Stillness and Reverence in the Borneo Jungle

For middle school guide Kartika Harsono, a journey deep into the Borneo rainforest becomes a powerful meditation on wonder, humility, and our connection to the natural world. 

One of the most memorable and awakening experiences of my life was a journey into the Borneo rainforest in Indonesia. The trip began in Jakarta and continued by plane to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo, the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park. While the park is best known for its orangutans, made famous through efforts of the Orangutan Research and Conservation Program, nothing compares to witnessing them in their natural habitat. Seeing them move freely through the forest, completely at home in their environment, was both humbling and deeply moving.

Our journey into the jungle took place by river, aboard a traditional wooden boat called a klotok, traveling along the Sekonyer River through landscapes of nipah palms, mangroves, and dense rainforest. Along the way, we caught glimpses of gibbons swinging between the trees, their quiet presence blending into the rhythm of the forest.  Then, we trekked and explored deeper into the lush jungle. 

I was captivated by the plant life that surrounded us—especially the sight of Nepenthes, carnivorous pitcher plants growing wild, some of them as large as a cup, suspended like living vessels among the greenery. Seeing these extraordinary plants in their natural environment filled me with wonder and joy, adding another layer of awe to an already powerful experience.

Eventually, we arrived at a feeding station where families of orangutans had gathered. It felt as though they knew the timing well—some passed remarkably close to us as we walked toward the station, moving calmly and confidently through the forest.

What stayed with me most was not only the beauty of the wildlife, but the perspective the experience gave me. The heat, the humidity, and the overwhelming green of the forest created a profound sense of stillness and reverence.

Being immersed in such a living ecosystem, where orangutans roam freely and 30 to 50 meter-high trees thrive silently, reminded me of how small we are in the larger story of the world, and how deeply interconnected all life truly is. It strengthened my sense of gratitude, my respect for nature, and my awareness of our responsibility to care for what has been entrusted to us.

Kartika Harsono

Eucalyptus Guide