Location: West Kalimantan Map
Area: 1,320 km²
Danau Sentarum National Park, located in the Kapuas Hulu Regency of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, is a unique and ecologically critical protected area covering approximately 132,000 hectares. Established in 1999, it is one of Southeast Asia’s most significant freshwater wetland ecosystems, characterized by a vast network of seasonal lakes, peat swamp forests, and lowland tropical forests. The park lies within the upper Kapuas River basin, about 700 km upstream from the river’s delta, and is part of the largest inland fishery in Borneo. Its dynamic landscape, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance make it a globally recognized Ramsar Wetland Site (designated in 1994) and a vital component of Indonesia’s conservation network.
Danau Sentarum is situated in a low-lying basin,
approximately 10–30 meters above sea level, surrounded by hills and
mountains ranging from 200 to 1,700 meters. The park’s defining feature
is its seasonal flooding, creating a complex mosaic of interconnected
lakes, rivers, and wetlands. During the wet season (October to April),
heavy rainfall (3,000–4,000 mm annually) floods the area, forming a vast
lake system covering up to 80,000 hectares, with depths reaching 6–14
meters. In the dry season (May to September), water levels drop
dramatically, leaving isolated lakes, channels, and exposed forest
floors, reducing the inundated area to about 20,000 hectares.
The
park encompasses several ecosystems:
Freshwater Lakes and Channels:
The core of the park consists of over 20 interconnected lakes, with Lake
Sentarum as the largest. These lakes are fed by the Kapuas River and
smaller tributaries, creating a dynamic aquatic environment.
Peat
Swamp Forests: Covering much of the park, these waterlogged forests are
dominated by trees adapted to flooding, such as Shorea balangeran and
Melaleuca cajuputi.
Lowland Tropical Forests: Found on higher ground,
these forests include dipterocarp species and support greater
terrestrial biodiversity.
Heath Forests (Kerangas): Nutrient-poor,
sandy soils on elevated areas support stunted vegetation, including
pitcher plants (Nepenthes spp.).
Grasslands and Marshes: Seasonal
flooding creates open areas of sedges and grasses, particularly during
the dry season.
Danau Sentarum is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting a
remarkable array of aquatic and terrestrial species, many of which are
adapted to its seasonal flooding. Its wetlands are critical for global
conservation, hosting endangered and endemic species.
Flora
The park contains over 500 plant species, with adaptations to the
wet-dry cycle:
Swamp Forest Trees: Shorea balangeran (red balau),
Melaleuca cajuputi (paperbark), and Koompassia malaccensis (honey tree)
dominate flooded areas, providing nesting sites for wildlife.
Aquatic
Plants: Floating vegetation like water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
and water lilies (Nymphaea spp.) thrive in lakes.
Heath Forest
Species: Orchids, pitcher plants, and ferns grow in nutrient-poor soils.
Economically Important Plants: Local communities harvest rattan, timber,
and medicinal plants from the forests.
Fauna
The park’s
diverse habitats support a rich animal population, particularly aquatic
and semi-aquatic species:
Fish: Over 240 fish species, one of the
highest diversities in Borneo, including the endemic Asian Arowana
(Scleropages formosus), a prized and endangered species. Other notable
species include clown loach (Chromobotia macracanthus) and giant gourami
(Osphronemus goramy). The park is a critical spawning ground for Kapuas
River fisheries.
Mammals:
Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus),
with an estimated 800–1,000 individuals, primarily in upland forests.
Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus), an endangered species found in
swamp forests, easily recognized by its distinctive nose.
Clouded
Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus), elusive
predators in lowland forests.
Smaller mammals like Barking Deer
(Muntiacus muntjak) and Pangolin (Manis javanica).
Birds: Over 310
bird species, including migratory and resident species. Notable species
include the Storm’s Stork (Ciconia stormi), one of the world’s rarest
storks, White-shouldered Ibis (Pseudibis davisoni), and Hornbills (e.g.,
Rhinoceros Hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros). The park is a key stopover for
migratory birds.
