Introduction to Kapuas River

Figure 1. Location of Kapuas River

Kapuas River (1143 Km) is located in West Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. It is the longest river in Indonesia, with an average debit 6000 m cu per second. It drains to South China Sea. The Kapuas River Basin is small, only 100 000 Km sq, but it has one of highest biodiversity spot in the world. The number of fish species found in the Kapuas water is estimated to be between 250 and 500 species (See figure 1 Location of Kapuas River).

In the upper Kapuas River Basin, there are two national parks (Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum National Parks). These national parks are extremely important for biodiversity conservation in Borneo. Betung Kerihun National Park(800 000 Ha) is recommended to be a World Heritage Site, and Danau Sentarum National Park (132 000 Ha) is a Ramsar Site since 1994. Habitat types found in these parks are peat swamp forests, dipterocarp forests, riverine forests, lakes, and rivers.

Values, ecosystem services, and goods derived from these national parks are indefinite for our lives and others living creatures. It is important home for many kinds of primates (e.g. orang utan and proboscis monkey).