Banjarmasin (ANTARA) – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore are exploring a research collaboration on proboscis monkey conservation on Curiak Island, South Kalimantan.
It is said that Curiak Island is managed by Dr. Amalia Rezeki, founder of the Sahabat Bekantan Indonesia (SBI) Foundation and a lecturer in Biology Education at ULM’s Faculty of Teacher Training and Education.
“The research collaboration began with a visit by James Poh Hee Kim from NTU, who inspected the wetland ecosystem, discussed it with the local conservation team, and explored the potential for cross-border research collaboration,” said Yusuf Azis, Vice Rector at ULM in Banjarmasin on Monday.
Azis revealed that James Poh Hee Kim appreciated Curiak Island in Barito Kuala District, South Kalimantan, as a natural laboratory considered highly strategic for an ecological education center.
James described Curiak Island as an extraordinary location for ecotourism and the study of the long-nosed macaque sanctuary.
Ideally, he continued, every student should have the opportunity to learn about the natural beauty of Curiak Island to understand the importance of conservation and biodiversity.
“James encouraged further research to be expanded to ensure the protection of the long-nosed monkey population in the future,” Azis said, conveying the message from the former Director of Institutional Statistics at NTU.
The Head of the ULM Reputation and Sustainability Team, Mutiani, also emphasized that the presence of international academics was a crucial momentum in enhancing the university’s global standing.
According to her, the activity not only emphasized ULM’s role in the SDGs agenda but also opened up opportunities for research collaboration and scientific publications with international partners.
“The existence of Curiak Island as a living laboratory is expected to make a real contribution to society and the environment,” she said.
Meanwhile, Amalia Rezeki, who holds a doctorate in Proboscis Monkey Conservation, explained that the Proboscis Monkey Research Station on Curiak Island currently manages an area of approximately 10 hectares, which serves as a habitat for 61 proboscis monkeys.
In addition to proboscis monkey protection, the area also carries out biodiversity conservation efforts to preserve various types of flora and fauna.
She stated that Curiak Island has great potential to be developed as a research center and ecotourism destination.
“We hope that cross-border academic collaboration can continue to be strengthened to strengthen the development of the area,” she said.
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Translator: Firman, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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