Tuesday, August 5th 2025 – The SUNTROPiS 2025 participants continued their journey of exploring the natural wonders of Balikpapan by visiting the Mangrove Center Graha Indah. Upon arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the center’s founder, Mr. Agus Bei, who has dedicated the past 24 years to building and maintaining the mangrove forest.
Mr. Bei delivered an insightful presentation, sharing his extensive knowledge and the history of the mangrove center. The participants listened attentively before embarking on an immersive boat tour. They were divided into their respective groups and spent approximately one hour traversing the serene river, surrounded by the lush mangrove scenery on both sides.
The journey offered a unique opportunity for the participants to witness the local wildlife in their natural habitat. To their great excitement, they spotted several proboscis monkeys, or Bekantan, playfully hanging from the trees. Seeing these endangered animals firsthand was a thrilling experience for the group. Some participants even caught a glimpse of a crocodile lurking in the river.
Emad from Yemen described the experience, stating, “Cruising down the river in a boat is a very unique experience for me because this is the first time I have had the opportunity to see a proboscis monkey directly, and I even saw a crocodile.” The participants were visibly happy after the tour and expressed their desire to do it again.
Kumar from India reflected on the importance of the ecosystem, remarking, “The mangrove forest is a very important part, as it provides marine biota, habitat, and employment for the local population.” The visit to the Mangrove Center Graha Indah concluded with a group photo with the founder, marking the end of a truly memorable day.
Reporter: Kanaya Ratu Dyandra
