East Kalimantan Forestry Service Protects Ancient Rock Ecosystem at Tanjung Sinondok, Berau
Samarinda (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan Provincial Forestry Service is providing continuous protection for the ancient rock complex at the Tanjung Sinondok Geosite in Berau Regency to ensure the preservation of the natural ecosystem.
“The effort to preserve the geological heritage of Tanjung Sinondok is an absolute step by the government to protect natural wealth of high historical value,” said the Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Forestry Service, Rusmadi, in Samarinda on Wednesday.
The Tanjung Sinondok area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Berau Pantai KPHP UPTD of the East Kalimantan Forestry Service in Teluk Sumbang Village, was officially designated as a national Geological Heritage site in 2024 by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).
This protection designation is stipulated through the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia Number 187.K/GL.1/MEM.G/2024 regarding the Designation of Geological Heritage.
“The pre-Tertiary rock complex in this exotic area holds rare traces of the Earth’s formation history and possesses high educational value,” said Rusmadi.
Various superior geological components, such as breccia, classic limestone, basalt, and gabbro rocks, are spread across this coastal region.
“The discovery of these various ancient rock components serves as empirical evidence that the land of Kalimantan in the past was once the floor of an ocean,” he added.
Local authorities now view this conservation area as a natural laboratory with significant potential for future development. The primary focus in future spatial planning involves optimising the potential for education, earth science research, and integrated geotourism development.
In addition to its high geological value, Rusmadi explained that this coastal area offers ecological attractions through a blend of landscapes ranging from mountains to coral reefs. This landscape concept brings together pristine primary forests, strictly guarded by the local community, with diverse and untouched marine biota.
A rare natural phenomenon, involving the emergence of freshwater springs from pores in underwater rocks, also attracts significant interest from researchers.
“The local community, from the Basap Teluk Sumbang tribe, continues to live alongside nature through their tradition of traditional fishing in the area,” he explained.