Telaga Batu Arang, a Mine Turned Beautiful Tourist Spot

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES

REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

PRESS RELEASE

NUMBER: 353.Pers/04/SJI/2020

Date: 16 November 2020

Telaga Batu Arang, a Mine Turned Beautiful Tourist Spot

Mining activities often leave land with many holes. Post-mining reclamation must be done to restore land so that it can be used and productive again, for example for tourism.

"Good post-mining reclamation is an indicator that a mining company cares about environmental sustainability, for both the land itself and the surrounding communities. For example, ex-mines can be turned into natural tourism and education parks; if managed properly, these spots can create jobs for the surrounding communities," said Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation of Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Agung Pribadi in Jakarta on Saturday (14/11).

An example of a former mine which has been transformed into a beautiful tourist spot is Telaga Batu Arang lake in Sangatta, East Kalimantan Province. Formerly owned by PT Kaltim Prima Coal, this 270-hectares land with a 12.43 hectares lake has been reclaimed since 2001 under the concept of eco tourism. It has now become an education park and botanical garden.

According to KPC's official statement, the lake that was formerly used as a sedimentation pond has been turned into a key tourist attraction. Additionally, biodiversity resulting from land rehabilitation has invited various endemic animals.

BPPT (National Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology) has categorized the lake water is as class A, meaning that the water is drinkable and can be a source of mains water. Besides the lake, Bukit Pandang is another attraction which offers a various landscape including the Kutai National Park (TNK), Sangatta River, KPC's mine area, and a sweeping view of the lake.

Preparation of infrastructure and facilities is still taking place at Telaga Batu Arang, so the lake is only used for corporate and private events. However, when this reclamation location is ready to attract tourists, it is expected to also move the wheels of the economy of people living around it. (IY)

Head of Bureau of Communication, Public Information Services, and Cooperation

Agung Pribadi (08112213555)

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