RRI.CO.ID, Palangka Raya - Central Kalimantan is doubling down on its crown jewel of conservation. Governor Agustiar Sabran has announced that optimizing Tanjung Puting National Park is now a top-tier priority, aiming to transform the world-renowned orangutan sanctuary into a high-performance engine for the province's economy.

Following a field inspection in Kotawaringin Barat on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, the Governor emphasized that while the park’s natural allure is undisputed, the infrastructure supporting it must evolve to meet the expectations of an increasingly international audience.

"The existence of adequate infrastructure supports comfort as well as the smooth running of tourism activities, which also plays an important role in Central Kalimantan's economy," said Agustiar in Palangka Raya on Thursday, as quoted by Antara.

The Governor’s focus is particularly sharp on the unique "liveaboard" experience. Many tourists spend their nights on traditional klotok boats to navigate the park, and Agustiar is calling for these mobile accommodations to reach higher service standards.

He specifically highlighted the need for improved facilities for visitors staying overnight on ships to ensure they meet international comfort benchmarks.

The strategic importance of the park is backed by staggering data. In 2025, the Tanjung Puting National Park Office recorded 79,920 visitors.

Remarkably, 78 percent of these were foreign nationals, with Spain leading the pack at 24,037 visitors, followed by Germany and the USA.

To support this influx, the provincial administration is coordinating with the central ministry to upgrade transit points. "Facilities that exist are already quite good, but still need improvement," Agustiar noted.

This includes reviewing the ferry piers and the connecting road from Sei Badaun Village to Sei Sekonyer Village in the Kumai District.

Tanjung Puting is not only a tourism magnet but a historical ecological landmark. According to the Directorate General of Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems (KSDAE), it was Indonesia’s first conservation area dedicated to protecting Orangutans.

Today, it remains a sanctuary for other key species like the proboscis monkey and hawksbill turtle, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sekonyer River’s Nipah palm formations.

"We are committed to supporting the development of the Tanjung Puting area, especially since this national park has an extraordinary attraction for foreign tourists," he added. ***