East Kalimantan protects Lingkacan Waterfall as geological heritage

Samarinda (ANTARA) - The East Kalimantan Provincial Government is preserving the ecosystem of Lingkacan Waterfall as a geological heritage site with significant historical value within the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Geopark landscape. “Lingkacan Waterfall is not just a natural beauty, but also a geological heritage that records the earth’s history from millions of years ago, making it evidence of a long natural journey that we must protect together,” said Rusmadi, Acting Head of the East Kalimantan Forestry Service, in Samarinda on Friday. Legal recognition for this natural site has been formalised through the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia Number 187.K/GL.1/MEM.G/2024 in 2024. This mountain water ecotourism destination, managed by the UPTD KPHP Berau Pantai of the East Kalimantan Forestry Service, is located in the administrative area of Teluk Sumbang Village and is integrated with the Sangkulirang Mangkalihat Geopark in Berau Regency. “The exotic rock structures have been proven to contain trace fossils and travertine findings formed naturally from the dissolution process of ancient carbonate minerals,” Rusmadi revealed. These natural traces of sediment deposits are scientifically estimated to have formed during the late Miocene to early Pliocene epoch, or around five to twelve million years ago. “Visually, this waterfall landscape has a cascading characteristic that flows swiftly across the main stream of the Teluk Sumbang River,” said Rusmadi. He continued that each layer of sedimentary rock exposed around the cliffs is evidence of pure deposition processes in ancient seas or lakes. “The clear water that continuously flows from the rock crevices slowly helps create a valley panorama while recording the environmental geological evolution of the surrounding area,” he stated. To maintain the pristine condition of the area, his office directs all visitors to keep the environment clean by always disposing of rubbish in the bins provided. Visitors are also strictly prohibited from taking or damaging the rock structures, as such fatal actions could remove important components of the nation’s natural history. “Tourists should not only make the location an object for visual photography but should also leave behind traces of kindness without polluting the ecosystem in the slightest,” Rusmadi expressed.