Samarinda's Green Scene: Can a City on the Mahakam River Actually Go Eco?
so i landed in samarinda with my skateboard and a head full of questions. is this place actually trying to be green or is it just another indonesian city drowning in palm oil smoke and plastic bags? the answer-like my hotel's wifi-was patchy at best.
*the mahakam river runs right through town, and yeah, it's pretty. but it's also lined with coal barges and the occasional illegal logging raft. locals told me they used to swim here as kids. now? they just hope the water doesn't catch fire. according to indonesia's ministry of environment, samarinda's air quality index hovers around 85-95 most days-not terrible, but not exactly "forest bathing" either.
weather-wise, it's hot. like, "melt your sunscreen" hot. december through march brings the rain, which helps clear the air but turns the streets into a Slip 'N Slide of mud and motor oil. nearby cities like balikpapan and banjarmasin are just a short flight away if you need a breather.green spaces that kinda work
- bukit pinang square: small park, big weekend crowds. locals jog here before the sun turns the pavement into a griddle.
- taman bekapai: more concrete than grass, but they've added solar-powered lamps. baby steps.
- karang mumus mangrove forest*: this one's legit. community-led replanting project. bring bug spray.
cost of living? rent for a decent one-bedroom in the city center is about 3-4 million rupiah/month ($190-$250). street food is cheap and surprisingly low-waste-vendors reuse banana leaves like it's 1955.
overheard on the street
"the government plants trees, but the coal trucks keep cutting them down. it's like mopping the floor while the tap is running." - street vendor near pasar pagi
"i ride my bike to work, but i still breathe in more dust than a sandstorm." - college student at universitas mulawarman
the messy truth
Samarinda wants to be green, but it's stuck between economic reality and environmental ideals. the city's sustainability plan mentions renewable energy by 2030, but right now, most electricity still comes from coal. recycling programs exist on paper, but in practice, it's all one big trash heap.
if you're a digital nomad or student here, bring a reusable bottle and a high tolerance for contradictions. the people are friendly, the food is fresh, and the sunsets over the mahakam are worth the sweat.
useful links
- TripAdvisor - Things to Do in Samarinda
- Yelp - Samarinda Restaurants
- Reddit - r/indonesia
- Lonely Planet - Samarinda Guide
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/housing-market-in-miami-rent-vs-buy-chaos-coffee-spills
- https://topiclo.com/post/spray-paint-school-fees-childcare-in-abuja-through-my-eyes-as-a-street-artist
- https://topiclo.com/post/muntinlupa-city-nightlife-where-the-beers-cold-and-the-cops-are-too
- https://topiclo.com/post/top-industries-driving-the-economy-of-adelaide-the-inside-scoop-from-a-disillusioned-consultant
- https://topiclo.com/post/average-salary-in-vinh-can-you-actually-survive-here-skateboarders-gut-check