Batu Lintang Village in West Kalimantan has the potential to become a popular birdwatching destination, according to a recent expedition by Rangkong Indonesia and Birding Indonesia team. Over two days, the team, consisting of ornithologists, birdwatchers, and locals, explored every corner of the village. They aimed to identify unique bird species, assess the site's suitability for ecotourism, and evaluate existing infrastructure. The results were impressive, with the team recording 84 different bird species in a short period of time. This highlights the area's rich biodiversity and its potential as a birdwatching hotspot. The expedition also revealed an interesting relationship between the local community and the wildlife, as one team member shared their experience of observing and photographing White-rumped Shama around the traditional house of the Dayak Iban people.
The Dayak Iban people believe that the magpie is a sacred bird, leading to a unique relationship between humans and nature in Batu Lintang Village, where birds feel comfortable living alongside the community. However, the development of bird ecotourism in the village faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, including access roads, accommodation facilities, and trained local guides. Community education on sustainable tourism management is also important to ensure that the development of ecotourism does not harm the preservation of nature and local wisdom, which are the main attractions of the area. Despite these challenges, there is a significant opportunity for Batu Lintang Village to become a world-class bird tourism destination with support from various parties, especially the local government. Proper development can bring economic benefits to local communities and serve as an example of sustainable ecotourism in Indonesia.
An expedition in Batu Lintang Village, Indonesia has not only provided data on birdwatching potential but has also strengthened the relationship between Rangkong Indonesia, Birding Indonesia, and the local community. This collaboration is seen as a foundation for future development in ecotourism. Several actions can be taken to support this development, including training local guides in bird identification and foreign language skills, creating environmentally friendly infrastructure such as trails and bird watching towers, promoting Batu Lintang Village as a bird ecotourism destination through various media platforms, collaborating with universities and research institutions for further studies on the ecosystem and bird behavior, and developing community-based conservation programs to preserve bird habitats. Batu Lintang Village represents a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, offering not only natural beauty but also lessons on conservation and local wisdom.
As nature lovers and bird lovers, we have a responsibility to preserve this hidden paradise. Let's together support the development of sustainable ecotourism in Batu Lintang Village, so that its natural wonders can continue to be enjoyed by present and future generations. With the right steps, Batu Lintang Village can become a successful model of how ecotourism can bring benefits to nature, local communities and the world.
For those of you who are interested and experience firsthand, you can contact the Rangkong Indonesia Team or Rekam Nusantara via message on Instagram.
