Tengkawang: The Vanishing Treasure of Borneo – Will It Become Just a Memory?

The stunning appearance of the tengkawang fruit is truly remarkable: it can be used to make margarine, soap, natural beauty products, and more. Photo credit: the author.

BORNEOTRAVEL - SANGGAU: If you ever find yourself traveling or on a business trip to West Kalimantan, be sure not to miss the forest. 

There's a rare tree you absolutely have to see: the "tengkawang." Even if it's not in fruit, just witnessing the tree and its unique morphology is well worth your time.

Tengkawang refers to both a fruit and a tree from several species of meranti (shorea) within the Dipterocarpaceae family, known for producing highly valuable fatty oils. 

These tengkawang trees are unique to Kalimantan. In English, they are called illipe nut or Borneo tallow nut.

Tengkawang: Biodiversity—a treasure trove of life

Borneo is a treasure trove of natural resources, and there's always something captivating to discover. Its rainforests are truly extraordinary, serving as habitats for a diverse array of flora and fauna. 

This biodiversity is one of the most remarkable aspects of Borneo, as its rainforests host thousands of species, many of which are endemic. 

From the iconic orangutan to the vibrant hornbill, this lush environment supports countless ecosystems, each playing a vital role in the health of our planet.

Borneo's rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The dense canopies provide shelter for an array of wildlife, contributing to a complex web of life. 

As scientists continue to explore this rich environment, they uncover new species and insights into how these organisms interact, revealing the profound complexity of nature. This incredible biodiversity not only sustains wildlife but also offers opportunities for scientific discovery and ecological balance.

The rainforest is not just a biological treasure; it also holds immense cultural value for the indigenous communities that have lived in harmony with it for centuries. 

Here’s what the tengkawang tree looks like, towering over 20 meters high into the sky. This picture was taken by the author along the Mukok - Sape road in Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan. Photo credit: the author.

The Dayak people, for instance, view the rainforest as a source of sustenance, spirituality, and identity. Tengkawang, or Borneo Tallow Nut, serves as a prime example of this relationship. 

Beyond its economic uses, such as producing oil and food, Tengkawang is intertwined with the Dayak’s cultural heritage. It symbolizes their deep-rooted connection to the land, which they regard as a living entity. 

For the Dayak, Tengkawang represents a multi-functional resource that has been passed down through generations, embodying a legacy of stewardship and respect for nature.

Conservation challenges: balancing development and preservation

However, despite its incredible wealth, Borneo's rainforest faces significant threats from deforestation, illegal logging, and agricultural expansion, particularly for palm oil cultivation. 

These activities not only jeopardize the delicate balance of this ecosystem but also the livelihoods of indigenous communities that depend on it. 

The decline of Tengkawang cultivation illustrates this challenge, as communities shift focus toward more lucrative crops. Yet, efforts to conserve this unique environment are crucial.

 Various organizations and local governments are working to implement sustainable practices that balance economic development with ecological preservation. Initiatives that promote agroforestry and ecotourism offer pathways to support both the economy and the rainforest's health.

Tengkawang: potential, decline, hope, preservation, community

Tengkawang has been recognized for its potential since 1881, but recent trends show a decline in its cultivation as communities pivot toward palm oil. 

This shift underscores the ongoing struggle to maintain a sustainable relationship with the land. Yet, there is hope. Local residents are beginning to utilize dried Tengkawang seeds to make butter, tapping into new opportunities for this invaluable plant.

During peak harvest season, Tengkawang trees bloom and bear fruit simultaneously. While the yield may not be abundant every year, a single tree can produce an impressive 250 to 400 kilograms of dried seeds in a fruitful season, with prices being quite affordable at around Rp 3,000 per kilogram.

The story of Tengkawang Tungkul serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and local wisdom. 

Amidst the tide of modernization, valuing and conserving this plant is a vital effort to maintain cultural identity and the long-standing relationship between humans and nature.

West Kalimantan harbors a natural wealth that must not be forgotten: Tengkawang Tungkul.

Preserving this unique ecosystem requires a collective commitment from local communities, governments, and global stakeholders to ensure that this irreplaceable resource continues to thrive for generations to come.

-- Rangkaya Bada