East Kalimantan Strengthens Marine Conservation Through Community and Technology

Jakarta – East Kalimantan is widely recognized for its vast marine wealth, with local authorities and environmental groups maintaining a long-standing commitment to its preservation. Among its most prominent areas is Berau Regency, a region that has gained both national and international attention for its ecological importance.

Berau is considered one of the most critical habitats for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in Southeast Asia. It is also part of the Sulu-Sulawesi seascape within the Coral Triangle, a globally acknowledged center of marine biodiversity. This region hosts a wide range of rare marine species, making it an invaluable natural asset.

To ensure the sustainability of both the ecosystem and sea turtle populations, structured monitoring and in-depth surveys have been carried out. These efforts involve collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), the East Kalimantan Marine and Fisheries Agency, and the Pontianak Coastal and Marine Resources Management Center under Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The initiative is further supported by the Solutions for Marine and Coastal Resilience in the Coral Triangle program.

Field teams from these institutions have conducted extensive data collection while actively engaging local communities.

Healthy nesting grounds

The survey results offer encouraging signs for the future of marine conservation in the region. Of 27 monitored locations—ranging from the well-known nesting site of Sangalaki Island to areas such as Teluk Sulaiman and Balikukup Village—26 were classified as “green,” indicating optimal conditions for turtle nesting.

Researchers found that these beaches possess ideal characteristics, including suitable sand texture for egg burial, balanced beach slopes, natural vegetation providing shade, and minimal human disturbance.

Modern technology has played a significant role in the monitoring process. The use of drones has enabled researchers to cover large and previously inaccessible areas efficiently. These devices capture high-resolution imagery, ranging from 1.5 to 5 centimeters, allowing precise differentiation between turtles and surrounding objects such as rocks or coral.

Through this approach, researchers successfully mapped turtle habitats across 12 locations and identified at least 913 individual turtles within the Coastal and Small Islands Conservation Area of the Derawan Islands and surrounding waters (KKP3K-KDPS). The data collected is considered highly reliable and serves as a strong basis for sustainable conservation policies.

Beyond regulation

Despite these positive outcomes, experts emphasize that regulation and monitoring alone are insufficient to guarantee long-term conservation success. According to East Kalimantan Marine and Fisheries Agency head Irhan Hukmaidy, conservation must be treated as a long-term investment rooted in education and character building.

Protecting sea turtles is not merely about enforcing regulations or deploying patrols, but about fostering awareness among younger generations regarding their ecological importance.

Children who grow up understanding and valuing nature are more likely to become responsible stewards of biodiversity. As such, environmental education programs—both formal and informal—must continue to expand across coastal communities.

Community support

Local communities have shown strong support for conservation efforts. Arifin, secretary of Balikukup Village, expressed appreciation for ongoing initiatives, highlighting the importance of instilling environmental awareness from an early age.

According to him, children represent the future guardians of both the nation and its natural resources. Educational activities conducted by organizations such as YKAN and government agencies have helped young residents understand that the sea, beaches, and sea turtles are integral to their daily lives.

Survey insights

Community awareness is further reflected in survey findings. A total of 75 fishers from areas including Balikukup, Derawan, Maratua, Teluk Sulaiman, and Biduk-Biduk participated in interviews.

Results indicate a high level of awareness, with 98 percent of respondents acknowledging that capturing turtles or harvesting their eggs is illegal and harmful to the environment. Many also reported frequent sightings of green and hawksbill turtles throughout the year.

Some respondents observed a gradual increase in turtle populations compared to previous years, attributing this trend to stricter regulations, improved monitoring, and ongoing conservation initiatives.

Technology and participation

YKAN Senior Marine Protection Manager Yusuf Fajariyanto emphasized that conservation success relies on two key pillars: technological support and active community involvement.

He noted that conservation efforts cannot depend solely on government institutions. Coastal communities, as daily stakeholders in marine ecosystems, play a crucial role in protecting turtle habitats.

Meanwhile, technologies such as drones enhance research capabilities by providing faster, broader, and more accurate data collection. The identification of over 913 turtles highlights Berau’s importance as a thriving habitat.

A globally significant ecosystem

Berau holds strategic significance not only for Indonesia but also for global marine ecosystems. Positioned along major migratory routes, ecological changes in this region can have far-reaching impacts.

Instilling ocean stewardship

Educational initiatives targeting children have become a central strategy in ensuring long-term conservation. Through engaging and interactive activities—such as discussions, quizzes, and creative exercises—children learn about the ecological role of sea turtles.

They are also introduced to threats facing marine life, including plastic pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal hunting.

These programs emphasize the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems, illustrating how coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sea turtles depend on one another.

Such initiatives have been regularly conducted across Berau, including a recent event held in late May 2026 in Balikukup Village, Batu Putih district, where dozens of children participated enthusiastically.

By fostering environmental awareness from an early age, stakeholders hope to nurture a generation that not only appreciates the ocean but is also committed to protecting it.

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