Michael Eko at UPJ: Hacking the Kapuas-Mahakam Trail amidst Climate Crisis

Bintaro, South Tangerang 22/04/2025 - Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) proudly hosted an enlightening and thought-provoking sharing session featuring Michael Eko, a distinguished documentary photographer and National Geographic Explorer. This impactful event showcased his ambitious, long-term projects centered on Indonesia's two largest rivers—the Kapuas and Mahakam—reinforcing UPJ’s academic commitment to nurturing awareness among the younger generation about the climate crisis and the urgent need for clean water conservation.

Flowing for 1,140 km and 980 km respectively, the Kapuas and Mahakam Rivers are Indonesia's longest and most vital waterways, serving as lifelines for millions in Kalimantan. Since 2023, Michael has been undertaking a two-year cross-province expedition, meticulously tracing these rivers from their headwaters to their estuaries to document their evolving ecological and social landscapes.

“This journey has been deeply reflective for me. Beyond witnessing the harsh realities of ecological degradation, I’ve also seen the fading hope in the eyes of communities whose lives are intertwined with these rivers,” Michael shared with the audience.

He painted a stark picture of declining water quality, vanishing fish species, and the struggles of fishing communities trying to sustain themselves. Yet, amid these adversities, he found resilient groups steadfast in their mission to preserve both their spiritual and ecological relationships with nature.

As part of National Geographic's World Freshwater Initiative, the Kapuas-Mahakam project transcends simple documentation—it is a profound exploration of social-ecological dynamics. Through his lens and detailed field observations, Michael captures untold narratives, offering a compelling window into the lives of riverine communities.

“Every boat I step onto, every floating house I visit, carries a story—stories of perseverance, loss, and survival. From elderly fishermen lamenting the disappearance of migration routes to children who, despite playing in murky waters, still radiate unfiltered joy. This project isn’t just a documentary; it’s a mirror reflecting who we are in the face of climate change,” Michael remarked.

He emphasized that true change is not dictated from the top but fueled by the collective voices of many. Encouraging UPJ students to see themselves as part of the solution, he urged them to act.

“We need more perspectives, more stories, more action. Students have the potential to shift the climate change narrative—whether through groundbreaking research, grassroots community engagement, or the creation of deeply moving content,” he added.

UPJ leadership echoed this sentiment, underscoring the university’s dedication to sustainability. “Fostering environmentally conscious students is more than an academic pursuit—it is an investment in the future,” said Elisabeth Rukmini, Ph.D., Vice Rector II for Human Resources Operations and Cooperation.

For Michael, photography is more than a medium—it is his voice, his way of illuminating unspoken truths. “Images evoke emotions faster than statistics. Through these photographs, I hope to forge a connection between people and these rivers, to inspire them to understand their suffering, and, ultimately, to take action for their preservation,” he affirmed.

The session provided UPJ students with a fresh and compelling perspective on the power of visual storytelling in environmental advocacy. By intertwining research, exploration, and narrative, Michael Eko demonstrated how every story—no matter how small—has the potential to ignite real and lasting change.