George Soros on the Rahai'i Pangun

George Soros & party aboard the Rahai'i Pangun, moored in Tundai Village

Here's the official Antara Indonesian News Agency report on George Soros' visit to Central Kalimantan. The Rahai'i Pangun was used by the party to overnight on the Kahayan River during the group's excursion to the down river village of Tundai.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Soros visits Kalimantan forest

Antara News, Sunday, July 25, 2010 02:37 WIB

Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Noted US fund manager George Soros conducted a natural tourism visit to a number of tropical forest locations in Central Kalimantan.

Soros was welcomed by Central Kalimantan Governor Agustin Teras Narang at Cilik Riwut airport on Saturday noon.

"I am visiting Central Kalimantan to observe its forests and peat land in my capacity as a United Nations envoy for the environment," Soros said.

He said that he would obtain a lot of information directly in the fields. Not only that, Soros said he would also get information directly from the locals staying in the forest surrounding.

"During my tropical forest trip I will get information directly from the field. I myself is a United Nations envoy for the environment and was assigned by the UN secretary general," Soros said.

In the meantime Central Kalimantan governor Agustin Teras Narang said Soros was interested in the local government`s policy, particularly on forest and peat land.

"Soros admitted that the Central Kalimantan government pay attention to the sustainability of forest and peat land," the governer said.

from http://cempaka-nature.blogspot.com/2010/07/soros-visits-kalimantan-forest.html

Turn off the river to Tundai

As if floating on the glistening black ox bow lake waters stained by the forest litter as they surge and overwhelm the landscape, the tiny Tundai community sits isolated from dry land in a world of its own. Making its living from the bounty of the Kahayan River and the myriad of ox bow lakes and canals created by the meandering main course, the community spends the high water season preparing innovative fish traps. Intimately knowing the habits of the fish species in the area gives rise to the unique hand crafted bamboo cages and gates which are immersed in the ink black waters.

Making its living entirely from the river in the past, this village worries about the long term future of fishing in a province where the rivers are muddied by rapid development and a gold rush. To broaden its income, villagers have opened their cottage doors to visitors, and are inviting you to share this unique riverine lifestyle for a few days. Share their homes, experience their livelihoods and enjoy their community life.

As a special bonus, during the high water season, accompany villagers by canoe into their protected community forest to spot some of the unique flora and fauna of magical Kalimantan, including the iconic orangutan. This is an unforgettable and responsible way to see one of the world's unique animals in its native habitat.

Independence Day in Tundai village

17th August Independence Day in Indonesia is always celebrated with great gusto. During our recent cruise, we happened to visit Tundai on Independence Day, and greatly enjoyed the Besei Kambe competition. This event pits 2 teams of 2 paddlers rowing in opposite directions in the same canoe. Causing great hilarity in all the on lookers, the competitors nevertheless put everything into their performance.

The celebrations, the biggest ever in the village, were covered by a reporter from the local Palangkaraya broadsheet, Detak. This is what they said :

On the celebration of Independence Day last week, the tiny village of Tundai held the biggest celebration ever in the village. Many traditional games were competed such as Besei Tali (tug of war), Bese Kambe (canoe paddling), Sepak Sawut (fireball) and art performance on the stage.

This event was not only attracted the local people’s enthusiasm but also foreign tourists.

We interviewed an Italian Tourist, Ms. S who came to visit Kalimantan together with her husband. They are accompanied by Ms. Gaye Thavisin, joint owner of the Rahai’i Pangun (a cruise boat operated by Kalimantan Tour Destinations)

Detak : 'Hallo Ms. S, how long have you been in Palangkaraya?'

Ms S : 'This is my first time coming to Kalimantan and now is our 3rd day. Before we were
Bali and tomorrow we have to go back.'

Detak : 'What do you think about the traditional games competed today?'

Ms S : 'I am very interested! This game (Besei Kambe) is very unique and I have never see
this before anywhere. Besei Kambe shows the strength, spirit of competition and battle.'

Detak : 'Would you like to try the game?'

Ms S : 'No,no, no. For now I will just watch. Maybe next time.'

Detak : 'What do you think about the tourism in Central Kalimantan?'

Ms S : 'This is a lovely place. I like to see the culture. Unfortunately we have to go back
tomorrow. Next time, I would like to comeback and see the culture again and seeing Orangutans in Tanjung Puting as well.'

Detak : 'What do you think about the people?'

Ms S : 'Yes, lovely people! They are very friendly! They have unique culture. Congratulations!'