Lampung, province of the endangered Sumatran elephants
Lampung, a province situated on the southern tip of Sumatra is a land of diversity and contrasts. Situated along the Sunda Strait, which connects the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean, the province’s geographical position at the crossroads of maritime routes has historically positioned the province as a key trading hub.
This maritime corridor not only facilitates maritime trade but also serves as a critical passage for vessels traveling between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, thereby solidifying Lampung's significance in the regional and global shipping network.
Ranking as the 8th most populous province in Indonesia in 2023 with a population of 9.05 million people, Lampung is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, with the Lampung, Malay, and Javanese people constituting the largest populations. Each group preserves customs and traditions that have been handed down through the years, adding to the cultural tapestry of the region. Moreover, Lampung practices a variety of religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.
Lampung is also home to a nature-rich landscape that includes verdant plains, beaches, and thick tropical woods. Landmarks such as Krakatau, Kiluan Bay, and Tanjung Setia contribute to Lampung’s landscape, providing a haven for eco-tourism that offers opportunities such as whale watching, snorkeling, and immersive experiences in nature.
Additionally, the province is committed to biodiversity conservation, as exhibited by the presence of Way Kambas National Park. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the park is home to the critically endangered Sumatran elephants.
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Economic opportunities
According to Statistics Indonesia, as of 2023, Lampung’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) reached Rp 448 billion, with a GRDP per capita of Rp 48 million.
As a significant producer of pepper, rubber, and coffee, Lampung's economy is mostly dependent on agriculture. Its agricultural products have also performed well at the national level. In 2022 alone, the province’s agricultural products ranked in the top ten nationally, with rice coming in seventh place, corn in third, followed by sugarcane and cassava in second and first place, respectively.
Lampung is also ideally situated, making the province a major entry point for trade and business. The Tanjung Priok port facilitates seamless transportation of goods both within the province and beyond.
As of 2022, the province’s exports were valued at US$5.61 billion, with the main commodities including coffee, tea, animal oil, coal, and other chemical products. These exports were primarily destined for countries such as the US, China, India, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, and various African nations.
Lampung’s economic growth, coupled with its infrastructure development, has facilitated the government’s efforts to foster sustainable tourism and bolster the local economy through improved transportation infrastructure. This development encompasses infrastructure projects like the Trans-Sumatra Highway, connecting the province to the rest of Sumatra.
Moreover, Lampung possesses significant renewable energy resources, particularly geothermal energy, which can be found in 13 locations spread across the six regencies of West Lampung, Tanggamus, South Lampung, Pesawaran, Way Kanan, and Bandar Lampung.
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