Borneo

Regional map of SE Asia with Borneo Highlighted

Jack fish and reef sharks

Lahan basah Taman Nasional Danau Sentarum, Kalimantan Barat

Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), Tanjung Putting National Park 01

Borneo 19 May 2002

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia. Located east of Sumatra, north of Java, and west of Sulawesi, it is in the geographic centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. Politically, Borneo is divided among three countries: Malaysia and Brunei in the north, and Indonesia to the south. Approximately 73% of the island is Indonesian territory, while the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in the northeast, and the tiny nation of Brunei, occupy the rest of the island.

Geography

Borneo is known for its extensive biodiversity. It is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated to be about 140 million years old. The island features a central mountainous region, with Mount Kinabalu being the highest peak at 4,095 meters above sea level, located in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Borneo's rainforests provide habitat for many species, including the critically endangered Bornean orangutan, along with other wildlife such as the Borneo elephant, the Sumatran rhinoceros, and the Bornean clouded leopard. The island's vast biodiversity is under threat from extensive deforestation primarily due to logging, palm oil plantations, and human settlement.

History

The history of Borneo is marked by a struggle for control over its rich natural resources. It has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the discovery of the Niah Caves in Sarawak, which contain some of the oldest human remains found in Southeast Asia. Historically, Borneo was under the influence of various indigenous kingdoms and sultanates, such as the Bruneian Empire and the Sultanate of Sulu. European powers, including the British and the Dutch, colonized parts of the island in the 19th century, exploiting its natural resources. After World War II, the island saw the emergence of movements for independence and decolonization, leading to the current political division.

Economy

The economy of Borneo is heavily dependent on natural resources, including petroleum, natural gas, timber, and palm oil. Despite its natural wealth, parts of the island, especially in Indonesia, face challenges such as poverty, underdevelopment, and environmental degradation. The expansion of palm oil plantations has been particularly controversial, leading to significant loss of biodiversity and displacement of indigenous communities. Efforts are being made to balance economic development with environmental conservation, including sustainable tourism and the establishment of protected areas.

Culture

Borneo's culture is as diverse as its wildlife, with hundreds of ethnic groups living on the island, each with its own languages, traditions, and festivals. The Dayak people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo, are known for their traditional longhouses, intricate tattoos, and headhunting practices, which are now a part of history. The island also has a significant population of Malays, Chinese, and other ethnic groups who have settled over the centuries, contributing to the rich cultural mosaic.

Environmental Issues

Borneo faces severe environmental challenges, including deforestation, wildlife poaching, and illegal logging. The island's rainforests are being cleared at an alarming rate for timber, palm oil production, and agriculture, threatening the survival of its endemic species. Conservation efforts are underway, involving local and international NGOs, governments, and communities, aiming to protect Borneo's unique ecosystem and promote sustainable development practices.