Indonesia investigates deaths of two endangered Mahakam dolphins

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Environment Ministry has launched an investigation into the deaths of two endangered Mahakam dolphins found in a tributary of the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, following a report from the Rare Aquatic Species of Indonesia Foundation (RASI).

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq said in a statement here Wednesday that the law enforcement would be pursued in line with environmental regulations to protect the dolphins and preserve river ecosystems.

He stressed that all activities along the Mahakam River must meet permit and water quality standards, warning that violations would not be tolerated.

Specimens from the dolphins have been sent to the Mulawarman University Laboratory in Samarinda to determine the cause of death, the ministry said.

A ministry inspection found that PT Muji Lines was conducting ship-to-ship coal transfer operations near the dolphin habitat without complete environmental documents or a land use permit for its coal transshipment barge mooring site.

Water quality tests in the area showed several parameters exceeding government standards, including color, sulfide, and free chlorine levels, as outlined in Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on environmental protection and management.

Rizal Irawan, a ministry official, said authorities would continue to monitor mining and palm oil firms operating around the conservation zone.

He added that stricter control of ship-to-ship transfers, permit enforcement, and reduced barge traffic were essential to safeguard the endangered species.

The ministry praised the collaboration between RASI, local communities, and other stakeholders in protecting the Mahakam Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), which is classified as a protected species under Ministerial Regulation No. 106 of 2018.

RASI estimates the Mahakam dolphin population could fall to as few as 60 individuals by 2025 due to entanglement in fishing nets, collisions with barges, and toxic heavy metals from barge paint that have degraded the river’s ecosystem.