InfoSAWIT, SAMARINDA — The East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN) have officially extended their strategic partnership in sustainable resource management. The agreement was signed on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Ruhui Rahayu Room, East Kalimantan Governor's Office in Samarinda, and will be effective until 2030.
East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud expressed appreciation for YKAN's contributions in supporting environmentally conscious development in the region. "The continuity of this collaboration is crucial for strengthening the established partnership. We hope this collaboration continues to support the vision of East Kalimantan's success towards a Golden Generation, with development that preserves environmental sustainability," Rudy stated in an official statement received by InfoSAWIT on July 23, 2025.
This extension follows a similar partnership that has been in place for the past five years (2020-2025), covering green development, management of protected areas, marine conservation, and community welfare based on natural resources.
YKAN is implementing two main programs in East Kalimantan: forest ecosystem preservation and marine ecosystem conservation. The province boasts 13 million hectares of forest, which serves as a habitat for over 1,500 species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic.
The marine focus area includes the Derawan Islands and surrounding waters in Berau Regency. Since 2016, this area has been designated as a Coastal and Small Islands Conservation Area (KKP3K-KDPS), covering 285,548 hectares. This region harbors extraordinary marine biodiversity, including 397 species of marine biota, 162 of which are classified as having high conservation value.
"The biodiversity wealth of East Kalimantan, both terrestrial and marine, must be managed sustainably so that its benefits can be felt by future generations," said YKAN Executive Director Herlina Hartanto. She added that support from all parties, including communities, governments, and stakeholders, is key to success.
During the 2020-2025 period, the collaboration between the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and YKAN has yielded several achievements. One notable outcome is involvement in the Green Growth Compact (GGC) through 13 model initiatives aimed at accelerating emission reductions across various sectors, including wetland protection and peatland ecosystems.
In the social forestry sector, YKAN has assisted communities alongside the East Kalimantan Forestry Office and the Social Forestry Working Group. One result is the establishment of the first Integrated Area Development (IAD) in East Kalimantan, as well as achieving the target of expanding social forestry areas by 63,000 hectares in Berau Regency.
In the plantation sector, YKAN has been involved in developing a roadmap for establishing High Conservation Value Areas (ANKT). Additionally, from the Wehea Protected Forest area, a skincare product has been developed using active ingredients from orangutan feed plants, resulting from joint research with Mulawarman University.
YKAN has also supported local government initiatives to propose the Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat karst area as a Geopark. This support includes establishing a geosite management agency, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns.
In marine conservation, YKAN has supported the management of KKP3K-KDPS since its establishment. YKAN has also encouraged the formation of a Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for managing the area, which is currently in the process of becoming a Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) to ensure sustainable funding.
Another innovative initiative is sustainable aquaculture through the Shrimp-Carbon Aquaculture (SECURE) method in Berau Regency, which combines shrimp farming with carbon absorption. Furthermore, YKAN has assisted in developing ecotourism, strengthening women's economic groups, and enhancing the capacity of fishery actors.
For community empowerment, YKAN has initiated the SIGAP Village Academy and has supported micro and small business actors in implementing environmentally friendly practices.
Through this new agreement, the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and YKAN reaffirm the importance of collaboration in preserving nature for the welfare of the community. "As a development partner, we are ready to continue supporting the East Kalimantan Government to ensure that nature remains sustainable and provides broader benefits for the community," concluded Herlina. (T2)
