Banjarbaru

History

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History and Development of Banjarbaru: From Guntung Payung Hills to Provincial Capital

Origins and Colonial Era: The Transformation of Gunung Apam

Banjarbaru, located in the heart of South Kalimantan with an area of 330.5 km², has a unique historical root compared to other coastal cities in Kalimantan. In the early 20th century, this area was merely a stretch of hills known as Gunung Apam. The name referred to the highlands in the Guntung Payung hills, which served as a resting place for traditional diamond miners from Cempaka. During the Dutch colonial period, this region was not particularly prominent administratively but began to be noticed due to its strategic position on the land route connecting Banjarmasin to the interior (Hulu Sungai).

Independence Era and Van der Pijl's Vision

The turning point in Banjarbaru's history occurred after Indonesia's independence. In the 1950s, the then Governor of Kalimantan, dr. Murjani, realized that Banjarmasin, as the capital, often experienced flooding and land limitations. He envisioned building a new, more representative government center in the highlands.

In 1953, the Dutch architect, D.A.W. Van der Pijl, was appointed to design Banjarbaru's urban layout. Van der Pijl designed the city with a modern "garden city" concept, featuring wide roads and organized zoning. The name "Banjarbaru" itself literally means "New Banjar," bestowed by dr. Murjani to distinguish it from the old city of Banjarmasin. This development was one of the most ambitious urban planning projects in the early Republican era.

Administrative Development and Strategic Role

Administratively, Banjarbaru was initially a status of an Administrative City under the auspices of Banjar Regency. Based on Law Number 9 of 1999, Banjarbaru officially separated to become an independent Municipality. Geographically, the city is landlocked (has no coast) and is surrounded by three main neighboring regions: Banjar Regency to the north and east, Tanah Laut Regency to the south, and Banjarmasin City to the west.

The presence of Syamsudin Noor Airport in the Landasan Ulin area in the 1970s strengthened Banjarbaru's position as the main gateway to South Kalimantan. Historically, this airport originated from a military airfield built by the Japanese during World War II.

Cultural Heritage and Historical Sites

Although the city is relatively young architecturally, Banjarbaru holds a deep cultural heritage in Cempaka District. Traditional diamond panning in Cempaka is a hereditary legacy that has existed since the sultanate era. It was here that the legendary Intan Trisakti was found in 1965, an event that shook the international gem world.

Important monuments such as Murjani Field and the South Kalimantan Governor's Office (which has now officially moved to Banjarbaru through Law No. 8 of 2022) symbolize the city's transformation from a mere settlement area into a political and economic center.

Modern Banjarbaru: Towards the Future

Today, Banjarbaru is no longer just a satellite city. With Banjarbaru being designated as the Capital of South Kalimantan Province, replacing Banjarmasin, a new history is being written. The city serves as the main buffer for national development in Kalimantan, while maintaining its identity as a well-organized city of education and services amidst the lush tropical forests of Kalimantan.

Geography

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Geographical Characteristics of Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan

Banjarbaru City is the new administrative center for South Kalimantan Province, possessing a unique geographical profile as a purely landlocked region. Located astronomically at coordinates 3°20’ S – 3°30’ S and 114°45’ E – 114°54’ E, the city covers an area of 330.5 km². Regionally, Banjarbaru occupies a strategic position in the central part of the province and directly borders three administrative regions: Banjar Regency to the north, east, and west, and Tanah Laut Regency to the south.

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Topography and Landscape

Unlike coastal cities in Kalimantan, Banjarbaru does not have a coastline. Its topography is dominated by undulating plains with slopes ranging from 0 to 8 percent, although some areas reach slopes of 15 percent in the eastern region. The elevation of this area varies between 0 to 500 meters above sea level (mdpl), with the highest point located in the Gunung Kupang area and the hills around Cempaka. Its geological structure is dominated by sedimentary rock formations and surface deposits, which form the foundation for podzolic red-yellow and latosol soil types.

