Jakarta. A research team from Ecositrop, East Kalimantan, conducted an orchid expedition in the Training Research Centre (TRC) Mangkutup area, Central Kalimantan. This 58,000-hectare tropical forest is known as an orangutan habitat and is home to dozens of species of wild orchids.

The four-day expedition, held from July 10-13, involved forestry researchers from Mulawarman University, including Yaya Rayadin, as well as field staff members from TRC Mangkutup. They explored the Krangas forest to document the richness of orchid species, including those that are endangered.

“This activity is not just about exploration, but also education and conservation. We aim to identify, document, and preserve endemic orchids of Borneo’s forests,” said Yaya on Sunday.

The team successfully identified around 40 orchid species using a rapid survey method. Among them were Spathoglottis unguiculata and Grammatophyllum speciosum, both known as terrestrial orchids. A follow-up survey will be conducted using the Delphi Method, which allows for the potential discovery of new species, including orchids growing in the high tree canopies.

According to Yaya, the orchid diversity in TRC Mangkutup indicates the area has extremely high conservation value. “Within just a few steps, participants could find different types of orchids. It’s incredible,” he said.

A High Conservation Value Forest
The Head of TRC Mangkutup, Denni Irawan, explained that the area has been designated a High Conservation Value Forest in the company’s revised Business Work Plan, approved in June 2024.

“There are three major rivers forming the core management zones: the Muring, Mangkutup, and Gawi rivers. This area has been mapped as a key habitat for orangutans and other biodiversity,” Denni explained.

TRC Mangkutup is currently home to around 300 individuals of Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii (Bornean orangutans). In addition, the forest is also inhabited by red langurs, gibbons, civets, tarsiers, various bird species, as well as rare plants such as pitcher plants and red betel.

Conservation programs are carried out through regular patrols, biodiversity monitoring, and research collaborations with universities, including the University of Palangka Raya. Ecositrop also acts as a consulting partner to ensure that area management aligns with both national and international conservation standards.

This expedition represents a concrete step in integrating research, conservation, and local community empowerment. The results are expected to serve as a foundation for local orchid preservation policies and to strengthen the status of TRC Mangkutup as a strategic conservation area in Kalimantan.