Meratus Mountains, geologically formed from oceanic crust called ophiolite, which rose to the surface 200-150 million years ago, were designated as geopark and was recognized as UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) in 2025.
Belangian produces Sasirangan cloth using an environmentally friendly ecoprint technique with organic material from plants, such as leaves, flowers, and roots within the village's forest art trail.
Belangian has a unique forest, Kahung tropical rainforest, rich in flora and fauna, and unique ancient rocks rarely found elsewhere. It is one of 54 Meratus Geopark sites highly protected by conservation.
"The motifs and patterns from Bentala Belangian are inspired by the natural wealth and our enthusiasm for developing the economy of village women and communities, as well as promoting cultural tourism in Belangian Village," said Bentala Belangian chairperson Idah Fitriati recently.
Read also: South Kalimantan intensifies forest rehabilitation by embracing villagers in Belangian
She said all the dye are taken directly from nature, leaves, roots, bark and fruit.
They use teak leaves, lanang leaves and gulinggang leaves. They can also use bark from halaban trees, mahogany and ironwood dust. Even rambutan fruit and cocunut husks can be used as dyes.
Craftmen can combine five colors into a single motif and pattern, beautifuly depicted on the Sasirangan fabric.
Surely, this meticulous production process, combined with the lengthy process, can improve its quality in the market. And it was proven by the fact that Sasirangan cloth from Belangian Village represented South Kalimantan at a national exhibition on appropriate technology in Lampung Province in 2023.
Production development
Belangian Village Head Aunul Khoir said development of Sasirangan cloth production in his village received quite high attention from various parties, especially from local and provincial government.
Not only for its preserving nature and tourism, but also for developing creative economy for the well-being of the village with its 340 people or 105 families.
The village government strongly supports the development and promotion of creative economy in Sasirangan fabric processing sector as part of efforts to advance tourism.
"Until we have something unique from our village as a souvenir for tourists," said Aunul.
Besides Sasirangan, Belangian Village also produces agriculture and plantation products, such as peanuts.
Peanut farming is fertile in Belangian, with abundant production making it popular souvenir for the Belangian Tourism Village.
"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), yesterday the provincial government in collaboration with banking institution provided training for our residents to develop the two sectors," said Aunul.
Aunul assured that Belangian is fully prepared to become national or even international tourist destination with all the potential it has, the beauty and uniqueness of it nature, forest, rivers, mountains and large trees as well as creative economy.
Belangian Village also applies managed cleanliness, friendly community and responsible security.
Read also: Tourism Office socializes Meratus Geopark in rural areas
Tourism awareness
Head of Belangian Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Hendri Hidayat said the community feel the benefits of being a tourist village. Thus, tourism awarensss is continuously being built to make the village more attractive to tourists.
As a large number of tourists visiting, the village economy is booming; creative economy, plantation and agriculture, kioks, shipping, lodging, motorcycle taxis and tour guides.
Belangian has also prepared tour guides who are fluent in foreign languages.
Hidayat said that the most important thing of tourism awarenss to be applied is politeness. He said this is crucial, so that tourist feel comfortable and give them good lasting memories of Belangian.
"Even tour motorcycle taxi drivers are required to wear polite clothes and vests. They are not allowed to smoke while carrying passengers, must speak politely and civilly," Hidayat explained.
Belangian has several tourist attractions. In addtion to its village atmosphere and creative economy, there are destinations require considerable journey, such as Kahung tropical rainforest, and the "Benung Laki" (Duabanga Moluccana) large tree from Lythraceoa family.
Rivers with rocks flowing swiftly down from Meratus Mountains, waterfall and mountains.
Every week, many climbers and nature lovers come to the village. They spend the night and visiting those attractions.
"All tourist required to to maintain cleanliness and nature preservation, becasue it is ours," he said.
Provincial goverment support
Head of South Kalimantan Tourism Office Iwan Fitriadi stated the provincial government's strong support for the progress of Belangian tourist village in Banjar Regency.
He himself felt the great potential of Belangian Village for provincial tourism development, because of its extraordinary natural beauty as part of Meratus Geopark.
Iwan's journey across Riam Kanan Lake to Belangian Village, approximately one-half hours by kelotok motorboat from Bukit Batu tourist pier, it offered beautiful view of the expanse of Meratus Mountains.
The stunning and eye-pleasing views extend to Belangian Village, where there are also many unique natural attractions rarely found elsewhere.
"The village forest is home to the world's largest and smallest orchids. Not to mention the enormous trees, many people have probably never seen them," said Iwan, when visiting the South Kalimantan Bureau of the ANTARA National News Agency (LKBN ANTARA) in Banjarmasin last Wednesday.
With all the village's potential, including geology, flora, fauna, and culture, the provincial government is paying special attention to environmental sustainability, infrastructure, and tourism development for the prosperity of its residents.
Belangian Village is a Meratus Geopark site, geographically located at 3 degrees 35' 45.49 South Latitude and 115 degrees 3' 48.87 East Longitude.
Belangian Village can now be reached by two routes: land and river, with an average duration of approximately two hours from the capital of South Kalimantan, Banjarbaru City.
Belangian Village is part of geopark sites from the eastern route of journey with a theme "Memorable voyage through the history of earth and human".
Iwan urges all parties to preserve the environment in all geopark sites which cover six districts and cities: Banjarmasin city, Banjarbaru City, Banjar District, Barito Kuala District, Tapin District and Hulu Sungai Selatan District.
He reminded that if not properly maintained and preserved, the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) status could be revoked. "This certainly would be a loss for all of us," he said.
