The announcement was made on Saturday by ministry official Rasio Ridho Sani, who emphasized that the dolphin is not only a protected species but also a vital indicator of the river’s ecological health.
“Preserving its habitat must be a collective effort involving government, businesses, universities, NGOs, and local communities,” he said, delivering remarks on behalf of Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq during a working visit to the Mahakam Marine Conservation Area.
The newly designated villages — Muhuran in Kota Bangun Sub-district and Sabintulung in Muara Kaman Sub-district — join Pela Village, which had previously received conservation status.
The initiative highlights the ecological importance of the Mahakam River and Lake system, which supports diverse wildlife including proboscis monkeys, otters, herons, and numerous aquatic species, while also playing a strategic role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Sani stressed that all economic activities in the region — from fisheries and river transport to plantations, mining, and tourism — must be managed responsibly to avoid harming the dolphin’s fragile habitat.
He also called for stronger waste and sewage management to reduce water pollution and protect biodiversity.
The ministry has opened channels for public reporting of environmental damage, ensuring follow-up through law enforcement.
Officials hope the Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Area will serve as a model of sustainable biodiversity management, delivering fair benefits for both nature and local communities, and demonstrating the power of cross-sector collaboration in environmental protection.
Translator: Prisca Triferna Violleta, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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