New 'Sand Desert' Appears in West Kalimantan, Here is its Appearance

A new ‘sand desert’ has emerged in Biku Sarana Village, Jelai Hulu District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. A former mining lake in Biku Sarana Village, Jelai Hulu District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, has come under scrutiny after its condition dried up.

Screenshots from a video on the TikTok account Tyaaaaaaaaa243 show the surface of the lake has almost entirely transformed into an expanse of dry earth. Large cracks are visible across the ground surface, making the area appear barren.

This condition has caught the attention of several netizens on social media. The dried-out terrain, filled with cracks, has led some internet users to compare the scenery to the arid landscapes of Africa or even a sand desert.

This phenomenon stands in stark contrast to the geographical condition of Kalimantan, which is known for its tropical rainforests and relatively high rainfall. However, during the dry season, several regions can experience a decrease in water availability, impacting bodies of water, including former mining areas.

The former mining lake itself was formed from mining activities that left behind depressions which subsequently filled with water. When the water supply decreases or evaporation increases, the water level can recede, exposing the lake bed.