Wildlife Returns to Rehabilitated Forests in Indonesia’s New Capital

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Signs of ecological revival are emerging in the Capital City of Nusantara (IKN), Indonesia’s new capital city, where 1,805 hectares of rehabilitated forests and land have begun attracting wildlife, especially birds. Since 2024, the transformation has been marked by the growth of endemic Kalimantan tree species, according to Head of IKN Authority Basuki Hadimuljono.

“The area, which was previously an industrial eucalyptus monoculture plantation, has now been transformed into a tropical rainforest through the planting of multi‑purpose tree species (MPTS) and endemic Kalimantan plants,” Basuki said in IKN on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Among the trees planted over the past two years are meranti (often called lauan or Philippine mahogany), gaharu (known as agarwood, aloeswood, or oud), kapur (specifically Borneo camphor), medang (commonly grouped under the laurel family), nyamplung (also known as calophyllum, Alexandrian laurel, or tamanu), and nyatoh, along with fast‑growing species to accelerate ecosystem recovery.

Basuki explained that significant vegetation growth has boosted biodiversity, evidenced by the return of birds to the rehabilitated area. “This shows tangible results, while strengthening ecological functions as carbon sinks and water regulators,” he noted.

The site was visited a day earlier by Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni and East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud, who joined in planting native Kalimantan seedlings.

Minister Raja Juli underscored the broader importance of forests for sustainable prosperity. “Forests are natural resources that must be maximized for the welfare of society in a sustainable way. The Ministry of Forestry will continue to support Nusantara, especially in terms of greening,” he said.

“The RHL (Forest and Land Rehabilitation) site was planted two years ago, but now the trees are already tall, replacing monoculture crops. It was also reported that birds have returned because the vegetation is more diverse, supporting Nusantara’s vision as a forest city,” he added.

The visit also highlighted the social dimension of Nusantara’s development, marked by the handover of Social Forestry decrees to four forest farmer groups in East Kalimantan. The initiative aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to ensure surrounding communities gain legal access, economic benefits, and active roles in sustainable forest management.

Governor Rudy Mas’ud emphasized the balance between development and conservation. “The preservation of forests, apart from helping reduce global warming, can also become an economic activity for local communities,” he concluded. ***