South Kalimantan: Kaget Island

A. Brief Information

Kaget Island is one of the tourism destinations located in the forest of Barito Kuala sub-district. The island is a delta close to the mouth of the Barito River. The island is inhabited by kinds of monkey with long nose which are known by the people as the Dutch Monkeys/Bekantan (Nasalis Larvatus). They are known for having long noses, red faces, and big bellies. There are also a number of different types of birds in this area. This area which is 85 Ha wide is established as a nature preserve in 1976 due to the decree of Agricultural Minister No. 788/Kptsum11/1976.

The local government of South Kalimantan enacted the Bekantans as the mascot of the province in 1990 according to the decree of the Governor. The I Provincial Chief Executive of South Kalimantan No. 29, dated on January 16th,1990 and was agreed upon by (Provincial House of Representative) DPRD I South Kalimantan which is written on the decree of DPRD No. 162/112/DPRD, dated on March 28th, 1990.

The enacting of Bekantans as the mascot of the province results in strategic benefits for the area both as its symbol and as a tourism destination. As a habitation of preserved beasts, the nature preserve of Kaget Island becomes one of a well-known tourism sites for domestic and foreign tourists.

Unfortunately, the existence of illegal lodging and environmental pollution drag the island into critical situation. Rambai Padi (Sonneratia Caseolaris), the main food of Bekantans, is one of the trees which are mostly threatened. It puts the beasts in danger as their numbers are decreasing.


B. Distinctive Features

The visitors will see various preserved animals around the destination, Bekantan. The preservation of the beasts is written in the law: The law of prevention to cruelty animals No. 2666 year 1931, the law No. 5 year 1990, the decree of Forestry minister no. 301/Kpts-II/1991, the decree of Forestry Minister No. 882/Kpts-II/1992, and the Government Regulation No. 7 year 1999. These beasts are internationally categorized as vulnerable in IUCN (International Union for conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red Data Book and is enclosed in Appendix I of the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna).

Those who visit this place for the first time will be surprised or will spontaneously drag a friend‘s hand when suddenly hear a sound from the leafy trees “nguuk…nguuuuk, nguuuuk….”, which is actually the sound of hundreds of monkeys. The sound of Bekantan will always stuck on thevisitors‘ head. They also will be amazed to witness the beasts which are known to be shy and only be found in Kalimantan, energetically hanging around from one tree to another.


C. Location

Kaget island is located in the district of Tabunganen, Barito Kuala, South Kalimantan Province.


D. Access

The visitors can reach Kaget Island using speed boat from Banjarmasin which takes around 15 minutes or around 1, 5 hours using kelotok.



Source:www.wisatamelayu.com