Mahakam Delta

The Mahakam Delta is an extensive estuarine system located on the eastern coast of Borneo, specifically in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. It is formed where the Mahakam River meets the Makassar Strait.

Historically, the delta's landscape was almost entirely dominated by dense mangrove forests and brackish lakes. However, much of this natural forest has been cleared in recent decades to make way for aquaculture.

The massive expansion of shrimp and fish ponds, known locally as tambak, is the leading cause of mangrove degradation in the region. This rapid conversion to aquaculture has led to significant ecological stress and land subsidence.

The delta and the upstream Mahakam River are famously home to the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. The surrounding estuarine lakes and wetlands also support diverse populations of migratory birds and monitor lizards.