Deputy Minister inaugurates Bakut Island nature tourism

Marabahan, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Environment and Forestry Alue Dohong, Ph.D inaugurated the grand opening of Bakut Island Nature Tourism Park (TWA), Barito Kuala District, Friday (February 11, 2022).

The event was witnessed by Barito Kuala Regent Hj Noormiliyani AS, Head of South Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Dr. Ir. Mahrus Aryadi, M.Sc, and PT Adaro Indonesia's Head of Mining Engineering Suhernomo.

Bakut Island TWA, which is developed by PT Adaro and BKSDA, has an area of 15.54 hectares with a high level of biodiversity. Here 116 proboscis monkeys (bekantan) and 42 species of birds make this mangrove area a place to live and breed.

This park is expected to become an educational tourism destination for the people of Indonesia and the world.

Head of Mining Engineering Suhernomo said green business has become Adaro's commitment. It always applies good mining practices and continue to make breakthroughs in conserving biodiversity, both inside and outside its area of operation.

"The Bakut Island program that we develop in cooperation with BKSDA has a mission to develop a proboscis moneky conservation area," he expounded.

Community involvement in managing the TWA tourism is expected to provide more benefits for the surrounding community.

Efforts to preserve biodiversity in Bakut Island have been carried out since 2018 not only have a positive impact on the preservation of bekantan, but also other ecosystem, such mangrove and bird spesies.

The park is equiped with various infrastructures, such as preservation of flora and fauna, restoration of bekantan habitat, and development of rehabilitation centers.

It is also equipped with facilties for visitors, including 630 meters footbridge, two monitoring towers, floating dock, gazebos, clean water treatment, and information center.