Batu Ampar Mangrove Ecotourism Encouraged to Become an Economic Resource for Kubu Raya Residents

KUBU RAYA, LINE EARTH, GARISBUMI.com – The mangrove area in Batu Ampar Village, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan (Kalbar), is being encouraged to become an ecotourism destination that opens up income opportunities for the community. The development of environmentally based tourism is expected to strengthen mangrove protection and at the same time stimulate the businesses of coastal residents.

The Kubu Raya Regency Youth, Sports and Tourism Service (Disporapar) together with the Pontianak City Peat and Mangrove Ecosystem Management Center (BPEGM) introduced this development direction through the socialization of the Independent Mangrove Care Village Program (DMPM) in Batu Ampar Village, Batu Ampar District, Saturday (3/10/2026).

Head of the Kubu Raya Regency Disporapar, Indah Yuliastuti, said that mangroves have an important ecological function as well as the potential to be developed as a sustainable tourist destination. However, management needs to place local communities as the main actors.

"Strengthening community institutions is the key so that mangrove management can run sustainably. Local communities must be the main part in maintaining and obtaining economic benefits from the existence of this ecosystem," said Indah.

Low Impact Tourism, Opportunities for MSMEs

According to Indah, the development of Batu Ampar mangrove ecotourism is expected to create added economic value while protecting the area from activities that have the potential to damage the environment. One activity of concern is the unsustainable use of mangroves for charcoal production.

Destination development is directed using the concept of low impact tourism. Through this approach, mangrove areas can offer educational tourism experiences while still paying attention to environmental sustainability.

It is hoped that comfortable and quality tour packages can extend the length of tourist visits. The presence of visitors is also expected to open up marketing opportunities for local community micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) products.

To support this development, Indah emphasized the need for inventory and mapping of areas, preparation of joint governance, and strengthening community institutions.

This process requires the involvement of the government, residents, the business world, state-owned companies, academics and non-governmental organizations so that area management can run sustainably.

Kelulut Honey is an Example of a Conservation-Based Business

After the socialization, Pontianak City BPEGM officials together with the Head of Kubu Raya Disporapar, the Batu Ampar DMPM Working Team, and Kandelia Alam company representatives inspected kelulut honey cultivation in the village.

Kelulut honey cultivation was introduced as an example of community economic activities that are in harmony with environmental conservation. This effort is part of efforts to utilize natural potential productively while maintaining the ecological function of the area.

Through the Independent Mangrove Care Village Program, the protection of coastal ecosystems is expected to go hand in hand with the development of tourism and community businesses. Economic benefits for residents are an important part of supporting sustainable mangrove management.

The socialization with the theme "Protecting Mangroves, Securing Future Generations" was opened by the Head of Pontianak City BPEGM Administration Subdivision Doni Kristianto, representing the head of the hall.

This activity also involved the village government, village officials, RT/RW heads, the Batu Ampar DMPM Working Team, representatives of Kandelia Alam, and the local community.