South Kalimantan Strengthens Security of Marine Conservation Areas

The South Kalimantan Provincial Government continues to strengthen the management and security of marine conservation areas. The marine conservation area in South Kalimantan covers more than 179,000 hectares, encompassing the regions of Kotabaru and Tanah Bumbu Districts.

“The conservation area in South Kalimantan is quite extensive, and if we do not protect it, it will become increasingly threatened. The marine conservation area spans more than 179,000 hectares,” stated Rusdi Hartono, Head of the South Kalimantan Provincial Fisheries and Marine Affairs Office, on Wednesday (22/4).

In relation to this, the South Kalimantan Fisheries and Marine Affairs Office has recently inaugurated the operation of the Angsana Marine Conservation Area Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD KKP) in Tanah Bumbu District. This becomes the eighth UPTD in South Kalimantan Province.

Rusdi Hartono emphasised the importance of managing marine conservation areas, which should not only focus on protection but also on sustainable utilisation. He hopes that coastal communities will understand their rights and obligations in utilising the conservation areas, while contributing to maintaining the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

“We want to encourage active participation from communities, fishermen, and the private sector in protecting and managing marine conservation areas sustainably. The management of conservation areas must include regulating the sustainable use of natural resources as well as monitoring activities that could potentially damage aquatic ecosystems,” he said.

South Kalimantan’s marine conservation area, measuring 179,659.89 hectares, is divided into Area I: Angsana waters, Tanah Bumbu (8,138.45 hectares); Area II: Sungai Loban waters, Tanah Bumbu (10,613.23 hectares); and Area III: Laut Island-Nine Islands, Kotabaru (158,717.40 hectares).

Meanwhile, the condition of coral reefs in South Kalimantan’s waters continues to be threatened. Out of the total coral reef area of 9,443.15 hectares, approximately 2,036.66 hectares remain in good condition, 25.79 hectares in moderate condition, and 7,380.7 hectares in damaged condition. The South Kalimantan Provincial Government is intensifying coral reef transplantation and rehabilitation of conservation areas through mangrove planting.