Protecting Maridan’s Mangroves through Community-Based Ecotourism

Maridan is in the regency of Penajam Paser Utara and is part of Indonesia’s new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). The mangroves are home to proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and estuarine crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). They also are vital breeding grounds for fish and crabs, sustaining the livelihoods of Maridan residents and neighboring communities.

Blue Forests-ELTI alumnus Kalvendi Kurnia Hamdani saw untapped potential in the mangroves. As leader of Pokdarwis (Tourism Awareness Group) Jone Nusantara, he envisioned a future in which environmental protection fuels economic opportunity. His plan was to develop Maridan’s mangroves into a thriving, community-led ecotourism destination. The Blue Forests–ELTI course Hamdani attended in Mentawir broadened his perspective on sustainable mangrove ecotourism, highlighting not only tourism activities but also the integration of other opportunities, such as promoting non-timber forest products to generate additional income from ecotourism.

Under Hamdani’s leadership, river cruises now take visitors deep into the mangrove ecosystem in Maridan, offering close-up views of its rich biodiversity. These tours serve a dual purpose, providing memorable experiences for visitors while acting as regular patrols to safeguard the mangroves. He also introduced bird race activities, turning birdwatching into an engaging challenge. With training supported by the IKN Authority, the agency that governs the capital city, Pokdarwis members learned skills in identifying mangrove bird species, enhancing both their own knowledge and their ability to educate visitors.

Hamdani’s vision didn’t stop with tourism. Partnering with ELTI–Blue Forests, he organized training sessions for Pokdarwis members and women from the Maridan Village Pemberdayaan Kesejahteraan Keluarga (Family Welfare Empowerment) organization to develop marketable food products from mangrove forest non-timber resources. This initiative added value to natural resources, opening new streams of income for local families and strengthening the community’s economy while reinforcing the importance of conserving its natural heritage.

As a leader, Hamdani understands that collaboration is essential. He continues to work closely with local communities, the IKN Authority, and conservation organizations to expand Maridan’s ecotourism and conservation efforts. His guiding belief is the idea that “protecting mangroves means protecting our future.”

Today, Maridan stands as a living example of how conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods can thrive together, proving that with vision, training, and collaboration, mangroves can be both a cornerstone for the natural environment and a source of hope and livelihood for the people.

by Lely Puspitasari, updated September 23, 2025