Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency in South Kalimantan Province has an area of 1,472 km² and is located between the Great Mountains and the Meratus Mountains which rise 1,894 meters above sea level. This regency also has a protected forest area consisting of two locations, namely the Meratus Protected Forest in Batang Alai Timur District covering an area of 43,782 hectares and Mount Titi in Limpasu. With this potential, Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency is worthy of being the gateway to the Meratus Geopark.
“Although the HST Regency Government is not part of the Meratus Geopark, we propose that the HST Regency Government become the gateway to the Meratus Geopark,” said the Head of the Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office of Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency, Ramadhan, on Thursday (10/10/2024).
According to Ramadhan, there are a number of reasons why HST Regency is suitable to be the gateway to the Meratus Geopark. First, the geographical condition of HST is in the Meratus Mountains region. In terms of culture, Barabai has Mount Aluh-aluh, which is the highest mountain in South Kalimantan and is considered the most sacred place by the Dayak people of the Meratus Mountains.
“HST Regency also has Barikin art as the center of Banjar Akais arts and culture—which originates from Banjar Dipa, where its roots are in Barabai, especially in Barikin Village. The gateway to the Meratus Geopark should be in Barabai (HST) because of its complete cultural and artistic wealth, as well as the existing art gallery, where the Banjar Akais culture is still preserved to this day,” he said.
Ramadhan added that the existence of the original and virgin forest, as well as the customs of the people living at the foot of the Meratus Mountains, are also still well preserved. In the recommendations submitted, Barabai is expected to be able to offer a gallery of original Banjar Akai art and culture, as well as making it an attractive destination for tourists. The Meratus people around Barabai live in harmony with nature, protect the existing virgin forest, and are committed to preserving cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
Anang Fadhilah
