TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy for Environment and Resources of the Indonesian Capital City Authority (IKN) Myrna Safitri affirmed that her side had anticipated potential natural disasters and human-wildlife conflicts that could arise in the new capital area in East Kalimantan. She asserted that they have taken and planned several mitigation measures, including planting trees in green zones or protected areas.

“Then we create animal corridors in IKN which are divided into two, namely natural and artificial animal corridors,” Myrna said in a text message to Tempo, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

Myrna added that her side has planned and mapped areas that require special protection and developed a watershed-based natural resource management strategy.

The next step is to rehabilitate the mangrove ecosystem to prevent coastal disasters. “This includes providing green open spaces to maintain ecosystem balance and increase water catchment areas,” she explained.

Earlier, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) pointed out the potential for disasters and animal conflicts in IKN due to deforestation in the area. This followed the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) report on forest loss in Borneo due to the new capital project.

Uli Arta Siagian, Walhi Indonesia's Forest Campaigner, said NASA's findings validated Walhi’s warnings that extensive land clearing automatically leads to the disappearance of land cover, which could trigger floods and landslides as the forest loses its function as a place to retain water.

“So, given the narrative of moving the capital to avoid flooding in Jakarta, we will actually get the same situation in the new national capital,” Uli told Tempo on Friday, March 1.

Moreover, Uli said that deforestation could trigger human-wildlife conflicts as the IKN area is a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including endemic animals, such as orangutans and porpoises, which the government also protects.

“When wildlife habitat is damaged, it triggers a conflict between animals and humans. The clash intensity can also be higher,” said Uli.

RIRI RAHAYU