ULM Lecturer Develops Meratus Orchidarium as Conservation and Research Center in Biodiversity Park
Banjarmasin – Banjarbaru – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its contribution to public health through a strategic collaboration between the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK) and the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) of South Kalimantan Province. This collaboration was marked by the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) on Thursday (December 4, 2025) in the Aberani Sulaiman Meeting Room, South Kalimantan Provincial Secretariat, Banjarbaru.
“The natural area was created to resemble the natural habitat of orchid species typical of the Meratus forest,” said Amalia when explaining the concept of the orchidarium, which now houses a diverse collection of wild orchids. These include the giant orchid (Grammatophyllum speciosum), the black orchid (Coelogyne pandurata), the Bornean vanda (Vanda dearei), and the moon orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis).
The presence of this orchidarium makes the Biodiversity Park a center for conservation, research, and special interest tourism, focusing on the rich flora of Kalimantan. Supporting facilities, such as a greenhouse filled with orchid seedlings, were also built with the support of Syamsudin Noor International Airport management. In addition, a research hut, gazebo, and a simple observation tower are available to support scientific development activities and provide visitor comfort.
Dr. Amalia named the area the Silfrentine Magdalena Catootje Orchidarium Garden in honor of Ferry F. Hoesain’s mother, the founder of the Biodiversity Park and a pioneering orchid expert in South Kalimantan. She explained, “His mother gave him a moon orchid when Ferry was around 10 years old. That’s where his love of orchids began.”
Meanwhile, Ramadhan Jayusman, Head of the Biodiversity Park Management, emphasized the importance of this area.
“The Biodiversity Park is a buffer zone for local natural resources that functions to save various endangered plant species,” he said.
The construction of the orchidarium, initiated by Dr. This Amalia further demonstrates ULM’s role in environmental conservation efforts and emphasizes ULM’s commitment to carrying out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, especially service and conservation, as well as strengthening its position as a center for environmental studies in South Kalimantan.
