Rumah Semut in Wasur National Park

Several visitors were seen taking photos in front of a termite mound (rumah semut), known as Bomi Sai in the Marind language, in Wasur National Park, Merauke Regency, South Papua, on Sunday, March 9, 2025.

Bomi Sai, also called musamus, is one of Merauke's unique natural formations. These towering earthen mounds, built by termite colonies, can reach heights of over 4 meters. They resemble stalagmites with a textured, brown surface and contain interconnected tunnels inside.

Despite being called an "ant house," musamus is actually built by termites. However, the termites that inhabit these structures are not classified as wood-destroying insects. Musamus is a symbol of biodiversity and a source of pride for Merauke.

In addition to termite mounds, Wasur National Park is home to various species of birds and unique Papuan mammals.

Rumah Semut di Taman Nasional Wasur

Tampak sejumlah pengunjung sedang mengambil foto di depan rumah semut (dalam bahasa Marid disebut Bomi Sai) di kawasan Taman Nasional Wasur, Kabupaten Merauke, Papua Selatan pada Minggu, 9 Maret 2025. 

Bomi sai atau biasa juga disebut musamus adalah salah satu keunikan alam yang ada di Merauke berupa rumah semut berbentuk gundukan tanah yang tingginya bisa mencapai lebih 4 meter. Bentuknya mirip stalakmit dengan tekstur permukaan yang berlekuk-lekuk dan berwarna coklat. Di dalamnya terdapat lorong-lorong yang saling terhubung.

Meskipun namanya semut, namun musamus dibangun oleh koloni rayap. Rayap penghuni musamus tidak termasuk golongan serangga perusak kayu. Musamus adalah salah satu kebanggaan sekaligus simbol keragaman hayati di Merauke.

Selain rumah semut, di Taman Nasional Wasur juga terdapat berbagai jenis burung serta mamalia khas Papua.