Enviro News Asia, Kutai Kartanegara — Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment/Environmental Control Agency (KLH/BPLH) has reinforced the government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation by designating two new Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Villages during an official visit to the Mahakam Aquatic Conservation Area in Kutai Kartanegara Regency.
The newly designated villages, Muhuran Village in Kota Bangun District and Sabintulung Village in Muara Kaman District, complement Pela Village, which had previously been established as a conservation village. The designation aims to strengthen protection efforts for the Mahakam dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), a critically endangered freshwater cetacean endemic to the Mahakam River system.
The announcement was delivered by Rasio Ridho Sani, Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Degradation Control at KLH/BPLH, who read a statement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Head of BPLH. He emphasized that the Mahakam dolphin serves as a key indicator of the health of the Mahakam River ecosystem and requires collaborative conservation efforts involving government institutions, businesses, universities, civil society organizations, and local communities.
The Mahakam River and lake system constitutes a vital ecosystem that supports not only the Mahakam dolphin but also other wildlife species, including proboscis monkeys, otters, storks, and various aquatic fauna. The area also plays a strategic role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The Minister stressed that all activities within the Mahakam River basin—including fisheries, inland water transport, plantations, mining, tourism, and other economic activities—must be managed responsibly to prevent habitat degradation and disturbance to the dolphin population. Strengthened waste and wastewater management across the river and lake system was highlighted as a priority to reduce pollution and maintain water quality.
KLH/BPLH has also encouraged public participation by opening channels for community reports on suspected environmental pollution or damage, which will be followed up through environmental law enforcement mechanisms.
The working visit forms part of Indonesia’s broader nature-positive agenda, which seeks to protect ecosystems while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities. One of the policy instruments currently being prepared is the development of high-integrity biodiversity credits designed to deliver equitable benefits to local stakeholders.
The government expects the Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Area to serve as a national model for sustainable biodiversity management, ensuring fair and equitable environmental benefits while strengthening cross-sector collaboration in ecosystem protection. (*)
