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My Stories - Muhammad Anshari

Hi, This is My Stories

From Experience to Interest

I am Muhammad Anshari, a Biology graduate who went on to study Environmental Science. My interest in the environmental world grew from a simple habit: paying attention to how nature works, understanding its interrelationships, and trying to find the logic behind every process that occurs especially those related to waste management, recycling, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

I have academic and practical experience in environmental management, waste management, and public relations. I have also been active in activities that support ecological restoration and community empowerment. I am used to interacting with various levels of society, both in the context of research and environmental education activities. Outside of academia, I enjoy adventure and the outdoors. I have climbed seven mountains in West Sumatra not just as a hobby, but as a way to get closer to nature and understand environmental dynamics firsthand. I also enjoy reading, camping, and listening to music or podcasts from personalities who give me a new perspective.

For me, being part of environmental solutions means not only understanding the theory, but also getting involved directly in the field, building good communication, and continuously learning from experience. The environment is not just a technical issue, but also about people and behavior change.

Wildlife & Forest Cover Assessment

As part of the field research team in Solok Pesisir, I conduct comprehensive ecological surveys to evaluate wildlife presence and forest health. Using tools such as densitometers, I measured forest canopy density and documented animal sign (e.g. tracks, nests) to identify key species inhabiting the area. These assessments generate critical biodiversity baseline data, which informs infrastructure planning to minimize ecological disturbance and align with sustainable development goals.

My work bridges on-the-ground observations with data-driven analysis, highlighting the interdependence between forest cover and wildlife habitat. In this project, we found signs of key animals such as tiger tracks, deer, antelope, tapir, and primates. We then processed and analyzed this raw data to develop an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) document. By mapping sensitive ecosystems and measuring biodiversity indicators, our results provide actionable insights for policy makers and stakeholders. For example, the finding of tiger tracks drives recommendations for the protection of animal corridors in development plans. Thus, conservation priorities can be concretely integrated in regional development strategies.

Aquatic Sampling & Pollution Monitoring

I was involved in water quality monitoring activities to monitor the operational impacts of palm oil and rubber companies in West Sumatra. This activity includes plankton and benthic sampling and parameter measurements around industrial sites. The data we generate is the identification of plankton and benthic communities, which are indicators of the health of the local aquatic ecosystem.

The monitoring results showed changes in the structure of the biota community in areas affected by industrial activities, such as a decrease in benthic diversity and the dominance of pollution-tolerant species. We further analyzed these findings to provide technical recommendations to the company, such as optimizing the waste treatment plant (WWTP) or strengthening routine monitoring programs. With a scientific data-based approach, this activity encourages more sustainable industrial practices that comply with applicable environmental regulations.

Cave Biodiversity Exploration

I conducted field research to investigate cave ecosystems, with particular emphasis on studying native cave-adapted fauna, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. This research holds significant academic value while establishing a sustainable research framework where each discovery generates new scientific inquiries and exploration opportunities. Through systematic documentation, we aim to establish cave ecosystems as enduring natural laboratories that yield invaluable insights for future generations. Beyond its scientific contributions, this study provides a foundation for developing conservation strategies for troglobiont species (obligate cave fauna), promoting responsible scientific tourism and creating comprehensive educational resources about these vulnerable ecosystems.

Zoonotic Disease Ecology Study

I am involved in collaborative research on the potential transmission of malaria between primates and humans through blood sampling from long-tailed (Macaca fascicularis) and short-tailed (Macaca nemestrina) primates. Field activities focused on collecting sterile blood samples from these primates, which were then analyzed in the laboratory to identify the presence of malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.). This approach was used to map the types of malaria strains infecting primates and evaluate their zoonotic potential, particularly in areas with high human-primate interactions.

The results of this study provide important insights into the role of primates as reservoirs of malaria and its transmission mechanisms in nature. The data obtained helps in developing zoonotic prevention strategies, such as wild primate health monitoring programs in forest areas on the edge of settlements, as well as community education on best practices to reduce risky contact with wildlife. The findings also contribute to integrating human, animal and environmental health.