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Hydrology and River Flow

Although not bordering the sea, Banjarbaru is supplied by several important rivers that serve as the city's drainage arteries. The Kemuning River and Basung River are two main streams that divide the city center. The rivers here tend to be calm but are heavily influenced by local rainfall. There are also peat swamp areas in the western part that function as natural water catchment areas, preventing floods in the surrounding low-lying areas.

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Climate and Seasonal Patterns

Banjarbaru has a tropical wet climate with seasonal variations influenced by monsoon winds. The average air temperature ranges between 26°C and 34°C. Rainfall intensity is quite high, especially during the period from November to April, while the dry season occurring between June and September often creates a unique phenomenon of increased surface temperature due to the soil's characteristic of quickly absorbing heat.

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Natural Resources and Ecology

The Cempaka region in Banjarbaru is globally known for its mineral wealth, especially diamonds and gold mined traditionally. In addition to minerals, the forestry and agriculture sectors are supported by the presence of the Sultan Adam Grand Forest Park (Tahura) located on its border, protecting the biodiversity typical of tropical rainforests. Ecological zones in Banjarbaru include vast grasslands in the governor's office area and secondary forests that are habitats for various endemic Kalimantan bird species and small primates. The soil fertility in the southern part also supports the development of horticulture and rubber plantations, which are key local commodities.

Culture

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Exploring the Cultural Heart of Banjarbaru: The Idyllic City of South Kalimantan

Banjarbaru, officially designated as the Capital of South Kalimantan Province, is a region of 330.5 km² located in the central (inland) position without a coastline. Although geographically surrounded by Banjar Regency and Tanah Laut Regency, Banjarbaru possesses a unique cultural identity—a harmonious blend of strong Banjar traditions with the modernity of an administrative city.

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Traditions, Ceremonies, and Social Institutions

As part of the Banjar land, the people of Banjarbaru still hold the tradition of Baayun Maulid dear. This ceremony is held to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW, where babies are rocked in cradles decorated with palm leaves and various traditional snacks. Furthermore, the tradition of Baurung-urung (mutual cooperation) remains alive among the suburban communities, especially when preparing for major events or religious celebrations. Islamic religiosity strongly dominates, reflected in the commemoration of "Haul" for great religious scholars, which often mobilizes thousands of people.

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Arts and Aesthetic Manifestations

In the performing arts, Banjarbaru is a center for the development of Madihin, a Banjar oral tradition that combines comedy, advice, and the rhythm of the rebana drum. Additionally, the Baksa Kembang dance is often performed as a welcoming dance for distinguished guests at the city hall. Uniquely, Banjarbaru is also known as the epicenter of visual arts in South Kalimantan, with an active community of artists holding contemporary art exhibitions that combine traditional motifs with modern styles.

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Textiles and Traditional Attire

Banjarbaru is home to the creative industry of Kain Sasirangan. Unlike other regions, artisans in Banjarbaru often experiment with natural dyes from mahogany or ulin bark. Popular motifs include Iris Pudak and Kambang Kacang. During traditional events, people wear Pokko or Bagajah Gamuling Baular Lulut attire, often paired with precious metal accessories from local handicrafts.

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Local Cuisine and Flavors

The specialty of Banjarbaru's cuisine lies in the availability of local ingredients from swamps and forests. One of the most specific is Sayur Umbut Rotan (rattan shoot vegetable), which offers a unique bitter-savory sensation. Additionally, Nasi Itik Gambut (Gambut duck rice), wrapped in banana leaves with a rich habang (red) spice, is a favorite for travelers. For snacks, Wadai Banjar (Banjar cakes) like Bingka and Amparan Tatak are always mandatory dishes in every traditional ceremony.

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Language and Dialectal Identity

The Banjar Kuala dialect is the primary language of communication. However, due to its status as a city of education and government, Banjarbaru has a more fluid language variation. There are distinctive expressions like "Kada kulihatan hidung" (extremely busy) or the use of particles "pang" and "gin" which provide emotional emphasis in daily conversations.

