Indonesia's Kutai National Park preserves rare important forest flora

Kutai Timur (ANTARA) - Kutai National Park (TNK) Office in East Kalimantan continues to protect six important flora species with significant ecological, health, and cultural value to maintain the sustainability of the tropical rainforest ecosystem.

"Protecting natural habitats, controlling illegal logging, and implementing forest rehabilitation programs are our top priorities to ensure the preservation of these unique plants and their sustainable use," said Syaiful Bahri, Head of the TNK Office, in East Kutai, Saturday.

The six important flora species being preserved in the 193,753.42-hectare area include the pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifolia), widely known as a medicinal herb, and the ironwood tree (Eusideroxylon zwageri), known for its strength and durability.

Then, the bendang tree (Borassodendron borneense), an endemic palm with fan leaves typical of Kalimantan.

The area also protects the mangrove ecosystem in coastal areas, which serves to prevent abrasion, the meranti tree (Shorea spp.) that dominates the lowland forest canopy, and the black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata), an icon of the biodiversity of Kalimantan's tropical rainforests.

Kutai National Park currently boasts a rich biodiversity, with 1,302 flora species from 118 families, including eight Dipterocarp genera and 15 endemic species. Special attention is given to ironwood trees, as past exploitation for heavy construction, which has led to a decline in the population of this iconic Kalimantan flora.

"Similar measures are being implemented to protect the meranti tree, whose wood is highly sought after by the market, but is now threatened by land conversion despite its crucial role as a refuge for endemic species such as orangutans," Bahri explained.

Preventing habitat damage caused by uncontrolled harvesting of roots, area managers are now promoting the cultivation of pasak bumi.

"We also deploy surveillance patrols to monitor the sustainability of black orchids, iconic epiphytic plants with distinctive dark-colored labellum (lip) that grow attached to large trees and are highly susceptible to death if there are changes in the forest's microclimate humidity," Bahri said.

In forest areas with high rainfall, officers ensure the safety of the bendang tree, an endemic Bornean palm with large fan leaves that plays a vital role in the local food chain through its fruit, which serves as food for wildlife.

Meanwhile, along the outer coast of the Makassar Strait, the office is working to protect mangrove vegetation from the threat of pollution due to its vital function as a barrier against coastal abrasion and as a spawning ground for a variety of marine life.

Related news: South Kalimantan conservation team uncovers 56 rare native plants

Related news: Indonesia logs 10 new orchid records, expands biodiversity map

Related news: Minister underlines dual benefits from protecting biodiversity

Translator: Ahmad RIfandi, Cindy Frishanti Octavia

Editor: M Razi Rahman

Copyright © ANTARA 2026