Reptiles and Amphibians: The False Gharial
(Tomistoma schlegelii), a critically endangered crocodilian, inhabits
lakes and rivers. Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus), monitor
lizards, and numerous frog species are also present.
Invertebrates:
Freshwater crabs, shrimp, and a variety of aquatic insects support the
food web.
Danau Sentarum is home to approximately 10,000–12,000 people,
primarily from the Dayak (Iban and Kantu subgroups) and Malay ethnic
groups, living in around 30 villages within and around the park.
These communities depend on the park’s resources for their
livelihoods and cultural practices:
Fishing: The primary
economic activity, with fish catches peaking during the dry season
when fish concentrate in shrinking lakes. Species like Channa
striata (snakehead) are staples.
Honey Harvesting: The Dayak
collect wild honey from Koompassia trees, a traditional practice
that supports local economies and is culturally significant.
Agriculture and Gathering: Shifting cultivation (rice, cassava) and
collection of rattan, fruits, and medicinal plants occur on higher
ground.
Cultural Practices: The Dayak perform rituals tied to the
lakes and forests, such as offerings to water spirits. Longhouses,
traditional communal dwellings, are cultural landmarks.
Ecotourism: Community-based tourism, including homestays and guided
tours, is growing, providing alternative income while promoting
conservation.
Danau Sentarum offers a unique ecotourism experience, focusing on its
wetlands, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Key activities include:
Boat Tours: Navigating the lakes and channels by canoe or motorized
boat, offering views of flooded forests, fishing villages, and wildlife
like proboscis monkeys and crocodiles.
Birdwatching: The park’s
diverse birdlife, especially rare species like Storm’s Stork, attracts
birders. Guided tours target key habitats.
Wildlife Observation:
Orangutans and proboscis monkeys are highlights, best seen in swamp and
upland forests.
Fishing Experiences: Visitors can join local fishers
to learn traditional techniques, such as net fishing or trapping during
the dry season.
Cultural Tours: Stays in Dayak longhouses or Malay
villages provide insights into local traditions, including dance, music,
and honey harvesting.
Trekking: Trails through peat swamp and lowland
forests lead to viewpoints like Bukit Tekenang, offering panoramic views
of the lake system.
Photography: The park’s dramatic seasonal
changes, from flooded lakes to exposed forests, provide stunning
photographic opportunities.
Managed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Danau
Sentarum is a priority for conservation due to its global ecological
significance. Key efforts include:
Wetland Protection:
Maintaining water quality and hydrological cycles to support fisheries
and biodiversity.
Species Conservation: Programs to protect
orangutans, false gharials, and Asian arowana, including anti-poaching
patrols and habitat restoration.
Community-Based Conservation:
Engaging local communities in sustainable resource management, such as
regulated fishing and ecotourism.
Research: The park hosts research
stations (e.g., Bukit Tekenang) studying wetland ecology and climate
change impacts.
Major challenges include:
Illegal Logging and
Mining: Deforestation and small-scale gold mining upstream threaten
water quality and forest habitats.
Overfishing: Unsustainable fishing
practices, including the use of poison and electric fishing, deplete
fish stocks.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Crop raiding by orangutans and
competition for fish resources strain community relations.
Climate
Change: Altered rainfall patterns and prolonged dry seasons affect
flooding cycles, impacting fisheries and swamp forests.
Infrastructure Limitations: Limited funding and remote access hinder
conservation and tourism development.
Danau Sentarum is remote, accessible via Pontianak, West Kalimantan’s
capital (about 500 km away). The journey involves:
A 10–12 hour
drive or bus ride to Sintang, followed by a 2–3 hour boat trip to the
park’s entry points (e.g., Lanjak or Semitau).
Alternatively, small
chartered flights to Putussibau, followed by a shorter boat ride. Roads
are often impassable during the wet season, making boats the primary
transport mode. Infrastructure includes:
Basic guesthouses and
homestays in villages like Lanjak and Pulau Majang.
A research
station at Bukit Tekenang with limited visitor facilities.
Local
guides and boat operators for tours, often arranged through community
cooperatives.