Balikpapan, East Kalimantan – Preserving local biodiversity requires not only conservation efforts but also innovative educational approaches for younger generations. Responding to this challenge, a research team from the Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK) has developed the Balikpapan Ginger Augmented Reality (AR) Application, an interactive learning medium designed to introduce elementary school students to Balikpapan Ginger (Etlingera balikpapanensis), an endemic plant species of East Kalimantan.

Balikpapan Ginger is an endemic flora with significant ecological, historical, and economic value for the region. Since being designated as the official floral mascot of Balikpapan City in 2022 and incorporated into the Grade IV Environmental Awareness and Conservation (PKLH) local curriculum for the 2024/2025 academic year, the plant has become an essential part of environmental education in local schools.

However, students have limited opportunities to observe the plant directly in its natural habitat. Field visits are not always feasible, leaving teachers to rely primarily on textbooks and static images that provide limited learning experiences.

To address this challenge, the ITK research team developed an Augmented Reality (AR) application that enables students to explore a realistic three-dimensional model of Etlingera balikpapanensis using Android devices. Through immersive visualization, students can interact with the plant virtually without requiring access to its natural habitat.

The application was developed based on Vygotsky's Constructivist Learning Theory, Richard Mayer's Multimedia Learning Theory, and David Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, which collectively emphasize that interactive visual experiences enhance students' understanding and engagement. The development process followed the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) framework in collaboration with the Balikpapan Botanical Garden, which served as the primary source of botanical data to ensure scientific accuracy.

The AR application was created using Blender for 3D modeling, Unity as the development engine, and Vuforia SDK for marker-based computer vision. Designed for Android devices, the application supports offline operation, allowing schools with limited internet connectivity to utilize the learning platform effectively.

Adopting a child-centered design, the application features a simple interface, intuitive navigation, and engaging interactive elements suitable for elementary school students. Users can rotate the 3D model 360 degrees, zoom in and out, and access educational content covering the plant's morphology, natural habitat, economic value, and conservation status.

All educational materials are based on field data collected by the Balikpapan Botanical Garden and primary botanical references, including the original scientific publication by Axel Dalberg Poulsen describing Etlingera balikpapanensis. This ensures that the application delivers both engaging and scientifically reliable learning content.

The application is expected to be implemented in elementary schools that have integrated Balikpapan Ginger into the PKLH curriculum. Beyond enhancing digital learning, the innovation also supports the development of Balikpapan's Smart Society ecosystem by promoting inclusive digital knowledge infrastructure rooted in local natural heritage while fostering environmental awareness among younger generations.

The research was conducted by Fukha Tajri M., S.Pd., M.Sn. (Lecturer of Visual Communication Design), Ir. Denny Huldiansyah, S.T., M.Arch., IPP. (Lecturer of Architecture), and Visual Communication Design students Azzah Nafisah Sofyan, Muhammad Bintang Kurniawan, and Surya Abdi Pratama. This interdisciplinary collaboration reflects ITK's commitment to developing digital innovations that advance education while preserving the unique biodiversity of East Kalimantan.