Ekowisata Bamboe Wanadesa (Bamboo Ecotourism Forest)

In the wake of job losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic, local residents initiated Ekowisata Bamboe Wanadesa. They wanted to develop a forest area managed by the Regional Technical Implementation Unit for the Forest Protection Unit (UPTD KPHL) and formed farming groups and the Strong Solidarity Group of Pati Residents to manage the forest. This social forestry site encompasses approximately 80 hectares of bamboo forest, initially planted in 2014 by the Balikpapan Ecoregion Development Control Center Department (Dinas Pusat Pengendalian Pembangunan Ekoregion - P3E Kalimantan). This bamboo forest is also conserving the Manggar watershed, critical for water security in Balikpapan, reflecting REDD+ principles of sustainable forest management.

Unique features:

• The bamboo stands in Manggar Protection Area support water storage in Manggar Reservoir. It maintains water supply to Balikpapan City. The water volume saved from the bamboo stands is around 9 million cubic meters, enough to supply 900 thousand families.

• Located in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan, Ekowisata Bamboe Wanadesa is a hidden gem and a favorite tourist destination for local residents of Balikpapan and neighbouring areas. 

• The community plants bamboo regularly.

• The community also protects Manggar Watershed from illegal logging, forest fires, and littering.

• Ekowisata Bamboe Wanadesa area provides ecotourism features, including water tourism, fishing, and camping.

SSE trip visit:

• Manggar Reservoir tour by boat

• Trekking

Mentawir Nursery

Mentawir Nursery is a modern tree seedling facility supporting reforestation and restoration projects, which is located in North Penajam Paser regency, East Kalimantan province. It was built as a part of green development in the Nusantara Capital, as well as in East Kalimantan and its surrounding areas. The site has the capacity to house 15 milion plant seeds that will be used for forest rehabilitiation and replanting ex-mining areas.

Unique features:

• A modern tree seedling nursery supporting the Capital City of Nusantara, East Kalimantan Province, and North Kalimantan Province.

• The nursery is operated by the Office of Mahakam Berau Watershed Management, under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

• The nursery water needs are supported by Mentawir Reservoir, which is operated by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

SSE trip visit:

• Nursery tour

• Reservoir tour

• Sunset sightseeing at Mentawir Nursery