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Festivals and Religious Practices

Every year, Banjarbaru hosts the Banjarbaru Rainy Day Literary Festival, which elevates local literature to an international stage. On the religious front, the presence of the Grand Mosque Al-Munawwarah serves as a center for da'wah activities and Islamic art festivals. The cultural life here is a reflection of a city transforming into a metropolis, yet firmly holding onto the roots of the "Kayuh Baimbai" (rowing together) tradition.

Tourism

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Exploring Banjarbaru: The Modern Heart and Natural Charm of South Kalimantan

Strategically located in the central part of South Kalimantan, Banjarbaru now officially holds the status of provincial capital. With an area of 330.5 km², this city is a unique landlocked gem as it has no coastline, yet offers a charm of hills and urban hospitality rarely found elsewhere. Directly bordering Banjar Regency and Tanah Laut Regency, Banjarbaru is the main gateway for tourists landing at Syamsudin Noor International Airport.

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Natural Charm and Green Open Spaces

Although it lacks a beach, Banjarbaru is blessed with an exotic hilly landscape. Bukit Pinus (Pine Hill) Trekking and Bukit Lentera (Lantern Hill) offer stunning panoramic views of the city from above, especially during sunset. One of the most unique natural icons is Danau Biru Pengaron (Pengaron Blue Lake) and Danau Seran (Seran Lake). These lakes are former mining areas that have transformed into crystal blue waters surrounded by lush trees. Furthermore, Banjarbaru is known as the "City of a Thousand Parks," where Van der Pijl Park and Mentaos Pine Forest serve as the city's cool lungs for relaxing under the shade of towering pine trees.

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Cultural and Historical Traces

History enthusiasts can visit the Lambung Mangkurat Museum. This museum houses valuable artifacts from the Banjar Sultanate, replicas of traditional houses, and ancient relics that tell the story of the evolution of life in South Kalimantan. For a more authentic cultural experience, tourists can visit the handicraft center in Kampung Purun. Here, you can witness firsthand the process of transforming purun plants into artistic bags, hats, and mats, which are symbols of local economic resilience.

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Adventure and Unique Experiences

One of the rarest experiences is visiting the Cempaka Diamond Panning Site. This location is one of the oldest traditional diamond mining sites in the world. You can watch the panners work manually in the excavation pits to find pure diamonds, including the history of the legendary Intan Trisakti discovery. For adrenaline seekers, the hilly areas around Banjarbaru are also often used for mountain biking and trail motorbiking off-road routes.

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Culinary Tourism and Accommodation

Banjarbaru's cuisine is a blend of authentic Banjar flavors and modern influences. You must try the savory Nasi Itik Gambut or Soto Banjar with its rich spiced broth. The city has also developed into a creative coffee hub in Kalimantan, with a row of modern cafes along Jalan Panglima Batur. For accommodation, Banjarbaru offers options ranging from modern star hotels to guesthouses that embody the warm, familial atmosphere of the local people, who are known for their great politeness (the reputation of Wong Banjar).

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Best Time to Visit

The dry season between June and September is the best time to visit to enjoy the beauty of the lakes and hills without being hindered by rain. Banjarbaru is not just a transit city; it is a harmonious blend of infrastructure advancement and the authenticity of Borneo's nature.

Economy

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Economic Profile of Banjarbaru City: South Kalimantan's New Growth Center

Banjarbaru, which now officially holds the status of the Capital of South Kalimantan Province, is a landlocked area of 330.5 km² located in the strategic "central" position of the inter-regional connecting route. Bordering Banjar Regency to the north, west, and east, and Tanah Laut Regency to the south, the city has no coastal territory. Although geographical narratives are often associated with the interior, Banjarbaru's economy is rapidly developing as a major service and transit hub on the island of Kalimantan.

