CHAIRPERSON
Dr Yingshan Lau, Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore
ABSTRACT
The Kapuas and the Mahakam are the two longest rivers in Indonesia with lengths of about 1140 and 980 km, respectively. These primary freshwater arteries of Borneo have been a home for rich biodiversity and become a lifeline for millions of people. Like blood vessels, Kapuas and Mahakam River grant an abundant life to natural biodiversity, culture and humanity in Borneo. The ecosystem is a sanctuary for endemic and endangered species (such as orang utan, sumateran rhino, red arowana fish, etc). With a diverse landscape (rainforest, lake, peatland, karst, mangrove, etc), the ecosystems store important minerals, carbon, water and other important materials. Along its line, indigenous communities share their culture and humanity. Yet, the rivers now are threatened by deforestation and industrial exploitations.
The visual documentary project explores the current state of the Kapuas and Mahakam Rivers in the time of Anthropocene, an epoch when humans dominate nature, and follow communities in adapting to climate and cultural change while endeavoring to preserve their collective wisdom as indigenous society. Travelling from upstream to downstream of the two rivers in 2023-2025, we are invited to see and understand how climate change and anthropogenic activities impact the rivers, biodiversity and local communities, while also seeking ideas and solutions to respond to contemporary challenges. This project is part of the World Freshwater Initiative, a National Geographic Society’s program to map the conditions and challenges in global freshwater ecosystems.
This visual project is exhibited in Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film in Singapore from 6 March to 5 April 2026. Please visit the exhibition to explore more experiences: https://www.objectifs.com.sg/shared-currents/
ABOUT THE SPEAKER & DISCUSSANT
Michael Eko is a photographer based in Indonesia. Since 2010, he has followed Indigenous and frontline communities in the Southeast Asia region in adapting to current socioeconomic, cultural and climate change. His ongoing works focus to show how the history of (post) colonialism with its relation to contemporary globalization and climate change have impacted the Indigenous communities and natural world. As a National Geographic Explorer, his project investigates the contemporary landscape, biodiversity and sociocultural change in Kapuas and Mahakam River, the two major freshwater ecosystems in Borneo. As part of his long-term project, this project aims to identify novel situations in the two rivers and also engage people to care and protect the ecosystems.
Saritha Kittie Uda received her PhD in Environmental Systems Analysis from Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands in 2019. Her research emphasises peatland issues in Indonesia, particularly in Central Kalimantan, and has been featured in various journals. Her works are documented in intellectual property rights and International Standard Book Number records, including development of the SARITHA-Apps mobile learning media and “SARITHAKU” Borneo’s peatland plants eco-enzyme-based soap. Her work at the Asia Research Institute focuses on the socio-ecological dynamics and sustainability of peatland management.
