. Western and northern parts of Weh Island were the most vulnerable areas for coral mass bleaching if sea surface temperature turns to be higher than normal, while coral reef in the eastern part was more resilient.

The role of habitat creation in coral reef conservation: a case study from Aceh, Indonesia

AbstractWe describe the successful creation of new reef habitat on Pulau Weh, Indonesia. Coral cover on artificial reef modules increased from a mean of 24±SE 2.4% 1 year after the initial attachment of Acropora spp. coral fragments to 64±SE 4.8% after 3 years. The artificial reef modules were also rapidly colonized by coral recruits. Recruit densities were 53±SE 3.2 m−2 on modules that had been submerged for only 1 year, nearly twice as high as recruit densities on natural reef substratum (31±2.8 m−2). Consequently, the original Acropora assemblage had increased to include at least 23 coral taxa, including 10 additional Acropora species. The artificial reefs also supported at least 29 reef fish species, from 11 families. Unfortunately, this initial success in habitat creation was abruptly halted by a rapid rise in sea temperature in May 2010 that killed almost all corals on the artificial reefs and on nearby natural reefs. Notwithstanding the general view that reef rehabilitation is yet to deliver ecological and conservation benefits at meaningful scales, other benefits of this project included raising the awareness of reef conservation in the local community, promotion of tourism on Pulau Weh and job creation. We conclude, therefore, that habitat creation has a legitimate role as part of an integrated marine conservation strategy.

The Coral Triangle Initiative: what are we missing? A case study from Aceh

AbstractThe Coral Triangle Initiative is an ambitious attempt to conserve the marine biodiversity hotspot known as the Coral Triangle. However, the reef fauna in many nearby regions remains poorly explored and, consequently, the focus on the Coral Triangle risks overlooking other areas of high conservation significance. One region of potential significance, Aceh, Indonesia, has not been visited by coral taxonomists since the Dutch colonial period. Here we document the species richness of scleractinian corals of Pulau Weh, Aceh. We also compare the species richness of the genus Acropora at 3–5 sites in each of nine regions in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Although dominated by widespread Indo-Pacific species, the coral fauna of Pulau Weh is also the eastern and western boundary for many Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean species, respectively. We identified a total of 133 scleractinian species, of which three have been previously recorded only in the western Indian Ocean and five are presently undescribed. The mean species richness of the Acropora at Pulau Weh is similar to regions within the Coral Triangle. This high species richness plus the high proportion of endemics suggests that the Andaman Sea is of similarly high conservation value to the Coral Triangle. We suggest that an international initiative similar to the Coral Triangle Initiative is required to conserve this region, which includes the territorial waters of six countries.

Avoiding conflicts and protecting coral reefs: customary management benefits marine habitats and fish biomass

AbstractOne of the major goals of coral reef conservation is to determine the most effective means of managing marine resources in regions where economic conditions often limit the options available. For example, no-take fishing areas can be impractical in regions where people rely heavily on reef fish for food. In this study we test whether coral reef health differed among areas with varying management practices and socio-economic conditions on Pulau Weh in the Indonesian province of Aceh. Our results show that gear restrictions, in particular prohibiting the use of nets, were successful in minimizing habitat degradation and maintaining fish biomass despite ongoing access to the fishery. Reef fish biomass and hard-coral cover were two- to eight-fold higher at sites where fishing nets were prohibited. The guiding principle of the local customary management system, Panglima Laot, is to reduce conflict among community members over access to marine resources. Consequently, conservation benefits in Aceh have arisen from a customary system that lacks a specific environmental ethic or the means for strong resource-based management. Panglima Laot includes many of the features of successful institutions, such as clearly defined membership rights and the opportunity for resource users to be involved in making, enforcing and changing the rules. Such mechanisms to reduce conflict are the key to the success of marine resource management, particularly in settings that lack resources for enforcement.

