Papua, the easternmost island of Indonesia, harbors a variety of unique and unparalleled natural beauties. Dubbed the "Little Paradise Fallen to Earth," this island boasts a rich source of biodiversity that captivates tourists. One of the island’s unique and beautiful natural wonders is the Musamus.
Musamus, commonly referred to by the people of Merauke as "ant nests," can be found in Wasur National Park, particularly in the savannah region or the 1,000 Musamus Tourist Park located in Salor Indah Village, approximately a two-hour drive from the center of Merauke City, South Papua Province.
So, what makes the Musamus (ant nests) unique and a tourist attraction? Despite being called ant nests, Musamus is the nest of termites. Physically, Musamus structures tower above humans, made from mounds of soil, dry grass, and termite saliva, according to the Directorate General of Early Childhood Education, Basic Education, and Secondary Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia.
As previously mentioned, these ant nests can reach heights of approximately 3 to 5 meters. Their towering structure resembles stalagmites with a reddish-brown color and crevices that serve as the habitat for termites.
Another unique aspect of the Musamus (ant nests) is that the termite colonies inhabiting them are different from the pest termites that typically infest human dwellings. These termites, scientifically known as Macrotermes sp., create sturdy and robust nests capable of withstanding heavy loads, wind, and extreme weather conditions. The Musamus nests contain tunnels used by the termite colonies for ventilation and temperature regulation, protecting them from the scorching heat of Papua.
Musamus is one of the many unique and beautiful natural wonders that Papua offers to the people of Indonesia and the world. This biodiversity must be continuously preserved and maintained, as it holds significant value for the beauty and sustainability of Papua's natural environment, particularly in Merauke City, South Papua Province.
