East Barito RDTR Asked to Protect the Environment, Not Just Good on Paper

EAST BARITO, EARTH LINE, GARISBUMI.com – East Barito Regent M. Yamin requested the preparation of a Detailed Spatial Planning Plan (RDTR) to ensure that economic development goes hand in hand with environmental protection. The document must be applicable and answer the needs of the community, not stop as a plan on paper.

"Don't let the RDTR that we drafted only be good on paper, but difficult to implement in the field," stressed Yamin when opening the focus group discussion or FGD I RDTR and Public Consultation I Strategic Environmental Study (KLHS) RDTR in the East Barito Regent's Meeting Room, Wednesday (7/10/2026).

The preparation of the RDTR covers the Raren Batuah, Dusun Tengah and Pematang Karau planning areas. The East Barito Regency Government hopes that this document will provide certainty about the use of space as well as the direction of development in these three areas.

According to Yamin, spatial planning has an influence on economic growth, residential development, infrastructure development, food security and the quality of life of the community.

"The space we have today is the space that will be used by future generations," he said.

Environmental Carrying Capacity is a Consideration

Yamin emphasized that RDTR needs to regulate development by considering the environment's ability to support community activities and accommodate its impacts.

"We want development to take place, investment to grow, community economic activity to develop, but at the same time we must ensure that development takes place in a directed, orderly, sustainable manner, and still pays attention to the carrying capacity and capacity of the environment," he said.

Therefore, the KLHS results are asked to be the basis that provides direction in the preparation of the RDTR. This study must be used to assess the sustainability of development, not just to fulfill administrative requirements.

"What we have to build is balance. Economic development and environmental protection must go together," stressed Yamin.

He gave an example, infrastructure development needs to pay attention to areas that have important functions for the environment. Residential growth must also consider the safety, health and comfort of residents.

Meanwhile, the development of agriculture, plantations, animal husbandry, fisheries and other economic sectors is expected to maintain the sustainability of natural resources.

Residents Invited to Determine the Direction of Spatial Planning

Yamin also asked for community involvement in the RDTR discussion. According to him, residents of Raren Batuah, Dusun Tengah, and Pematang Karau understand the condition of the area, land use patterns, economic potential, and areas that need protection.

This knowledge is needed so that spatial plans are in accordance with real conditions and can be implemented.

"This forum is not just a forum for conveying information, but is truly a space to listen, discuss, provide input, test ideas, and agree on the most appropriate direction for spatial planning for the community and region," he said.

He invited sub-district heads, village heads, village heads, community leaders, traditional leaders, academics, business people, farmer groups and youth to submit input openly and constructively.

Through these discussions, it is hoped that the RDTR will become a guideline that is realistic, can be implemented and is responsive to the needs of residents, as well as providing certainty for regional development.