Training on Conservation Basics for Communities in Coastal and Small Island Conservation Areas of the Derawan Islands and Surrounding Waters

Samarinda, May 5, 2025 - The Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (DKP) of East Kalimantan Province through the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Marine, Coastal, and Small Island Conservation Areas (KKP3K-KDPS) together with the Nusantara Nature Conservation Foundation (YKAN) held a Marine Protected Area (MPA) 101 training for community groups in KKP3K-KDPS, Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province. 

The activity, which took place from April 25 to May 3, 2025, was held in four villages, namely Pilanjau Village, Buyung-Buyung Village, Semurut Village, and Tubaan Village. In this training, participants received materials on the concept of conservation areas, ecosystems and coastal areas, sustainable fisheries, sustainable tourism, and law enforcement.

Head of East Kalimantan Provincial DKP, Irhan Hukmaidy, said that by having conservation knowledge, the community is expected to be a pioneer in maintaining and managing coastal ecosystems in their respective areas.

“The management of marine and coastal natural resources requires proper planning so as not to cause ecosystem damage and environmental quality degradation. Sustainable management with active community involvement is key, to ensure a balance between resource utilization and environmental conservation. Through this training, we hope that the community will better understand the principles of sustainable management,” explained Irhan.

KKP3K-KDPS, located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, is one of the areas with the highest marine biodiversity in the world and is part of the coral reef triangle. The area is also known as one of the largest green turtle nesting beaches in Southeast Asia and an important marine biota migration route as well as a high economic value fisheries area.

“This training is a medium to increase the capacity, knowledge, and awareness of the community in playing an active role in supporting the sustainable management of conservation areas. This training is also part of an effort to encourage the active participation of various community groups, including women and the younger generation, in the decision-making process related to natural resource management,” said the Plh. Head of UPTD KKP3K-KDPS Didik Riyanto.

Based on the Decree of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries No. 87/2016, the UPTD KKP3K-KDPS currently manages a conservation area of 285,548.95 hectares. The area is divided into Coastal Park and Small Island Park Zones, with various management zones, including Core Zones and Limited Utilization Zones.

As part of the community-based management strategy, the UPTD KKP3K-KDPS has established Conservation Activist Community Groups (KOMPAK) in several villages, with the target of forming in all 24 villages around KKP3K-KDPS.

“This activity is part of YKAN's commitment to supporting the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and Berau District Government to strengthen the role of the community as the frontline of Berau's KKP3K-KDPS management. Collaboration between all parties is key to the success of KKP3K-KDPS management,” explained YKAN Senior Manager for East Kalimantan Province Niel Makinuddin.

In addition, YKAN Marine Program Director Muhammad Ilman added that his party also supports the government in implementing a Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) in this area to ensure a sustainable funding scheme. “Given the ecological, social, and economic importance of KKP3K-KDPS, this area must be managed sustainably. So in addition to strengthening the capacity of human resources, we also support the process of implementing BLUD. This system is one of the models for developing effective and sustainable conservation area management institutions,” he concluded.