The East Kalimantan provincial authority has taken steps to safeguard the habitat of the critically endangered Mahakam dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) by optimizing cross-sectoral collaboration.
"Cross-sectoral coordination is a necessity because only 60 individual dolphins remain. They are assets not only of our province but also of the nation and the world, and they must be preserved," stated Head of the East Kalimantan Forestry Office, Joko Istanto, here on Monday.
Istanto highlighted that his agency's primary role is to prevent the silting of the Mahakam River, the dolphin's habitat, through effective management of upstream forests and the river's riparian zones.
The official also emphasized the importance of involving the Ministry of Environment in addressing the issue, given the "complexities surrounding the dolphin's habitat and potential pollution sources that may originate from other areas."
He said the government stresses prudence in investigating the causes of Mahakam dolphin deaths.
Authorities aim to avoid prematurely blaming a single factor, such as industrial pollution or fishermen's activities, without proper basis.
Further studies are required to determine whether pontoon ships and ship-to-ship loading activities in the river are directly contributing to the damage of the river ecosystem, he added.
Istanto reminded stakeholders that compliance with environmental permits and operational criteria for companies near the river must be strictly enforced to protect the dolphin habitat.
“We also need to re-evaluate the distribution of responsibility for Environmental Impact Analysis among central, provincial, and district authorities to ensure effective monitoring,” he remarked.
Efforts to preserve the endangered Mahakam dolphins have intensified following the deaths of two endangered individuals earlier this month.
Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated on November 12 that law enforcement would be pursued, in line with environmental regulations, to protect the dolphins and preserve the river ecosystems.
Specimens from the deceased dolphins have been sent to the Mulawarman University Laboratory in Samarinda to determine the cause of death, according to the ministry.
The Mahakam River dolphin is the only freshwater dolphin species native to Indonesia and is classified as endangered.
The species faces severe threats from water pollution, sedimentation, and heavy river traffic, all of which continue to jeopardize both its population and natural habitat.
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Translator: Ahmad Rifandi, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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