Sustainability in Samarinda: How Green is This Urban Space?

so here's the thing about Samarinda: it's not exactly what you'd call a "green city" in the trendy, tree-lined streets kind of way. but it's got its own messy charm. i spent a week here, mostly dodging motorbikes and sweating through my shirt, and here's what i noticed about how this place handles sustainability.

first off, the Mahakam River is basically the lifeblood of the city. it's not sparkling clean, but locals still fish there, kids still swim, and there are efforts to clean it up. the government launched a program in 2022 to reduce river pollution, and while progress is slow, it's happening. you can see small boats hauling trash out regularly. not glamorous, but it counts.

public transport? eh. it's mostly angkot (minibuses) and ojek (motorbike taxis). no fancy metro or electric buses here. but the upside is that most people walk or bike short distances, which keeps the carbon footprint lower than you'd expect for a city this size. there's even a new bike lane near the Sempaja Park, though it's more "suggestion" than rule.

now, let's talk green spaces. Samarinda's got a few: Sempaja Park is the biggest, with jogging tracks, playgrounds, and a surprising number of trees. it's not Central Park, but it's a breath of fresh air in a city that can feel like a concrete oven. then there's the Arboretum Nyaman Mentaram, a smaller, quieter spot that's more for plant lovers than picnickers. if you're into botany, this is your jam.

rent here is surprisingly affordable. a decent one-bedroom apartment in the city center runs about $150-$200 a month. utilities? cheap. internet? slow but cheap. it's a budget-friendly place to live, which is a sustainability win in its own way-lower costs mean less pressure to overconsume.

weather-wise, it's hot. like, "why did i think a black shirt was a good idea?" hot. but the rainy season (usually November to March) brings some relief and makes the parks lush and green. just watch out for flash floods-Samarinda's drainage system is, uh, a work in progress.

as for nearby cities, Balikpapan is just a couple of hours away by car. it's bigger, cleaner, and has more eco-friendly initiatives, but also more traffic and higher prices. if you're craving a greener vibe, that's your spot.

overheard gossip at a local warung: "the river cleanup? it's mostly for show. but hey, at least they're trying." another local warned me, "don't drink the tap water. ever." solid advice.

if you're planning to visit or move here, bring a reusable water bottle, a hat, and a sense of humor. sustainability in Samarinda isn't polished, but it's real. and sometimes, that's enough.

*links:*
- TripAdvisor - Things to Do in Samarinda
- Reddit - Indonesia Travel
- Yelp - Samarinda Restaurants

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