Under the warm August sun, the Balikpapan Botanical Garden transformed into a living classroom, where nature, knowledge, and cultures from around the world came together in one unforgettable day. A total of 49 participants, including 25 international students from 14 countries, joined an exploration of Balikpapan Botanical Garden on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The event aimed to introduce the rich biodiversity of East Kalimantan while raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation.

The day began with a presentation by Mrs. Miftahul Janah in the botanical garden’s audio-visual room. She delivered materials covering the benefits of botanical gardens, their history around the world and in Indonesia, the layout of Balikpapan Botanical Garden, its floral mascot, and the diverse species of flora and fauna found in the area.

Following the presentation, participants were divided into three groups for a tracking activity, each accompanied by one guide. The journey began in the natural forest, where participants learned about native tree species such as ulin, Balikpapan ginger, and meranti. The next stop was the Orchidarium thematic garden, featuring various orchid species, including the black orchid, moth orchid, and tiger orchid. The exploration concluded with a break at the Orchid House, where three participants from Suntropis were interviewed to share their impressions and experiences. Most expressed admiration for the beauty and biodiversity of Balikpapan Botanical Garden.

The event served not only as an educational and recreational activity but also as an opportunity to foster cross-cultural connections, with the participation of students from various countries. Balikpapan Botanical Garden continues to strengthen its role as a center for conservation, research, and environmental education in East Kalimantan.

Reporter: Shirley Frederica Susilo