Taman Kelempiau: The Success Story of How a Community Can Empower Itself

Kelempiau Park in Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan, is a testament to how the Dayak community can effectively manage eco-tourism independently. Doc. the writer.

A drive by car or motorcycle will take less than 30 minutes to reach this natural park, owned and managed by the Dayak Desa community. 

Why visit Taman Kelempiau? 

You'll experience more than just the natural ambiance; you'll witness firsthand how indigenous people are self-sufficient and effectively manage their surrounding resources.Taman Kelempiau, located in Desa Tapang Semadak, Sekadau Hilir District, Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan, is an educational tourism destination that was inaugurated by the Regent of Sekadau, Rupinus, on December 14, 2019, and opened to the public on December 28, 2019. 

Managed by the Keling Kumang Group, this park is part of an effort to preserve nature and endangered species while also empowering the local community.

The origins of Taman Kelempiau

The park offers a range of attractions amidst stunning natural scenery. 

Visitors can enjoy an artificial lake equipped with paddle boats, a food court, homestays, and a comfortable picnic area with wooden chairs and tables. 

The park features various selfie spots and a spiritual attraction like Gua Maria (Maria Cave), situated right in front of Taman Kelempiau.

Among the many highlights of Taman Kelempiau is its Fish Conservation area, as well as diverse plant species such as maram, forest orchids, and other flora and fauna. 

A major draw is the kelempiau named "Joji." Joji performs captivating displays by climbing trees, branches, and wooden limbs around the conservation river, swinging about and creating a dramatic opening act. 

Each morning, Joji and other kelempiau make their voices heard, breaking the silence of the park's natural forest.

Joji, formerly Jojo, who was brought to Sintang, is now at Kelempiau Park, ready to delight visitors with attractions when they arrive. Doc. the writer.

The Kelempiau gibbon is a monogamous species and is often found in groups of 3 to 4 individuals. However, some gibbons are solitary, usually adults that have been forced to leave their family and have yet to establish their own territory. 

The origin of the name Taman Kelempiau

Kelempiau gibbons are highly agile, moving through the trees by swinging from branch to branch. They can make long jumps and swings using their long arms, covering distances of up to 3 meters in a single swing and traveling around 850 meters daily. They typically walk upright with their arms raised for balance. They are not strong swimmers and generally avoid water.

Taman Kelempiau is named so because the area was once home to many of these unique animals known as kelempiau, or gibbons. The name was chosen to preserve the memory of their presence and to honor the natural heritage of the area.

"This area is called 'Kelempiau Park' because in the past, it was home to many of these unique animals. Every morning, when we were children, we would wake up to the sound of the gibbons. We wanted to preserve that memory, so we named this place accordingly," explains Masiun, an environmentalist and chairman of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN).

The idea for the park began with plans to create a Monkey Park, but it was later decided to focus on the conservation of the increasingly rare kelempiau. Established on January 6, 2019, the foundation aims to preserve local nature and culture while also empowering the community.

Future development plans for Taman Kelempiau include the normalization of the river downstream from the lake, stretching about 300 meters, and the creation of a Forest Party area where visitors can use mini speedboats or canoes. 

Additionally, a bridge leading into the forest will be added. The park has already seen the construction of a mini Waterboom and Rumah Betang (a traditional longhouse) on the right side of the forest, along with several new photo spots.

To reach Taman Kelempiau

Taman Kelempiau is more than just a recreational spot; it serves as an educational center for nature conservation. With an entrance fee of just IDR 10,000, visitors can access the park after a short 10-minute walk from the main entrance. The park is expected to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving species like the kelempiau, as well as other wildlife in the protected forest, including monkeys and bears.

To reach Taman Kelempiau, follow these directions:

• From Sekadau: It takes about a 28-minute drive by motor vehicle.
• From Sintang: The drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.

Upon arriving in Tapang Sambas, you will find a large parking area at the Pusat Credit Union (CU) Keling Kumang office. Right in front of the office, there is a canteen and an entrance road. About 1 kilometer from there, you will encounter a road built over stacked hard rocks leading to the Taman Kelempiau entrance.

Currently, in front of the Taman Kelempiau entrance, there is a spacious, leveled area of land. Munaldus explains, “In the future, this space will be used for parking and various CU Keling Kumang events. It can accommodate up to 5,000 people for festivals and events.”

Taman Kelempiau is nestled within the heart of Borneo's lush rainforest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore this remarkable ecosystem. 

The park is not only a sanctuary for the rare kelempiau but also a gateway to experiencing the rich biodiversity of Borneo’s rainforests. As you journey through the park, you’ll be immersed in the vibrant flora and fauna characteristic of this tropical rainforest, enhancing your appreciation for the natural world.

With its strategic location and comprehensive facilities, Taman Kelempiau stands as a testament to the region's commitment to conservation and community engagement. It ensures that visitors can enjoy a seamless experience while exploring the enchanting Borneo rainforest, contributing to both ecological preservation and cultural enrichment.

How a community can empower itself 

The story of Kelempiau Park highlights a crucial example of how a community can empower itself to protect its land from exploitation. 

The Dayak Desa people, recognizing the value of their ancestral homeland, chose not to sell it to a palm oil company, which might have led to environmental degradation and social upheaval.

Munaldus’ account shows how the community, faced with the temptation of immediate financial gain, opted for a sustainable path by having CU Keling Kumang purchase the land. This decision ensured that the land would remain in the hands of the community rather than falling into the control of a corporation that might prioritize profit over the environment and local welfare.

Munaldus brothers, known for 4-M and the CU Keling Kumang movement, demonstrate that the community chose sustainability over profit.

The decision to make the area a customary forest through a formal decree further solidifies their commitment to protecting their land from deforestation and the negative impacts associated with commercial exploitation.

This example underscores the power of community action in safeguarding both cultural and environmental assets. 

It shows how local empowerment and collective decision-making can create lasting benefits, ensuring that natural resources are managed in a way that supports both the environment and the community’s long-term well-being.

-- Masri Sareb Putra