River Pollution in Borneo: Impacts on Tourism and Corporate Restoration Efforts

 

Clean, unpolluted rivers in Kalimantan, where the Dayak people once bathed, washed, and kept clean, are now becoming increasingly rare. Doc. Fbputrikalimantan.

Traveling through Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, offers adventurers a chance to immerse themselves in lush rainforests and spot endangered orangutans. It also allows them to cruise along iconic rivers like the Kinabatangan and Mahakam, key attractions for eco-tourism enthusiasts seeking wildlife experiences and cultural encounters with indigenous Dayak communities.

Borneo rivers threatened by pollution

However, these vital waterways, which serve as "tourist infrastructure highways" into the jungle, are increasingly threatened by pollution from mining and industrial activities, potentially deterring visitors and harming the island's biodiversity hotspots. 

As of 2025, while no precise aggregate percentage exists for polluted rivers across Kalimantan (Indonesia's portion of Borneo), national data from Indonesia's Ministry of Environment and Forestry shows about 59% of 564 monitored rivers nationwide are heavily polluted, with Kalimantan's rivers significantly affected by mercury from illegal gold mining and coal waste. 

In Central Kalimantan, water quality compliance fell from 56.69% in 2022 to 53.90% in 2023, indicating roughly 46.1% fail standards due to industrial pollutants. This pollution not only erodes the appeal of river-based tours—such as spotting pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan—but also exacerbates health risks for local communities and tourists, underscoring the need for sustainable practices. 

Amid these challenges, companies are ramping up efforts through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, advanced waste management, and partnerships to restore clean rivers, thereby supporting eco-tourism and preserving Borneo's allure for travelers. This article explores these verifiable initiatives, drawing from official reports, academic studies, and tourism insights, to highlight how pollution mitigation enhances sustainable travel. 

Pollution Statistics and Impacts on Borneo's Rivers and Tourism

Borneo's rivers, originating from the Heart of Borneo highlands, are essential for water supply, drought moderation, and ecological stability, but face severe threats from deforestation, logging, and mining. 

In Kalimantan, rivers like the Mahakam in East Kalimantan and Barito in South Kalimantan are frequently contaminated by mining effluents exceeding national limits, with issues like soil erosion and sedimentation from coal and gold operations leading to acidic water and declining fish populations. 

Greenpeace reports highlight how coal mining in South Kalimantan has caused widespread environmental damage, including smog and health problems affecting half a million people, which indirectly impacts tourism by degrading scenic landscapes and wildlife habitats. 

In 2024, 27 major rivers in Indonesia were reported polluted, with Borneo's waterways bearing the brunt from palm oil and coal industries. These pollutants, including sulfuric acid from peat forest destruction, have reduced freshwater fish stocks in rivers like the Barito, threatening biodiversity that draws eco-tourists.

 The tourism sector, which boomed in the 1980s with affordable flights opening Borneo to wildlife lovers, is particularly vulnerable. Eco-tourism, growing at 10-15% annually worldwide, relies on pristine environments for activities like river cruises and jungle treks. However, pollution from tourism itself—such as wastewater—compounds industrial impacts, as seen in global studies on water pollution dynamics. 

In Borneo, localized goldmine pollution affects water quality in key sites like the Mahakam River, a focus for WWF's Heart of Borneo work, potentially deterring visitors seeking "back to nature" experiences. Deforestation-linked sedimentation has been recorded in coral skeletons, showing massive increases post-1980s logging, which erodes the appeal of coastal and river tours. 

Responsible tourism guides warn that without action, Borneo's attractions—mountains, caves, and indigenous cultures—could suffer, as seen in health crises from polluted rivers like the Rajang in Sarawak.

 Corporate Initiatives for River Restoration and Eco-Tourism

Companies in Borneo are increasingly integrating river restoration into CSR to support sustainable tourism, aligning with regulations like Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on Environmental Protection. 

In Kalimantan, mining firms prioritize cleaner production, with 80-90% focusing on water management through sedimentation and filtration technologies to prevent effluents from entering tourist-favorite rivers. For instance, PT Adaro Energy's "Adaro Clean Water" program in South Kalimantan installs treatment plants for villages and employs bioremediation to reduce pollutants by up to 50%, enhancing water quality for eco-tours. Borneo Eco Tours, a leader in sustainable travel, implements river cleanups and zero-waste practices on their modern klotok boats, earning awards like the Wild Asia Responsible Tourism Award for CSR efforts that preserve habitats for orangutan sightings.

 Eco-tourism operators like Come2Borneo conduct annual river cleanups to safeguard waterways, while offering orangutan tours that empower local communities and fund conservation. In Sebangau National Park, Borneo Nature Foundation develops wildlife observation ecotourism, raising awareness and financing habitat restoration through community-led programs. Partnerships, such as Project STOP with Clean Rivers, combat plastic pollution in Indonesian rivers, supporting global efforts like those in Antarctica but tailored to Borneo's needs. 

Under Law No. 17 of 2019 on Water Resources, companies collaborate with locals for monitoring, as in North Kalimantan, where residents test water quality to ensure safe river cruises. Sukau Rainforest Lodge exemplifies this by promoting river cruises that highlight mangrove ecosystems while adhering to responsible tourism, winning awards for environmental stewardship. Innovative tech, like drone monitoring and bioreactors reducing heavy metals by 90%, is adopted by firms to prevent leaks, making rivers viable for tourism again. Nationally, initiatives like Citarum Harum inspire Borneo efforts, with companies funding communal wastewater plants for safe drinking water by 2025.

 Challenges and Future Prospects for Sustainable Travel in Borneo

Despite advances, illegal operations continue polluting rivers like the Malinau, compounded by tourism's own wastewater contributions. Ecotourism's dual nature—boosting conservation while risking overdevelopment—requires balanced approaches, as warned by experts. 

Models from companies like Amazing Borneo Tours, using renewable energy and community volunteering for habitat restoration, offer replicable solutions to counter palm oil expansion. Government enforcement of penalties and transparent CSR reporting is key, as emphasized in responsible tourism frameworks.

 Looking ahead, integrating CSR with eco-tourism could transform Borneo into a model for sustainable travel, funding conservation and empowering locals while attracting ethical tourists. Initiatives like REBORN promote solidarity for development, ensuring rivers remain clean for future adventures. With commitment, Borneo's tourism can thrive, supporting green economies and preserving its wild beauty.

by Rangkaya Bada