Borneo West Kalimantan in danger

Borneo West Kalimantan in danger

by Vijay Ramani

Borneo West Kalimantan in danger West Kalimantan province (Borneo, Indonesia) is currently facing some big issues threatening its precious fauna and flora. Lake Sentarum National Park is the largest ecosystem in Asia and acts as a "giant sponge" which regulates the water flow and avoids aridity in the area. But some oil-palm plantations (which are very water-intensive) are soon to be opened on its perimeter and thus, endanger local biodiversity (particularly the rare orangutan and black orchid), water biota, and human agriculture and fish breeding – all of these being highly dependent on the fluctuating level of the lake. Nearby Kuapas River, the longest river in Indonesia and one of the highest biodiversity spots in the world, is apparently about to become a "giant waste dump." Even if the district authorities are currently trying to raise awareness among residents living by the riverside, it seems that it will be difficult for the villagers to overcome their habits: they say it is the norm there to discard their trash into the river, and waiting for it to be naturally swept away. (The Jakarta Post, January 13)

Kalimantan province (Borneo, Indonesia) is currently facing some big issues threatening its precious fauna and flora. Lake Sentarum National Park is the largest ecosystem in Asia and acts as a "giant sponge" which regulates the water flow and avoids aridity in the area. But some oil-palm plantations (which are very water-intensive) are soon to be opened on its perimeter and thus, endanger local biodiversity (particularly the rare orangutan and black orchid), water biota, and human agriculture and fish breeding – all of these being highly dependent on the fluctuating level of the lake. Nearby Kuapas River, the longest river in Indonesia and one of the highest biodiversity spots in the world, is apparently about to become a "giant waste dump." Even if the district authorities are currently trying to raise awareness among residents living by the riverside, it seems that it will be difficult for the villagers to overcome their habits: they say it is the norm there to discard their trash into the river, and waiting for it to be naturally swept away. (The Jakarta Post, January 13)