CONSERVATION DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT - East Kalimantan, Borneo, Republic of Indonesia – 2 March 2023

Indonesia’s Kaukus Kelautan (Oceans Caucus) includes some of the most influential advocates and voices for global conservation. Hon. Budisatrio Djiwandono represents East Kalimantan and is Co-Chair of the caucus. Hon. Budistario displays why his district and Indonesia are beginning to lead on conservation governance.

Not only is East Kalimantan the site of the new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara, but it also hosts some of the most biodiverse rainforests and oceans ecosystems. The local, regional, and national leadership are all undergoing efforts to improve the conservation status and sustainable development of the province. For example, large projects are attempting to reforest areas previously marked for industrial forests. The Mangrove Center Kariangau is managed by the local leader, Pak Agus Bei, who wants to support the national objectives to plant or restore 600,000 Ha of mangroves for climate and carbon reduction goals. (Kariangau also cleans up its site from plastics and terrestrial waste.)

The district also includes Samboja Lestari, a Borneon orangutan rescue and rehabilitation center, owned and managed by Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. They are conserving and repatriating orangutans and sun bears. NGOs such as RASI also work to preserve the Pesut river dolphin.