Indonesia Designates New Conservation Villages to Protect Critically Endangered Mahakam Dolphins
Jakarta – Indonesia’s Environment Ministry has officially designated two villages in East Kalimantan as Conservation Villages, a move aimed at bolstering the protection of the critically endangered Mahakam Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). The announcement, made on Saturday, February 7, 2026, underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding this rare freshwater species, found exclusively in the Mahakam River.
The newly designated villages are Muhuran, located in Kota Bangun Sub-district, and Sabintulung, in Muara Kaman Sub-district. They join Pela Village, which previously earned conservation status, forming a network of communities dedicated to preserving the dolphin’s fragile habitat.
Rasio Ridho Sani, a ministry official, emphasized the importance of this collective effort. Speaking on behalf of Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq during a working visit to the Mahakam Marine Conservation Area, Sani stated that preserving the dolphin’s habitat requires the coordinated involvement of government, businesses, universities, NGOs, and local communities. He also highlighted that the Mahakam Irrawaddy dolphin is not merely a protected species, but a crucial indicator of the river’s overall ecological health.
The Mahakam River and Lake system is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting a diverse range of wildlife including proboscis monkeys, otters, herons, and numerous aquatic species. The initiative to establish Conservation Villages recognizes the system’s broader ecological significance and its role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Officials are stressing the need for responsible management of all economic activities within the region. Fisheries, river transport, plantations, mining operations, and tourism must all be conducted in a manner that minimizes harm to the dolphin’s habitat. Stronger waste and sewage management practices are also being called for to reduce water pollution and protect the river’s biodiversity.
The Environment Ministry has established channels for the public to report environmental damage, ensuring that reported incidents are followed up with appropriate law enforcement action. This proactive approach aims to deter harmful activities and reinforce the commitment to conservation.
According to Rainforest Trust, a total of 440,297 acres have been established as an Aquatic Nature Reserve and a Peat Swamp Conservation Area along the Mahakam River, in partnership with Yayasan Konservasi Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia. This expands the total safeguarded area to 546,842 acres, protecting habitat for other threatened species like the Siamese Crocodile and Bornean Orangutan.
The plight of the Mahakam dolphin is severe. People’s Trust for Endangered Species reports that fewer than 90 individuals remain in the entire river system. The dolphins, locally known as Pesut Mahakam, are genetically unique and face threats from entanglement in fishing nets and the destruction of their riparian habitat. A planned increase in coal barge transport in the area also poses a risk due to underwater noise pollution and potential collisions.
East Kalimantan authorities are hoping the Mahakam Dolphin Conservation Area will serve as a model for sustainable biodiversity management, delivering benefits to both the environment and local communities. The initiative demonstrates the power of cross-sector collaboration in environmental protection, a strategy officials believe is essential for the long-term survival of this iconic species.
