Saving the "Space" for West Kalimantan's Remaining Life
At the age of 66 years, West Kalimantan faces severe challenges due to environmental degradation. In that situation, some residents have struggled to save the remaining "space" for life.
Lines of vehicles on the flooded Trans Kalimantan route, to be precise at Balai Berkuak, the capital of Simpang Hulu District, Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, Monday (10/10/2022).
The severity of environmental degradation is illustrated by the massive natural disaster in West Kalimantan in October last year. Eight regencies in this province were hit by floods. Thousands of residents were forced to evacuate.
Floods cut off the trans-Kalimantan route in Nanga Tayap District, Ketapang Regency, to Central Kalimantan. The road was flooded to a depth of about 1 meter last October. Dozens of trucks and public transportation vehicles were stuck for days because they could not pass, thereby increasing travel costs. The price of basic needs went up because logistics were hampered.