Barito River Dries Up, Exposing Stretches of Land Like a Desert

A prolonged dry season in Central Kalimantan is beginning to have a serious impact on the ecosystem and water system of the Barito River.

The drastically receding water level has caused shallowing at several points, leading to the emergence of stretches of sand and new land in the middle of the river flow.

According to a report by detikKalimantan, this unusual sight was clearly visible in the area beneath the Kalahien Bridge, precisely in Kalahien Village, Dusun Selatan District, South Barito Regency, on Friday (21/8).

The sandbars that have formed split the water flow, making parts of the waterway now resemble a desert or beach.

Local resident Rudi Hermansyah said the receding of the Barito River has been visibly severe since early August. According to him, the emergence of land in the middle of the river is one sign that the water level has dropped significantly.

“This condition not only changes the river landscape but is also beginning to disrupt water transport activities. A number of cargo ships and barges are reported to be having difficulty passing through the shallow parts of the river,” he said.

Ships that usually rely on the Barito River as a transport route have had to slow their journeys, search for parts of the channel that are still passable, and even become stranded when the water depth is no longer sufficient.

“The impact is also felt in distribution activities. The Barito River has long been one of the important routes for the movement of goods and the needs of communities living along the river,” he added.

If the receding condition continues, disruptions to water transport are feared to become more widespread. The shallowing also has the potential to further restrict the movement of ships, especially for larger vessels.

“The other phenomenon of sandbars appearing around the Kalahien Bridge also serves as a clear picture of how the prolonged dry season is affecting river conditions in Central Kalimantan,” he concluded.