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Sustainable Forestry

Bentala Kalimantan

Hutan Wehea

What is Bentala Kalimantan?

Background

As the world's third-largest island, Kalimantan boasts 6% of the world's biodiversity. Kalimantan's forest area covers approximately 31.10 million hectares, representing 30.3% of Indonesia's total forest cover. Kalimantan's rainforests are among the oldest in the world and store vast amounts of carbon. Kalimantan's forests play a key role in mitigating climate change and are home to thousands of the world's most iconic species, such as the orangutan. More than 50% of Kalimantan's forest area is allocated for production forests.

Sustainable management of production forests is the key to long-term prosperity which can also have a positive impact on the sustainability of the biodiversity.

Transforming Production Forest Management, Kaltim Through the Sustainable Production Forestry Strategy, YKAN demonstrates that production forests can be managed fairly and sustainably.

Our Strategies

Bentala Kalimantan, merupakan sebuah inisiatif untuk menguatkan komitmen YKAN pada misi penyelamatan ekosistem hutan hujan tropis dunia yang masih tersisa. Pendekatan yang diterapkan adalah melalui praktek pengelolaan hutan produksi berbasis konservasi.

Wilayah program saat ini di area lanskap Wehea Kelay, Kalimantan Timur,  yang diperluas hingga mencapai 1,2 juta hektare.

Initiatives implemented by Bentala Kalimantan:

  • Land allocation for concessions and conservation,

  • Implementation of environmentally friendly logging practices,

  • Involvement of local communities in multi-business programs and area protection,

  • Strengthening partnerships to increase economic value.

  • Develop an operational model to be adopted and expanded.

Program Goals

The Bentala Kalimantan Program is part of YKAN's commitment with partners to support the achievement of the Indonesian Government's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets:

  • Contribute to a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

  • Contribute to the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, especially in the Wehea region of East Kalimantan.

Leaf shadow
Spider web
Photo Caption Spider webs and tree silhouettes blend to form a natural composition, resembling a masterpiece painting of nature that reflects the beauty and balance of the forest ecosystem. © Peter Larson
Wehea-Kelay
East Kalimantan
The Wehea Forest holds high biodiversity value. The application of RIL-C in concessions around Wehea reduces degradation, lowers carbon emissions, & preserves ecosystem functions.
Wehea-Kelay
East Kalimantan
The Wehea Forest holds high biodiversity value. The application of RIL-C in concessions around Wehea reduces degradation, lowers carbon emissions, & preserves ecosystem functions.

Our Work Area

Publication

Bentala Kalimantan News

Weaving Hope from Kalimantan Forest

Bentala Kalimantan Program: YKAN supports biodiversity-rich forests in Kalimantan and rare species through sustainable forest management and conservation efforts.

Prototype Bioprospection Product Inspired by Orangutan Food Plants

YKAN and Unmul discover orangutan food trees in Wehea-Kelay that have the potential to become ingredients for beauty products.

Monitoring Biodiversity in Production Forest Areas

YKAN and BRIN monitor wildlife in PT WBPU's production forest. Protected animals were still found, an indicator that the forest is still sustainable.

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Stories from the Forests of Kalimantan

In January 2025, YKAN, TNC, and Arhaus explored East Kalimantan's forests, showcasing biodiversity and community-led conservation's role in protecting wildlife.