South Kalimantan Provincial Government Proposes Release of Liang Anggang Protected Forest Area
The government faces a policy dilemma with no truly comfortable options.
The South Kalimantan Provincial Government will propose the release of a portion of the Liang Anggang protected forest area to maximise the development and management of an international-standard stadium.
“Despite budget efficiency policies from the central government, the South Kalimantan Provincial Government remains committed to accelerating priority infrastructure projects in line with our vision and mission,” said South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin, on the sidelines of the Musrenbang for the Preparation of the 2027 Provincial RKPD, in Banjarbaru on Wednesday (8/4/2026).
One of the priority infrastructure projects in question is the construction of an international-standard stadium in Banjarbaru City. Muhidin explained that the land requirement for the international stadium development is 28.76 hectares, with an estimated construction cost of Rp1 trillion.
His side hopes for full support from the community so that all stages of the stadium construction can proceed smoothly, as the stadium development is intended for the interests and welfare of the community. The international stadium development is also in line with the aerocity concept being developed by the Banjarbaru City Government.
Further, Muhidin stated that his side plans to propose the release of a portion of the protected forest area located around the international stadium site. “The Liang Anggang protected forest covers about 1,000 hectares; if possible, we can utilise around 150 hectares for building various public facilities, the results of which will later support the operations of the international stadium,” said Muhidin.
Based on data from the South Kalimantan Forestry Service, the Liang Anggang protected forest area consists of two blocks. The first block is in Gambut Subdistrict, Banjar Regency, covering 960 hectares, while Block II is in Liang Anggang Subdistrict, Banjarbaru City, covering 1,290 hectares. Thus, the total protected forest area is 2,250 hectares.
However, on the ground, parts of this peat forest area have already changed function to become community settlements, offices, industry, and community gardens. This area is also frequently hit by fires during the dry season.
Head of the South Kalimantan National Land Agency Regional Office, Budi Kristiyana, said his side is assisting in the land acquisition process for the international stadium development. “There is about 28.7 hectares of land to be acquired for the stadium construction. Currently, we are in the process of inventorying and checking land titles and certificates for the land targeted for acquisition,” he said.
In addition to the international stadium, the South Kalimantan Provincial Government is accelerating the realisation of other priority infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Pulau Laut Bridge connecting Tanah Bumbu Regency and Kotabaru’s Pulau Laut at a cost of nearly Rp5.9 trillion, as well as the central axis road connecting Banjarbaru City to Tapin Regency at Rp600 billion for 30 kilometres. This includes plans for the Barito II Bridge connecting South Kalimantan to Central Kalimantan, crossing the Barito River in Barito Kuala Regency.