Indonesia is building its new capital, Nusantara, in the mountains of Borneo, transforming the rich soundscape cherished by the Indigenous Balik people. With chainsaws replacing birdcalls, scientists and locals are documenting the changing forest soundtrack, hoping to preserve a vital connection to nature amid rapid urban growth.
- Nusantara’s development interrupts Borneo’s natural soundscape
- Scientists use forest recordings to track environmental changes
- Indigenous Balik community strives to keep forest traditions alive
What happened
Indonesia is relocating its administrative capital from Jakarta, which faces severe flooding risks, to a new city named Nusantara in East Kalimantan on Borneo Island. Construction of this 'smart forest city' is well underway in the mountains, replacing parts of the rainforest with urban buildings including residences, hotels, and a presidential palace. The roar of chainsaws and construction noise now interrupts what was once a symphony of rainforest sounds.
The Indigenous Balik community, whose cultural identity is deeply woven with the natural environment, witnesses their ancestral forest and its characteristic sounds gradually replaced by development. Younger generations increasingly lose familiarity with native species and their calls, such as the Great Argus pheasant and gibbons once used as spiritual markers at dawn.
Why it feels good
Efforts to document this sonic transformation highlight hope and awareness. Led by bioacoustics expert Wendy Erb from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, scientists are recording sounds from forests, mountain tops, mangroves, and caves to create a comprehensive auditory 'time capsule' of the landscape before and during urbanization. This snapshot provides valuable data for understanding wildlife displacement and ecological changes, potentially guiding conservation priorities.
The collaboration between researchers and local residents strives to bridge science and Indigenous knowledge. By preserving these sound recordings, communities can maintain a living connection to their heritage while advocating for the environment. Abidin, a Balik elder, is committed to teaching younger generations the language of the forest, reinforcing a sense of identity even as the surroundings transform.
What to enjoy or watch next
The documentary Sound Guardians, produced through partnerships including Mongabay and Scientific American, showcases this fascinating interplay between development and preservation. It invites viewers to listen closely and reflect on how environmental change impacts both nature and culture. The film brings attention to the urgent questions of how society can balance progress with protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
For those inspired by this unique story, following ongoing projects to monitor Nusantara’s environmental shifts offers a meaningful way to stay connected. Future updates and the forthcoming book about Balik biocultural heritage will provide further insights and resources. Engaging with these efforts can deepen understanding of how communities adapt while honoring their roots amid rapid change.