In East Kalimantan’s forests, scientists are capturing the natural soundscape as Indonesia prepares to build its new capital, Nusantara, offering a vital record of wildlife and Indigenous culture before urban expansion reshapes the environment.
- Over 18 months, wildlife sounds were recorded at 20 sites in East Kalimantan.
- Recordings capture important species and Indigenous Balik knowledge.
- Data will help track biodiversity shifts as Nusantara develops.
What happened
Researchers from the Cornell K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics placed audio recorders in forests around Pemaluan, East Kalimantan, to capture wildlife sounds including gibbons, hornbills, frogs, and insects. These recordings took place over 18 months across 20 different locations such as mountains, caves, and mangrove areas.
This effort aims to document the acoustic environment before the construction of Nusantara, Indonesia’s new planned capital city, causes significant changes to the local ecosystem. Nusantara is intended to reduce overcrowding in Jakarta and is being developed as a ‘smart forest city’ blending growth with natural biodiversity.
Why it feels good
The project provides a hopeful glimpse into balancing urban development with nature conservation. By establishing a baseline of soundscapes and biodiversity, scientists and local communities gain a powerful tool to assess how wildlife adapts or declines as the city grows.
Additionally, the recordings help preserve vital cultural connections for the Indigenous Balik people, who have long used animal calls to interpret forest life and events. This blend of science and tradition enriches understanding and respect for the environment amid inevitable change.
What to enjoy or watch next
This ongoing research will allow observers to track shifts in species presence and habitat over time, offering crucial information on where conservation efforts can be focused as Nusantara unfolds. Watching how recorded wildlife responses evolve will highlight resilience and vulnerability in this dynamic landscape.
The collaborative video created by Mongabay, Scientific American, and Project Multatuli provides an immersive look at the soundscape and cultural stories. As the new city progresses, these resources will remain important for educating both locals and outsiders about the richness of Borneo’s rainforest and the challenges of coexistence with urban expansion.