Bathing in Kalimantan's Rivers Today: A Rare Sight

Bathing in Kalimantan's rivers today: a rare sight. Photo credit: Lingling Cinday.

It is indeed true that Kalimantan is surrounded by numerous rivers, so the description fits perfectly. In the past, up until the 2000s, when palm oil and mining companies began to exploit and damage (deforestation) Borneo, the rivers were generally clear. 

Don’t destroy Kalimantan’s Forests, as the Dayak people depend on nature

Besides serving as transportation routes, these rivers were used by residents for bathing, washing, and drinking. Today, only a few clear and unpolluted rivers remain in Borneo. 

The longing to bathe in these rivers has grown stronger alongside deforestation and the destruction of forests for industry and logging under the guise of development. 

Bathing in Kalimantan's rivers has become a rare sight. In addition to having bathrooms in homes, many rivers in Kalimantan are now polluted.

In earlier times, Kalimantan was filled with rivers flowing crystal-clear through untamed forests. The water was so clear that it reflected the blue sky on its surface. However, this beautiful past is now almost a legend.

Mining and palm oil plantations have damaged the rivers. The extraction of sand and gold, along with the proliferation of palm oil plantations, has altered the face of these rivers.

In the upstream areas of Kalimantan's rivers, miners are digging for natural wealth without regard for the environmental impact. 

After the mines are exhausted, silt and mercury seep into the rivers, polluting them and rendering the water murky and unusable for local communities. 

The large trees that once preserved the flow of water are now diminishing, replaced by barren and scarred landscapes.

In the early years up until the 1990s, Kalimantan remained isolated from destructive external influences. 

The rivers still supported abundant life, their clear waters sustaining both people and the surrounding ecosystem. 

However, with the increase in deforestation and relentless resource exploitation, Kalimantan's rivers are threatened with extinction, along with the life that once thrived along their banks.

Restoring the clarity of Kalimantan's rivers

Restoring the clarity of Kalimantan's rivers is now akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. West Kalimantan, once renowned for its natural beauty, now witnesses polluted rivers unfit for fish and other life forms. 

The soothing sound of flowing water has been replaced by the noise of machines extracting and transporting natural resources on a large scale.

This change not only affects the river ecosystems but also threatens the lives and livelihoods of local communities who depend on these rivers. Kalimantan's rivers, once sources of life, now stand as silent witnesses to the damage wrought by human activity. They await the possibility of regaining the clarity and vitality they once had.

Restoring the clarity of Kalimantan's rivers is no easy task. It requires collaborative efforts from the government, communities, and environmental organizations to halt destructive deforestation practices, limit uncontrolled mining, and enforce stricter regulations on industrial waste. 

Concrete steps must be taken to protect aquatic life and river ecosystems, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the natural beauty that is increasingly under threat.

Connection Between Clear Rivers and Borneo’s Rainforest

The allure of bathing in Borneo's clear rivers symbolizes a profound link to the health of the island's rainforests. 

In the past, the rivers of Borneo were renowned for their pristine clarity. This transparency was not just a result of natural luck; it was a direct consequence of the dense rainforest that enveloped the island. 

The rainforest, with its rich canopy and complex root systems, played a crucial role in sustaining river health. It acted as a natural filtration system, preventing soil erosion and absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants before they could enter the waterways.

Through raising awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability and supporting conservation efforts, we can hope to see positive changes in the condition of Kalimantan's rivers. 

Restoring the natural authenticity and beauty that are integral to the culture and history of local communities is essential for preserving their heritage and future.

Historically, Borneo's rainforests provided an effective shield against environmental degradation. The intricate network of trees, plants, and organic matter in the forest floor absorbed rainfall, reducing runoff and minimizing soil erosion. 

This process helped maintain the rivers’ clarity by preventing sediment from clouding the water. Additionally, the forest’s vegetation absorbed pollutants and nutrients, ensuring that only clean, clear water flowed into the rivers.

Rampant deforestation driven by mining operations and palm oil plantations has drastically altered this delicate balance. Large-scale clearing of rainforests not only removes the natural filters but also exposes soil to erosion. 

Without the protective canopy of trees, rain washes away topsoil, which then flows into rivers, leading to increased sedimentation. This sedimentation clouds the water, impacting not just its aesthetic quality but also its ecological health.

Moreover, the use of chemicals and pollutants in mining and agricultural activities exacerbates the problem. Runoff from these industries introduces harmful substances into the rivers, further compromising water quality. 

The Dayak people deeply miss the clear river waters of the past

As a result, the once-clear rivers are now struggling with murky waters and increased pollution, reflecting the broader environmental crisis affecting Borneo.

The Dayak people, the traditional stewards of Borneo’s land, deeply long for the clear river waters of the past, as illustrated in this narrative. 

They yearn not only to drink from Borneo’s pristine waters but also to bathe and engage personally with the river during their daily routines of washing and socializing.

-- Masri Sareb Putra