The initiative is expected to help develop an alternative tourist destination near the future capital, Nusantara.
“The local government is committed to promoting nature tourism based on the conservation of Kalimantan’s unique endemic ecosystem,” Penajam Paser Utara Regent Mudyat Noor said on Tuesday when asked about the region’s tourism potential.
He informed that river tourism can be developed along the Waru River, which serves as a natural habitat for the proboscis monkey, an endemic primate species with a long nose found only on the island of Borneo.
Noor said the regency is firmly committed to preserving the proboscis monkey population in Kalimantan, especially in the area locally known as Benuo Taka.
He described proboscis monkeys found along the Waru River as a priceless natural asset and emphasized that the river’s ecotourism potential must be developed sustainably while prioritizing conservation efforts.
“The scenery along the Waru Tua River, enriched with Kalimantan’s native flora and fauna, will be a major attraction,” he said.
He stressed that environmental preservation and ecosystem balance must be key priorities in tourism development, ensuring that tourism activities do not disturb the habitat of endemic wildlife, and instead, contribute to public education.
Noor reaffirmed that the regional government is continuing to explore natural tourism potential to protect the environment and boost local revenue.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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