Applications Of Remote Sensing And Geographical Information Systems To Investigate The Distribution Patterns And Puddle Levels Of Tsunami Vulnerability Case Study: Pulau Weh

Earthquake disaster on December 26, 2004 had magnitude of 9.0 to 9.3 Mw, which caused a tsunami with run up wave 3-5 m. This resulting damages to infrastructure, buildings, ecosystems and created inundation areas in the eastern part of Weh Island, Aceh Province. The inundation was covered almost of land use on the adjacent beach of this Island. Classification of land covers that obtained from the analysis of ALOS AVNIR-2 imagery after the tsunami event in 2008 was used to create surface roughness coefficient. The surface roughness coefficient and slope were then used as input parameters for future analysis using model builder. Model builder is one of the ArcGIS application that used for determining the distribution of inundation in coastal areas. To determine the distribution of these areas, it is assumed that the height of run up wave is 30 m. The results show the distance of inundation distribution as far as 50 m from the shoreline, which covered all types of land use, such as; forest, mangrove, plantation, fields and open land. The susceptibility degree of inundation was analyzed and then catagorized into 4 clases, namely very susceptible, fair susceptible, less susceptible and save. Results show that the save areas was the areas with height of 80 m from sea level, and with the distance of 670m from the coastline, and having dense of vegetation.The mitigation for inundation areas is to apply the green belt of coastal forest at least 100 m from the shoreline.

Komunitas ikan karang herbivora di perairan Aceh bagian utara

Abstract. Herbivory reef fish is the most important of fish tropic group in the coral reef ecosystem.Hence, the objective of this study was to provide reliable data and information on herbivory reef fish based on management types in the northern Acehnese reef. Underwater Visual Census Techniques was used to collect the data at 20 sites around Weh Island and Aceh Besar. This study found 32 herbivory reef fishes species from five families in northern Acehnese reef. Densities of herbivory reef fish were varied from 27 to 104 ind./transect,while species numbers were also varied from 6 to 14 species/site. Family Acanthuriidae was the highest in species number, i.e. 19 species. Densities of herbivory reef fish in sites that were protected under the management authority of Sabang Weh Island were not significantly higher compare with sites from open access areas. Keywords: herbivory reef fish, coral reef, visual census technique, Aceh

TINJAUAN HUKUM DAN KEBIJAKAN KAWASAN KONSERVASI LAUT (KKL) MUKIM IE MEULEE, KOTA SABANG: Suatu Implementasi Pengelolaan Perikanan Tangkap di Pulau Kecil

The coastal area of Weh Island is divided into sub-districts (lhok) which are managed by traditional leader known as Panglima Laot. The Panglima Laot has the authority to regulate customary laws that aimed to bring social harmony and resolve conflicts concerning the marine resource use. In Anoi Itam and Ie Meulee of the east coast of Weh Island, the communities have high awareness toward the sustainable of the natural resources use, and this has led to the implementation of gear restrictions and no fishing zones regulations as part of their customary laws. These regulations have generated conflict with the other custom community, because the other custom community claimed that these existing customary regulations do not have legal base regulations. Gap analysis and analytical hierarchy process was used to analyze and describe the regulation that can be used as their optional regulation base. The result indicated that the Weh Island custom community had chosen a marine protected area that managed by community through Panglima Laot adopting regulations that recognised by local government. In the process of implementation, the determination area is a key priority (36.92%) followed by the establishment of management institutions (23.92%), financing (21.19%) and surveillance (17.94%).

Mangrove Ecosystem Conditions In The Coast Teluk Pria Laot After Tsunami And Rehabilitation Efforts

Earthquake of magnitude 9.0-9.3 MW, followed by a tsunami resulted a damage of infrastructure and mangrove ecosystems on the east coast of Weh Island. The damage of mangrove ecosystems was severe, and the locations are: 1. Pantai Taman Wisata Alam Alur Paneh; 2. Pantai Teluk Boih; 3. Pantai Lhok Weng 2/Teupin Layeu 1; 4. Pantai Lhok Weng 2b/Teupin Layeu 1b; 5.Pantai Lhok Weng 3/ Teupin Layeu 1; 6. Pantai Lhut 1; 7. Pantai Lhut 2; and 8. Pantai Lhok Weng 1/Lam Nibong. This type of damage, among others is, broken, fallen, uprooted and swept away. Mangrove ecosystem damage was caused by the incident run up of 5 meters and there no sandy hills protecting the coast. In this study the measurement transect square was made with three replications and soil sampling around the man- grove ecosystem, the outer side adjacent to the coastline and the inland boundary bordering the mangrove ecosystem. The measure- ment of transect quadrant was used to get Importance Value Index (IVI) and Survival Rate. Maximum density of mangrove ecosystems number of trees is 17 trees per 100m 2 and a maximum thickness of 238 m is located at Pantai LhokWeng3/TeupinLayeu2. The process from the level of Survival Rate was used to determine the number of saplings and trees that are needed in rehabilitation. The rehabilita tion of coastal mangroves is based on the length, density, thickness and survival rate. Types of species that are used for replanting are Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora stylosa species at a loca- tion that matches the type of clay sand-soil and sandy clay-soil