When the world talks about the lungs of the planet, the Amazon is often the first name that comes to mind. But did you know that Southeast Asia has its own version and it's located in Borneo?
The third-largest island in the world holds some of the planet’s most vital rainforests, playing a crucial role in regulating the climate and sustaining biodiversity. And yet, Borneo is not alone. Other forests across Southeast Asia also contribute significantly to the health of the Earth.
Why Is Borneo Called the Lungs of the World?
According to STIKes Husada Borneo, Borneo has more than 40 million hectares of tropical rainforest. These forests absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂), produce oxygen, regulate humidity, and serve as habitats for countless species of flora and fauna.
Spanning across three countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Borneo is considered the ecological heart of Southeast Asia. The Indonesian portion alone is home to extraordinary biodiversity, including endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and rafflesia.
The Global Role of Tropical Rainforests
Rainforests like those in Borneo play a global role:
- Absorbing carbon emissions and stabilizing the climate
- Producing oxygen for billions of people
- Regulating water cycles and preventing droughts
- Providing habitats for endemic species found nowhere else
These functions make Borneo comparable to the Amazon as the world’s eastern lungs.
Other Vital Forests in Southeast Asia
While Borneo is critical, it is not alone. Several other forest regions in Southeast Asia also play strategic roles:
- Leuser Ecosystem (Sumatra, Indonesia): The only place on Earth where orangutans, elephants, rhinos, and tigers coexist.
- Ulu Masen (Aceh, Indonesia): A key wildlife corridor for Sumatran tigers and elephants.
- Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (UNESCO Site): Consists of three national parks and is rich in endemic species.
- Keo Seima (Cambodia): Home to over 950 species, including rare primates.
- Forests in Malaysia and Thailand: Often overlooked, these regions store large carbon reserves and host diverse flora and fauna.
Hidden Threats
Despite their vital roles, forests in Southeast Asia—including Borneo—face ongoing threats:
- Forest fires: As seen in West Borneo, causing transboundary haze.
- Deforestation: Driven by land conversion for mining, plantations, and infrastructure.
- Climate change: Increasing the risk of drought and natural fires.
These challenges demand serious policy responses and regional cooperation.
Protecting Forests, Securing the Future
Protecting forests is not just about conservation—it’s about securing our collective future. Southeast Asia has a major opportunity to lead in climate diplomacy and green economy.
With its rich biodiversity and ecosystems, the region can promote:
- Sustainable ecotourism
- Environmental education for younger generations
- Regional collaboration through ASEAN and cross-border initiatives
Final Thoughts: A Shared Responsibility
Borneo will always be a symbol of Southeast Asia’s ecological wealth. But the lungs of the world don’t breathe alone. From Sumatra to Cambodia, from Aceh to Malaysia, we share a regional respiratory system that sustains life.
Protecting these forests is not just a matter of national pride, but a collective responsibility—for Southeast Asia and for the planet.
