RRI.CO.ID, North Penajam Paser - The development of the new Indonesian capital is fostering a green ripple effect in its neighboring regions, as the Ministry of Forestry joins forces with the North Penajam Paser Regency to transform the Kampung Baru Mangrove Ecotourism area into a premier sustainable destination.

Positioned as a vital buffer zone with direct connectivity to Nusantara Capital City (IKN), the 60-hectare site in Penajam Subdistrict is being groomed to serve as a national benchmark for how conservation and community-led tourism can coexist. The partnership specifically aligns with broader mangrove rehabilitation mandates within the IKN corridor, ensuring that the natural defenses of the coastline are preserved while the local economy thrives.

During a site visit on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Secretary of the Directorate General of Watershed Management and Forest Rehabilitation at the Ministry of Forestry, Muhammad Zainal Arifin, highlighted the region's immense potential.

“North Penajam Paser was selected because it possesses great potential for the development of mangrove forest-based tourism,”said Arifin, as quoted by Antara.

He further explained that the collaboration extends beyond infrastructure, focusing heavily on mentoring local tourism awareness groups, known as Pokdarwis, to ensure they possess the professional capacity to manage the ecosystem independently and sustainably.

The Kampung Baru site currently serves as both a conservation stronghold and an educational hub, featuring a 677.8-meter boardwalk that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the forest without disrupting the delicate environment. To elevate the site’s status, Arifin noted that the Ministry is actively pushing for funding support to assist local groups in constructing essential supporting facilities.

This physical development is being paired with a rigorous campaign to raise public awareness regarding the critical role mangrove ecosystems play in coastal protection and environmental balance. Local leadership has embraced the initiative as a cornerstone of the regency’s future identity.

The Regent of North Penajam Paser Muhammad Mudyat Noor emphasized that the local administration is committed to safeguarding these mangroves as one of the region’s most significant environmental and tourism assets. He affirmed that the regency continues to prioritize the formation and strengthening of tourism awareness groups across various subdistricts. ***