Michael Eko is a photographer and storyteller. Recently, he shared his expedition experiences exploring the nature and communities of Kalimantan—traveling from the upstream to downstream of the Kapuas and Mahakam Rivers—to understand the relationship between people and water.
How do we incorporate sustainability value and indigineous wisdom into public discourse, policymaking, economic system and cultural narrative?
Michael Eko
The civilizations of Kalimantan have always been closely tied to rivers. This relationship is unique—different from other regions in Indonesia—which is why water usage and related systems must be adapted to local conditions. It’s not just about how water is used; culture also plays a strong role in shaping community behavior.
However, as development and modern times progress, this connection to the river is changing. The demand for water is now influenced by both commercial and state interests. This brings a range of local challenges that must be addressed in order to achieve clean water resilience for all. Given the many actors and factors involved in water use, there needs to be synergy between policymakers, economic systems, and local cultures.
Stay tuned for the full publication on michaeleko.com!
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