Dr. Yansen TP, Vice Governor of North Kalimantan: Krayan as an Ecotourism Destination

Krayan Highlands in the Heart of Borneo offers a breathtaking panorama.Borneo Travel.

Dr. Yansen TP, Vice Governor of North Kalimantan, declares the Krayan Highlands, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, as a "piece of paradise that has fallen to earth." 

With this metaphor, Yansen describes that Krayan, still green and flourishing with its organic farming system, offers many beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, mountain salt springs, and historical relics such as inscribed stones and inscriptions. 

Krayan offers a breathtaking panorama

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Krayan Highlands is located in North Kalimantan, directly bordering Sarawak and Sabah (Malaysia), and is divided into five sub-districts within Nunukan Regency, Indonesia. This region shares the same geographical-cultural landscape as the Highlands of Bario, Ba’ Kelalan (Sarawak), and Ulu Padas (Sabah).

The views in Krayan Highlands indeed possess a magical allure. The dense forests, traditional rice fields, and fruit orchards create an atmosphere that is both distinct and soothing. This area is also home to the Lundayeh and Sa’ban indigenous communities, with rich cultural traditions. With over 70 villages inhabited by more than 12,000 people, Krayan Highlands is a place where culture and nature intertwine .

So, Krayan Highlands is a captivating location, steeped in cultural and natural significance. Its beautiful and unique landscape truly deserves to be called a magical panorama.

Krayan as an ecotourism destination

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According to Yansen TP, tourism has evolved into one of the crucial sectors contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings and the income of both the community and the state. As the largest contributor to income, tourism can be ranked among the top three sources of foreign exchange earnings globally.

Dr. Yansen TP. Suara Kaltara.

The role of tourism

The role of tourism in contributing to the economy is not limited to the tourism sector itself but extends to related sectors such as hospitality, restaurants, transportation, and the creative industry. Thus, the tourism sector not only creates job opportunities but also stimulates local economic growth.

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The importance of tourism's role as a contributor to income can be seen from the investments made by both the government and the private sector in developing tourism infrastructure, promoting tourist destinations, and developing other supporting facilities. This creates an environment conducive to the sustainable growth of the tourism sector.

To achieve sustainability

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By continuously optimizing the potential of tourism, countries can leverage this sector as a sustainable economic engine, benefiting the people and creating a positive investment climate for national development. Tourism is not just an industry but also a medium for promoting tolerance, cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening international cooperation.

As the tourism engine runs, its positive effects extend to various economic and social sectors, forming an ecosystem that supports and strengthens the growth of the creative economy. 

Here are some developments:

1. Growth in the Hospitality and Restaurant Sector:
   The presence of tourists creates demand for accommodation and culinary services. The development of hotels, homestays, restaurants, and cafes presents significant business opportunities, providing employment opportunities and driving innovation in the hospitality and culinary sector.
2. Infrastructure Improvement:
   To support the flow of tourists, the expansion and improvement of infrastructure become a necessity. The construction of roads, airports, and other transportation facilities not only enhances accessibility to tourist destinations but also creates construction projects that have a positive impact on the construction sector and related industries.
3. Development of Local Products and Crafts:
   Tourists tend to seek authentic local experiences. Therefore, the development of local craft products becomes a significant opportunity in the creative economy. Local communities can produce and market their creative products to tourists, promoting the cultural identity and art of the region.
4. Empowerment of Local Communities:
   Sustainable tourism emphasizes participation and direct benefits for local communities. Training programs for tour guides, homestays, and other participatory activities empower local communities economically and socially.
5. Creative Industry and Arts:
   Tourism becomes a stage for artists and participants in the creative industry to showcase their work. The development of art, music, performances, and the entire creative industry emerges as a result of interactions with diverse cultures brought by tourists.
6. Increased Environmental Awareness:
   Sustainable tourism promotes environmental awareness. Environmental-friendly initiatives in the tourism sector, such as waste management, nature conservation, and renewable energy, create job opportunities in the environmental sector and enhance corporate social responsibility.

Communities can benefit 

Through a prudent and sustainable approach, the tourism industry has the potential to serve as a positive force, driving inclusive economic growth and fostering positive impacts on the local community in the context of Krayan's ecotourism.

As the tourism engine develops, the people of Krayan can seize significant opportunities within the creative economy. 

(Ruma Kencana)