By: Ciptanti Putri

That morning, the atmosphere in front of the ESDM Building in the Car Free Day (CFD) area of Jakarta was still quiet. However, the edges of the pedestrian area were filled with lanterns in the shape of elephants, tigers, turtles, and rhinos as well as some panda costumes. A group of people in black t-shirts were seen chatting and joking. Some of them were writing messages on cardboard boxes. Others were watching their friends whose faces were being painted according to the chosen animal.

"I came with my girlfriend. She really wanted to participate in this carnival," said Lorenzo, a DKV student at Multimedia Nusantara University, Jakarta, explaining his reason for attending. Claiming that it was his first time participating in an activity organized by WWF-Indonesia, Lorenzo said he had come since 6 o'clock."Face painting is interesting while waiting for the activity to start."

At exactly 7 o'clock, the line was formed. With enthusiasm, hundreds of people consisting of WWF-Indonesia supporters and staff were ready to do the long march in the frame of the Supporter Gathering activities themed Carnival for Earth "Show Your Love and Action for the Earth". Accompanied by music from the Jakarta Kresipah Stomp Community, the mass line was released by Marco Lambertini, Director General WWF International, moving towards Menara BCA.

"This activity is proof of two things. First, WWF exists for nature and people. Second, the community is the key to change towards a better earth. The energy from the spirit of the supporters will spread to the wider community who witness this leisurely walk. Hopefully, we can achieve the goal of this activity, which is harmony between nature and humans," said Marco, who took part in the leisurely walk with the masses.

Yenti, a supporter from Jakarta, expressed her pride in being able to participate in the carnival. "My cici (older sister) and I have long supported various WWF-Indonesia programs. We should care about the preservation of nature. That's why I'm inviting my friends today so that they will be moved," she said, pointing at a group of young people.

The carnival participants grew in number as the general public joined in, interested in taking pictures with the animal lanterns and Pando. They also asked about various activities and matters related to WWF-Indonesia's conservation work. During the long march, it was not uncommon to hear exclamations, "What animal is that? It must be WWF! There's the pandas! Come on, join the WWF walk!"

Devy Suradji, Marketing Director WWF-Indonesia, said that WWF-Indonesia Supporter Gathering is always able to bring the masses that are not only supporters, but also the wider community. "People have started to recognize the need to conserve wildlife. However, they don't know how or haven't started yet. Through this event, WWF-Indonesia gets closer to the community so that they can get information on how to contribute significantly to the preservation of wildlife."

At the end of the carnival, the crowd gathered in front of the BPLH stage in front of Menara BCA. Three supporters with the most unique expression of love for the earth were selected and received attractive prizes. After that, in an orderly manner, the masses took turns to stamp their hands with various colors of paint as a symbol of support for a sustainable earth.

"Today's event is quite lively. The public asked many questions about WWF and the animals that are the object of its conservation. It's an opportunity to interact and educate about the various programs we are working on in the field," Susilowati Lestari, WWF-Indonesia's Public and Supporter Manager, commented on the day's activities. She also found a number of supporters who have been faithfully supporting WWF-Indonesia that day. This makes her more optimistic to continue to provide and deliver the right information about WWF-Indonesia's various programs to supporters and the wider community.