French Researchers Study Geological History at Lambung Mangkurat Museum
Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - An international gemology research team from France is conducting research on aspects of geological history, culture, and the development of the diamond industry in South Kalimantan.
Acting Head of the Lambung Mangkurat Museum Technical Implementation Unit, Raudati Hildayati, stated that at the Lambung Mangkurat Museum, the research team deepened their understanding of the geological history, culture, and development of the diamond industry in South Kalimantan.
“Various museum collections were examined, particularly artefacts depicting the relationship of local communities with natural resources, especially diamonds,” she said in Banjarbaru on Monday.
She explained that the visit by the international gemology research team from France not only focused on field research in diamond mining and trading areas but also emphasised historical and educational aspects through the visit to the Lambung Mangkurat Museum.
Through interactive discussions, both parties explored the unique geological characteristics of Kalimantan’s diamonds and the potential for developing gemology studies based on local heritage.
The Lambung Mangkurat Museum welcomed the visit positively, as it is seen to strengthen the museum’s role as an educational and scientific reference centre, not only for local communities but also for researchers from abroad.
This museum visit serves as an important complement to the research team’s field activities, in addition to inspections of the traditional Cempaka diamond mining site, processing locations, and diamond markets.
The historical and educational aspects gained from the museum are considered to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the research being conducted.
“Through this visit, it is hoped that broader collaboration will be established between local institutions and the international scientific community in developing gemology studies, particularly related to the potential and heritage of South Kalimantan’s diamonds,” she added.
The visit, part of a research series from 26 April to 2 May 2026, was conducted by a team from the Laboratoire de Gemmologie led by Agatha Cristol, accompanied by the Meratus Geopark Management Agency, the South Kalimantan Provincial Trade Office, and the South Kalimantan Provincial Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda).