A Walk Through the Forest Living Lab
Exploring KHDTK Samarinda’s role in research, biodiversity, and forest education
Walking into KHDTK Samarinda does not feel like entering an ordinary forest. It feels more like stepping into a quiet, living classroom. Known as Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus and managed by the Mulawarman University Faculty of Forestry, this place in Lempake offers something deeper than just greenery.It is a space where science, nature, and everyday life meet in the most natural way.
A Forest That Teaches You
This is not a forest made for sightseeing. It is a forest that teaches. Here, students do not just sit and listen. They walk, observe, touch, and learn directly from the environment. Researchers spend time understanding how forests grow, how they recover, and how they can be protected for the future.
As you walk along the narrow trails, you will notice small details. Marked research plots, young trees growing in restored areas, and signs that quietly explain what is happening around you. It makes you realize that every part of this forest has a purpose and somehow, you start learning too, even without trying.
Life Between the Trees
The forest is alive in ways that are easy to miss if you are not paying attention. Tall trees stretch high above, forming a canopy that filters the light. On the ground, small plants, ferns, and seedlings grow in layers. You hear birds before you see them. Insects move quietly along the path. Everything feels connected.
If you are lucky, you might even spot an orangutan moving through the trees. Seeing one in its natural habitat is something that stays with you. It is a gentle reminder that this forest is not just for research. It is home. And that makes protecting it feel even more important.
When the Forest Slows Down
The experience changes when the sun begins to set. The air becomes cooler, the sounds shift, and the forest feels calmer. Away from the noise of the city, the sky opens up, filled with stars that are rarely seen this clearly.
One of the simplest but most memorable moments is sitting at a small coffee spot inside the forest. Nothing fancy. Just warm drinks, quiet conversations, and the presence of nature all around. It is peaceful. It feels real. And it is the kind of moment you do not rush.
Why This Place Matters
KHDTK Samarinda is more than a research site. It is a place where people learn how to live with nature, not just use it.But like many forests, it is not without challenges. In 2025, illegal coal mining activities affected parts of the area. It is a reminder that even places dedicated to conservation are still vulnerable. Protecting this forest means protecting more than trees. It means protecting knowledge, wildlife, and the future of how we understand and care for nature.
If You Ever Visit
If you ever find yourself in Samarinda, take the time to visit this forest. Walk slowly. Listen more. Let the place speak in its own way. Because a walk through KHDTK Samarinda is not just about seeing a forest. It is about feeling it, understanding it, and maybe leaving with a different way of looking at the world.