Kehje Sewen is a tropical rainforest spanning 86,593.65 hectares. Half of the forest area consists of hilly terrain, making it a unique tropical ecosystem for the endemic wildlife of Borneo. The wealth of both biotic and abiotic resources makes Kehje Sewen Forest a "gems" that provides unsurpassed natural services that help species thrive.

Read also: ANIMALS OF KEHJE SEWEN ROUNDUP!

Overview of "Embungs"

One example of an abiotic resource providing significant environmental benefits is the embung, or sepan as referred to by the local community. An embung is a natural water reservoir in the form of a pond, approximately 190 square meters in size, designed to collect rainwater or surface runoff. During the transition between the rainy and dry seasons, animals in Kehje Sewen Forest often visit these water sources to meet their hydration needs.

Read also: THE MAGIC OF SEPAN SPRING

In Kehje Sewen, embung are formed naturally through small brackish depressions. These reservoirs act as efficient water storage systems in the forest, providing essential resources during the dry season or periods of water scarcity. Wildlife such as barking deer, sambar deer, and wild boars frequently utilize these embung as a vital water source.

Uses of "Embung"

On the other hand, embung also serves as a critical water reserve for addressing forest fire risks. For our Protection, Forest Security, and Fire Mitigation Team (PPHK), the presence of embung significantly aids their efforts to combat forest fires. The water reserves provided by embung serve as an immediate solution for extinguishing fires whenever they occur.

Read also: “HIDDEN GEMS” OF KEHJE SEWEN FOREST

"Embung" in Kehje Sewen Forest

Currently, the total amount of embung in Kehje Sewen Forest remains very limited. The vast area and challenging hilly terrain pose significant obstacles for our PPHK team in mapping the location of embung across the forest's 86,000+ hectares. However, with the aid of technology and in-depth field knowledge, our PPHK team remains committed to discovering new embung. These reservoirs will be instrumental in meeting the water needs of wildlife and supporting fire mitigation efforts in Kehje Sewen Forest.

Text by: RE-PPHK Team, PT. RHOI at Kehje Sewen Forest, East Kalimantan