Kubu Raya Boosts Ecotourism with New Bukit Lalang Nature Attraction

RRI.CO.ID, Pontianak - Kubu Raya Regency in West Kalimantan is positioning Bukit Lalang in Batu Ampar as a new nature-focused attraction. This destination will complement the area’s mangrove and ecotourism offerings while keeping environmental preservation at its core.

The Kubu Raya Administration has begun landscaping and planning for Bukit Lalang after declaring Batu Ampar Village a designated tourist village.

"Going forward, when we declare Batu Ampar Village as a tourism village, Bukit Lalang will become one of the spots we offer to visitors. The view is extraordinary and the potential is very large," said Kubu Raya Regent, Sujiwo, in Sungai Raya on Tuesday, 23 June 2024.

Sujiwo said development will aim to make Bukit Lalang an attractive destination without compromising the ecosystem. The site visit was attended by heads of regional agencies, members of the local legislature, business actors, academics, environmental community groups, and other stakeholders.

Planned improvements focus on landscape design to strengthen the site’s appeal, including planting ornamental and shade trees such as matoa, ketapang kencana, mahogany, and other species. Despite these additions, officials stress that the signature sweep of alang-alang grass will remain the area’s defining identity.

"We want the Bukit Lalang landscape to be made more beautiful, but still retain its distinctive character. The alang-alang will remain an identity that will not be removed," he said, as quoted by Antara.

Sujiwo emphasized the project will not burden the regional budget. The landscaping and site works are planned through collaborative schemes that involve nature-loving communities, businesses, and other parties invested in environmental and tourism development.

"For the park and site arrangements, God willing, we will not use the regional budget. We will involve nature friendly communities and various elements of society to build together," he said.

He urged relevant agencies to coordinate development, so Bukit Lalang is integrated into Batu Ampar Village’s tourism packages, noting the site’s strong potential to boost Kubu Raya’s overall attractiveness. Representatives from the West Kalimantan Provincial Legislative Council, the Environment Agency, business groups, Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Sampan, the Mangrove and Peatland Agency, and several environmental community groups joined the visit.

Sujiwo reiterated that tourism growth will proceed hand in hand with environmental conservation, particularly protection of the mangrove ecosystems that are a local natural asset. He framed sustainability as essential not only for economic gains but for preserving nature for future generations.

"We want Batu Ampar Village to develop into a proud tourism destination, its people prosperous, and the environment preserved. Caring for mangroves and nature means we are preparing the future for our grandchildren," he said.

With a collaboration-driven approach, the Kubu Raya Administration is optimistic that Bukit Lalang will become a fresh attraction that complements mangrove tourism and ecotourism in Batu Ampar. This development will strengthen the area’s profile as a nature-based destination in West Kalimantan. ***