Photo by Ahmad Fauzi | BNF | UMP
Three months ago, I left Palangka Raya for Tangerang Selatan, my hometown in Java. “I get to go home after six months!” I thought to myself. At that time I wasn’t sure if I was coming back, but here I am, back in Palangka Raya and working for Borneo Nature Foundation!
I started my journey with BNF as a Red Langur Intern in the Sabangau Forest in March this year. It was incredible and I learned so much from my experience during the internship. Being in the peat-swamp forest was… interesting! To be honest, it’s not the easiest forest to walk in. Every day was a challenge, but the field staff made it much more bearable with their company.
I was then offered the position of Volunteer Coordinator for the scientific expedition in the Rungan Forest (BNF’s new field site). During the month-long expedition, we stayed in a very basic camp with limited contact with the outside world.
The Rungan Forest is very different to Sabangau. Although it has patches of peat swamp, it is more dominated with kerangas (heath forest), which is MUCH easier to walk in. I really enjoyed being a part of the expedition. I loved every minute!
Six months in Kalimantan was definitely not enough, so I have come back for more. Luckily, I was offered the position of Field Coordinator in the KHDTK (Forest Area with Special Purpose), which is part of the Rungan Forest Landscape. It gave me a reason to come back and I’m more than happy to! Working in the forest and fighting for conservation is a dream come true. I’m really looking forward to my future here with BNF!
