By: Ciptanti Putri and Putri Nidyaningsih

A number of natural and beautiful locations in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Lampung, serve as the backdrop for the music video of Tulus, a rising Indonesian pop singer. The shoot, which took place on June 12-14, included five tame elephants from WWF-Indonesia's Lampung office, Karnangin, Tomi, Arni, Renggo, and Yongki, as well as a child talent named Anwar. The mahout (elephant handler) and some TNBBS rangers also helped the whole process until the filming went smoothly as planned.

In the process of making the music video, Tulus, who as a child was nicknamed 'Gajah' by his friends because of his large physique, interacted a lot with this umbrella animal. Not only holding and riding the elephant, Tulus also participated in feeding and bathing it.

"This is my first time seeing elephants in their natural habitat. Observing their behavior, riding an elephant bare-bottomed, feeling their skin and movements, really left me with a great feeling. I feel like I've made a new friend," Tulus shared his experience.

Several times he had to go through wet and slippery terrain, Tulus was not discouraged. In fact, he enjoyed filming and was motivated to do more for the conservation of Sumatran Elephants and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park.

"The land in TNBBS is still natural and undamaged. It's really beautiful and original," he said. According to him, TNBBS is an ideal habitat for elephants. Witnessing the harmonious blend of nature and elephants made this travel enthusiast see the potential of ecotourism there. "I was inspired to play a role in popularizing TNBBS."

Tulus says he has had an unforgettable experience in TNBBS with the elephants of Elephant Patrol, and is more determined to support elephant conservation. According to him, people must respect the existence of Sumatran elephants and actively participate in their protection efforts. "The easiest way is to help disseminate information about elephant conservation efforts," he said.

WWF-Indonesia has a donation program for Sumatran elephant conservation, "Elephant Warrior". The program is supported by celebrity Nadya Hutagalung who is also active in the global 'Earth Hour' and 'Let Elephant Be Elephant' campaigns. For more information on the program, please visit http://www.wwf.or.id/warrior.