areng

Areng refers most commonly to the Areng River (Sungai Areng) and the surrounding Areng Valley in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Located on the island of Borneo, the valley lies within tropical rainforest and peatland ecosystems that are part of the broader Kalimantan interior. The area has long been inhabited by indigenous Dayak communities who rely on the river and forest for livelihoods, culture, and shelter.

In the 2010s, plans were proposed to build a hydroelectric dam in the Areng Valley to supply electricity to the Indonesian grid. The project would involve flood control measures and associated infrastructure, with significant portions of valley forest and lowlands potentially inundated. Supporters argued that the dam could promote regional development, create jobs, and improve energy security for Java and surrounding areas.

However, the Areng project faced substantial opposition. Critics raised concerns about environmental impacts, including deforestation and loss of peatland habitat, which can release carbon and threaten biodiversity. Indigenous communities and local residents voiced worries about land rights, displacement, and cultural heritage sites. Conservation groups and researchers urged careful assessment, sustainable alternatives, and the need to obtain meaningful consent from affected communities before proceeding.

As of recent years, no large-scale dam has been completed in the Areng Valley. The dispute over the project has contributed to broader debates in Indonesia about balancing development with forest conservation, indigenous rights, and the preservation of Kalimantan’s unique ecosystems. The Areng area remains a focal point for environmental and social concerns in the region.