Kutai Kartanegara, E Kalimanta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Environment is currently preparing emergency measures to save the Mahakam dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) population, which has reached a critically endangered phase with its numbers declining drastically.
The ministry's Deputy for Pollution and Environmental Damage Control, Rasio Ridho Sani, here on Sunday, highlighted the importance of concrete efforts to prevent the population from extinction.
Based on the latest data as of early February 2026, only 66 of these endemic Mahakam River mammals are estimated to remain in the wild.
"The government must take serious action. The condition of our dolphins is deeply concerning, with the population now down to approximately 66 individuals," he said following a field inspection at a Mahakam dolphin conservation area in Kutai Kartanegara District.
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During the visit, the Ministry of Environment also officially designated two villages in Kutai Kartanegara as Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Villages to strengthen community-based protection.
According to him, the decline in the dolphins' population had been triggered by the massive damage to their habitat as a result of human and industrial activities.
Several main threats have been identified, including land conversion and clearing in upstream areas, and coal mining activities that impact water quality.
In addition, heavy river traffic—particularly coal barges—is also suspected of disrupting the dolphins' navigation and critical habitats.
"We must address these threats comprehensively, whether they stem from corporate activities or the actions of communities along the Mahakam River,” he stressed.
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The Ministry of Environment stressed that saving the dolphins requires cross-sector collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, local governments, and transportation authorities.
The goal is to ensure that economic activities on the river can continue without sacrificing the dolphin ecosystem.
The government is also committed to taking firm action against any parties proven to be destroying the animals' habitat.
This news was published on Antaranews.com with a title: Indonesia prepares emergency measures to save Mahakam dolphins
