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Kebun Raya Banua owned by the South Kalimantan Provincial Government has received great news as it was awarded second best botanical garden in Indonesia by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) on the 206th anniversary of Kebun Raya Bogor on May 17th, 2017. The award was presented by the 5th President of Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri, and received by the Head of UPTD Kebun Raya Banua, Adilla Redha Yanti.
The Badan Riset dan Inovasi Daerah (BRIDA) of the South Kalimantan Provincial Government, Muhammad Amin, was present during the award presentation. The award given by Megawati Sukarnoputri, who is also the Patron of BRIN, was a form of appreciation by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), as the governing body for botanical garden development in Indonesia, to the regional botanical garden managers who have demonstrated strong commitment and consistency in fulfilling their botanical garden functions. This award was achieved through a long process of evaluation by various juries.
Botanical gardens provide benefits to society both directly and indirectly. Aside from ecological benefits and plant biodiversity preservation, botanical gardens also have economic and social impacts, as well as contributing to the revenue of regional governments.
“Thank God and praise to Allah SWT for this achievement. We would like to express our thanks to Governor Sahbirin Noor for his support to Kebun Raya Banua throughout the years,” said Adilla.
Adilla has also revealed that Governor Sahbirin Noor’s full support is one of the largest indicators in the evaluation process. The South Kalimantan Governor has paid attention and provided support to Kebun Raya Banua in both policy and budget, so that UPTD Kebun Raya Banua can continue to develop various innovations that are beneficial to the Banua community.
Sahbirin Noor has advised that Kebun Raya Banua continue to progress, improve and create many benefits for the people of South Kalimantan. It is envisioned to be a center for science development, cultivation of various plants, and recreational activities.
According to the Plt Deputi Pemanfaatan Riset dan Inovasi, Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), R Hendrian, the sustainability of regional botanical gardens is largely determined by the support and commitment of local governments. Management of botanical gardens involves many things – one of which is the status of the land, which must have a permanent legal basis and not be transferred; followed by the availability of regulations and policies, and the availability of a well-prepared business plan, particularly in terms of human resources and budget. Operating costs are expensive, given the intensive care that the living plants require, and because the gardens are open to the public, cleanliness, comfort and safety for visitors must be maintained.
The best botanical gardens in Indonesia, as determined by BRIN, are Kebun Raya Indrokilo Boyolali (Central Java), Kebun Raya Banua South Kalimantan Government, Kebun Raya Balikpapan, and Kebun Raya ITERA. Indonesia currently has 51 botanical gardens, consisting of 5 botanical gardens managed by BRIN, 41 botanical gardens managed by local governments, 3 botanical gardens managed by colleges, 1 botanical garden managed by a state-owned enterprise, and 1 botanical garden managed by a private corporation.
