Amazing !! Humans and Komodo is One Blood

It is said that in ancient times, a dragon princess married Empu Najo. A pair of twins was born. One was a baby boy named Gerong, and the other a female Komodo dragon who was later named Orah.

Gerong and Orah were reared separately. One day, when grownup Gerong was hunting, he met Orah – his twin sister. He unsheathed his weapon. However, all of a sudden a mystical figure of his mother showed up. "Do not you kill her, she is your sister," the mother says.

Since then, Komodo community believed that they and Komodo dragons are siblings.

The story was also posted on a board in Komodo National Park. "It is to honor the customs of the people of Komodo," said Arie Saridin, of West Manggarai tourism forum.

According to him, there is an implicit message in the story that many may find absurd: the harmony of man, animals and the environment.

"The Komodo community never disturbs Komodo dragons. On the contrary, the Komodos do not disturb them. When a Komodo eats human, definitely the number of people there will decrease. But the Komodo people still live," he added.

Arie acknowledged, there was in fact a child of Komodo village who was attacked the village of Komodo, but the child entered the hunting zone of the species having the Latin name Varanus komodoensis.

Likewise were the officers, usually the attack comes when they are relaxing and not on alert. However, as long as they bring guests, so far they have never been attacked. All this time, thank God nothing happens," he said.

Harmony between humans and the animal dubbed 'the last dinosaurs on Earth' is also manifested in traditional ceremonies. "Usually people make offerings, not to Komodo, but the ancestors – as both are descendants of their ancestors. So that the whole behaviors in the region are balanced," he added.

Today, Komodo Island is a finalist in seven natural wonders of the world event, the New 7 Wonders. Arie hopes Komodo comes out as winner. This is for the welfare of the community living near the island of Komodo.

He regretted the conflicts between the Culture and Tourism Ministry and the organizer. "Before the conflict, we, the local community made banners, socialize it via the Internet. Since the conflict, everyone is not doing anything. We're confused," he added.

In fact, the community plans to create a grand event on the day of announcement of the winner, November 11, 2011. "There will be mass traditional dances on the day of announcement, no matter what the result will be. The number of dancers is up to 2,100 people. However, because of the disagreement, the intention was undone," said Arie.

Now the Komodo campaign is back on track. The general public was again excited. "Komodo island is close to the human beings living nearby. It is expected that other than Komodo tour, tourists can also enjoy cultural and natural attractions. Then they prolong their stay," he said.

Posted in: English