Community Based Fish Habitat Conservation

We implement a community based fish habitat conservation program by utilizing FADs made from natural materials such as areca nut fronds and coconut trunks. We plant these materials on the seabed as a gathering place for fish. In addition to installing FADs, we also educate the community on the importance of marine ecosystem conservation and how to utilize FADs sustainably. The FAD harvesting process takes about 3 months, a period that we use to monitor the development of the fish population around the FAD area.

Through this participatory approach, we have successfully empowered local fishermen groups to manage FADs while raising awareness of environmentally friendly fishing practices. The monitoring results show a significant increase in the number and diversity of fish around the FADs, which not only supports the recovery of fish stocks but also increases fishers' income. This program is a clear example of how collaboration between simple technology, local wisdom and scientific approaches can create sustainable solutions for marine sustainability and the welfare of coastal communities.

Biodiversity Conservation in the KEHATI Emil Salim Park

I conducted a mixed methods research to analyze the perception and behavior of local communities towards biodiversity conservation in the KEHATI Emil Salim Park. This activity includes designing and distributing questionnaires to surrounding communities, facilitating focus group discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders, as well as mapping patterns of community interaction with local ecosystems. we managed to document 38 animal species, including 5 protected species, while identifying animal activity patterns around settlements and community agricultural areas.

The results reveal the dynamics of the relationship between communities and conservation areas, including factors that influence their participation in conservation efforts. These findings form the basis for developing more effective community based conservation programs. We developed specific recommendations to reduce human-animal conflict, increase environmental awareness, and protect critical habitats, while designing environmental education programs that suit local needs and values. This research not only provides an academic contribution but also strengthens collaboration between park managers, communities and related parties in sustainable conservation efforts.

Ecological Assessment of Wildlife in Way Kambas National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Ecological Assessment in Way Kambas National Park

I joined the ecological research team of endangered Sumatran elephants and rhinos in Way Kambas National Park. Together with an international team of researchers, I contributed to the collection of important data on the animals' feeding preferences and patterns of feeding activity. The data we collected included identification of food plant species, feeding times, and home ranges, which are now the basis for more effective habitat restoration programs and conservation area management. This research not only provides an in-depth understanding of the feeding ecology of endangered animals, but also helps in strategizing sustainable management of forest resources. The information we gain is used to optimize forage availability, reduce human-animal conflict, and support long-term conservation efforts for Sumatran elephant and rhino populations in their natural habitat.

Sustainability Through Scientific Understanding

Let’s explore how data, nature, and people can connect for lasting environmental change

Let us realize harmony between nature and human for a sustainable environment. As an environmental practitioner with a Master's degree in Environmental Science, I am dedicated to connecting science with real conservation action. My experience spans from analyzing changes in Sumatran forests to monitoring industrial impacts on aquatic ecosystems, with technical competence in operating various field ecology tools.

I developed an integrated approach that fused technical field expertise with multi-stakeholder collaboration, where through various ecological survey projects and EIA analyses, I was able to build synergies between local communities, governments, and international researchers to create conservation programs that were both scientifically based and socially adaptive, such as research on primate zoonoses in Sumatra with direct impact on public health protocols and documentation of cave biodiversity integrated into regional environmental education materials, enabling me to comprehensively analyze the critical relationship between wildlife dynamics and habitat fragmentation, industrial impacts on ecosystems, and the intersection of traditional wisdom and contemporary conservation approaches.

The uniqueness of my approach lies in an integrated systems perspective. Whether presenting complex environmental data, training communities for biodiversity monitoring, or designing habitat restoration, I always create practical pathways to translate science into action. My main focus right now is to develop science communication tools that make conservation findings easy for different parties to understand, because environmental solutions must be built together to be sustainable. From molecular analysis of water samples to mapping wildlife corridors, every piece of data I collect strengthens collective efforts to protect ecosystems while supporting people's lives. Environmental challenges require liaisons who are able to work across scales and disciplines, a role to which I am fully committed.

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Padang, West Sumatra Barat / kseanshar@gmail.com