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Transformation of the Service and Trade Sector

The shift in capital status has triggered an explosion in the service and trade sectors. Banjarbaru has become a new economic gravity center with the massive presence of provincial government offices. This has driven the growth of the real estate and hospitality sectors. Economic activities are no longer directly dependent on natural resource extraction but on the provision of logistics and professional services. The presence of Syamsudin Noor International Airport in this region is the backbone of vital air connectivity for the distribution of goods and human mobility in South Kalimantan.

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Creative Industry and Local Crafts

Amidst modernization, Banjarbaru maintains its identity through creative industries. Traditional handicraft workshops, such as the making of Kain Sasirangan with the distinctive "Bordir Banjarbaru" motif, are flagship products that penetrate the national market. Furthermore, the Cempaka region is globally known for its traditional diamond mining. Although not a large-scale manufacturing industry, the processing of precious stones and diamonds in the Cahaya Bumi Selamat (CBS) shopping center creates a strong micro-economic ecosystem, involving diamond cutters and silversmiths.

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Agriculture and Processing Industry Sector

Due to the absence of a maritime economy, Banjarbaru optimizes its land for the agribusiness and livestock sectors. The Landasan Ulin and Liang Anggang areas are known as centers for horticulture and broiler chicken farming, supplying protein needs for Banjarmasin and its surroundings. Small to medium-scale food processing industries (UMKM) are developing rapidly, processing agricultural products into value-added products such as aloe vera products and local fruit syrups.

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Infrastructure and Employment Trends

The development of toll road infrastructure and accessibility to industrial areas is being accelerated. Employment trends show a shift from the agricultural sector to services, construction, and modern retail. The presence of various shopping centers and culinary centers along Jalan Ahmad Yani creates thousands of new job opportunities for the young workforce. Banjarbaru is currently positioning itself not only as an administrative center but also as an independent city of education and services, connecting the Kalimantan interior economy with the global market through the integration of modern transportation infrastructure.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of Banjarbaru City: South Kalimantan's Growth Center

Banjarbaru, which now officially holds the status of the Capital of South Kalimantan Province, has unique demographic characteristics as an administrative and educational city. With an area of approximately 330.5 km², the city occupies a strategic position in the central economic corridor of the region, directly bordering Banjar Regency to the north, east, and west, and Tanah Laut Regency to the south.

Population Density and Distribution

Based on the latest data, Banjarbaru's population has exceeded 260,000 people. Its population density reaches approximately 780 people per km², with the highest concentration in North Banjarbaru and Landasan Ulin Districts. Unlike coastal areas, population distribution in Banjarbaru is heavily influenced by the presence of vital infrastructure such as Syamsudin Noor International Airport and the governor's office center.

Ethnic Composition and Cultural Diversity

Demographically, Banjarbaru is a "miniature Indonesia" in Kalimantan. Although the Banjar ethnic group remains dominant, the city has a significant proportion of Javanese, Madurese, Bugis, and Dayak ethnicities. This diversity was created due to Banjarbaru's history as a planned city by Van der Pijl, which attracted many migrants from outside the island to work in the government and service sectors.

Age Structure and Population Pyramid

Banjarbaru's population structure is dominated by the productive age group (15-64 years), forming an expansive population pyramid that widens in the middle. This indicates a demographic bonus. The high number of young people is also driven by its status as a student city, where thousands of students reside to pursue education at Lambung Mangkurat University and various vocational schools.

Education and Literacy

Banjarbaru records a literacy rate that is almost 100%. The average education level of its population is one of the highest in South Kalimantan, with a significant percentage of university graduates. This directly correlates with the numerous formal and non-formal educational facilities in the region.

Urbanization and Migration

Banjarbaru's urbanization pattern is centripetal; residents from surrounding regencies tend to migrate here for better access to public facilities. The relocation of the provincial capital from Banjarmasin to Banjarbaru has triggered a massive wave of civil servant (ASN) migration, transforming the city's socio-economic dynamics from agrarian-service to a modern administrative center. This dynamic has created an organized urban settlement pattern, distinguishing it from the organic growth of older cities around it.