# Gandang Dewata National Park

Gandang Dewata National Park (Taman Nasional Gandang Dewata in Indonesian language) is located in the Mamasa Regency of West Sulawesi province of Indonesia, with Mount Gandang Dewata (3304 meters, also called the Gandadiwata, Ganda Dewata, and Gandang Dewata) mountain range as it's core, which has the Tanete Gandangdewata Peak as the highest mountain peak of Western Sulawesi (Quarles Range) and the second highest peak in Sulawesi after Mount Latimojong (3140 meters) of Enrekang Regency. The Mount Gandang Dewata mountain range, considered sacred by the local community, covers an area of 214,201 hectares.
Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) research in 2013 shows that Gandang Dewata is a habitat for a number of endemic bird species, and even found a number of new species that need to be maintained.
To reach the mountain and national park from Jakarta, travelers must fly from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport to Tampa Padang Airport in Mamuju, followed by ground transport to Tabulahan Sub-District for mountain trekking.

## Etymology

"Gandang Dewata", literally the "Drum of God", is comprised of two words. The "Gandang" from the local Mamasa language means the "drum". The "Dewata" from Sanskrit, the Indian liturgical language of Hinduism, means the "God". Tanete, the peak of Gandang Dewata, looks like a large stone round-shaped like a giant drum from a distance. The mountain's roars like sounds, generated by the wind flow around the mountain, are interpreted as the sound of a mystical sacred drum by the locals. Thus, mountain climbers must observe the respectful behavior.

## History

In 2016, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry designated 189,208.17 hectares of the mountain as Indonesia's 53rd national park, to safeguard its high biodiversity,by decree number 773/MENLHK/SETJEN/PLA.2/10/2016 issued on 3 October 2016.

## Flora and fauna

Tanete Gendang Dewata Mountain is notable for its diverse flora and fauna, including the common sugar glider (small nocturnal gliding possum) and the rare [[Lowland anoa|Sulawesi anoa] (dwarf buffalo).
While some Sulawesian bird species are shared with neighboring islands like Borneo, 31% of Sulawesi’s birds are found nowhere else. Sulawesi is home to eight national parks, showcasing diverse ecosystems. Four are primarily marine parks: Bunaken National Park, renowned for its coral reefs and diverse marine life; Taka Bone Rate National Park, the largest coral atoll in Southeast Asia; Kepulauan Togean National Park, with pristine coral reefs and unique marine ecosystems; and Moyo Satonda National Park, known for its coral reefs and volcanic lakes. The land-based parks include: Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park, a crucial conservation site for Sulawesi's wildlife, home to the endangered anoa and cinnabar hawk owl; Lore Lindu National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, sheltering numerous endemic species such as the Tonkean macaque, maleo, and various tarsiers; Rawa Aopa Watumohai National Park, encompassing wetlands and important habitats; and Gandang Dewata National Park, preserving pristine forests. These parks protect a range of endemic species, including the maleo bird, anoa, babirusa, various tarsier species, and unique flora and fauna adapted to Sulawesi's diverse environments.

## Tourism

Despite its underdeveloped infrastructure, the province exhibits significant tourism potential, highlighted by the recent establishment of Gandang Dewata National Park, which preserves endemic Wallacean species and Sulawesi's remaining pristine forest. Some of the attractions in and around the Gandang Dewata National Park include the following:
* Bata Waterfall
* Buttuada Waterfall
* Hernon Hill
* Mambuliling Peak
* Samababo Waterfall
* Talepom Bulam Peak

## Mountain climbing

The Tanete Gandangdewata Peak, the Quarles Range's highest peak and a remote summit marked by a triangulation pole, can be climbed by two routes. The northern Tanete Gandangdewata Peak is at a height of 3,037m and the southern Tanete Gandangdewata Peak is just 2,966m, Puncak Mistis peak (3,037m) is northeast of Tanete Gandangdewata Peak. The northwestern route from Desa Paku and Kallang village involves a three-day ascent with 2 camps enroute and limited water sources, while the southeastern route from Kampung Baru necessitates a six-day climb with 3 camps enroute significant elevation changes. A traverse from northwest to southeast is theoretically possible for experienced hikers, but requires careful planning and ample time, given the unconfirmed trail details and potential for unforeseen difficulties. The climb from either route present a challenging climb due to its inaccessibility, lack of reliable guides, and lengthy approach from either Desa Paku (Mamuju) or Kampung Baru (Mamasa). A northwest-southeast traverse requires flying to Mamuju from Makassar, with a full day allotted for onward travel from Mamasa to Palopo or Tanah Toraja. Since the procedure for obtaining mountain climbing remain unclear, it is advisable to carry photocopies of passport to give to the village head called the Subdivisions_of_Indonesia#Desa#Kepala Desa in local language. Climbers are strongly advised to exercise caution, and carry sufficient supplies.

## Economy

The region's economy relies on agriculture, including cocoa and palm oil, alongside mineral deposits of nickel, thorium, and uranium, with detected radiation levels prompting further investigation. While the province experiences above-average growth, a substantial portion of the population engages in subsistence farming, and a significant number of villages lack electricity.