Bekantan Statue

Exploring the Architecture of the Bekantan Statue: Banjarmasin's Icon of Pride and Ecological Symbol

The Bekantan Statue is more than just a visual monument gracing the banks of the Martapura River; it is an achievement in landscape architecture and structural engineering that represents the identity of South Kalimantan. Strategically located on Jalan Kapten Tendean, Banjarmasin, this monument stands as a reminder of Borneo's rich biodiversity and serves as a social gravity point for the urban community. Typologically, the Bekantan Statue is categorized as an iconic landmark that combines elements of realistic sculpture with the functionality of modern public space.

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Design Philosophy and Architectural Realism Aesthetics

The design of the Bekantan Statue adopts a highly detailed realistic style, aiming to capture the physical essence of Kalimantan's endemic primate (Nasalis larvatus). The architecture of this statue stands approximately 6.5 meters tall in its characteristic seated position—the right hand pointing towards the river and the long nose, the species' most distinctive feature, facing the Martapura waters.

The design principle applied is "Monumental Proportion," where the statue's scale is made significantly larger than its actual size to create a majestic effect that can be enjoyed from various viewpoints, both from land and from a klotok boat on the river. The use of bronze color imparts a timeless and classic impression, while also creating an attractive textural contrast against the backdrop of the blue sky and the dynamic surface of the river water.

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Historical Context and Development

The construction of the Bekantan Statue was initiated by the Banjarmasin City Government as part of a riverfront (siring) revitalization project. Inaugurated in 2015, this monument was designed to strengthen Banjarmasin's image as the "City of a Thousand Rivers." Its location was deliberately chosen in the Siring Pierre Tendean area, as this zone is a key axis for the city's tourism growth.

During its development, corrosion resistance was a primary consideration, given its location in a water-rich environment with high humidity. The choice of bronze was not only for its aesthetic appeal but also because of its property to form a patina layer over time, which actually protects the core structure from damage by extreme tropical weather.

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Structural Innovation and the Unique "Water Fountain" Feature

One of the most prominent technical aspects of the Bekantan Statue is the integrated mechanical system within the statue's body. Unlike conventional static statues, this monument is equipped with a water fountain system that spouts water from the bekantan's mouth. This innovation adopts a concept similar to Singapore's Merlion but is adapted with local Kalimantan wisdom.

Structurally, the statue is built with a robust internal steel frame to support the weight of several tons of bronze. The statue's foundation uses a bored pile system that penetrates deep into Banjarmasin's soft swamp soil, ensuring the monument's stability against vibrations and ground shifts. The water piping system is designed to be hidden within the statue's body structure, with a high-powered pump that circulates water, demonstrating the integration of sculpture and hydraulic engineering.

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Cultural Meaning and Ecological Significance

Architecturally, the Bekantan Statue functions as a "Visual Anchor," a visual marker connecting the community's collective memory with their nature. The bekantan is an endangered animal; by placing it in the city center on a giant scale, this architecture speaks of the urgency of conservation.

The statue also serves as a symbol of the hospitality of Banjarmasin's residents. The statue's hand position and calm facial expression reflect the open and religious character of the Banjar people, who remain connected to nature. In a social context, the presence of this statue has transformed the usage patterns of public spaces in Banjarmasin. The area around the statue's base is designed with an ergonomic granite floor pattern, facilitating intergenerational social interaction.

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Visitor Experience and Landscape Integration

The architectural experience at the Bekantan Statue is not limited to the statue itself but also encompasses how visitors interact with the surrounding space. Landscape architects designed the surrounding area with an open plaza concept, providing unobstructed access for pedestrians.

At night, an artistic architectural lighting system with warm white LED spotlights highlights the statue's curves, creating dramatic shadows that emphasize the texture of the bekantan's fur and anatomy. The reflection of the light from the statue onto the surface of the Martapura River creates a poetic atmosphere that is a major attraction for photographers and tourists.

Visitors can enjoy the statue's facade from a wooden pier extending into the river, offering a different "eye-level" perspective. The integration of hard elements (bronze statue and stone flooring) with soft elements (river flow and trees on the opposite bank) creates a calming visual harmony amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

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Conclusion: An Icon Beyond Aesthetics

The Bekantan Statue is tangible proof of how iconic architecture can serve as a bridge between local identity, environmental education, and economic development through tourism. Through meticulous craftsmanship, appropriate material selection, and the integration of fountain technology, this monument has successfully transcended its function as mere city decoration. It now stands tall as the guardian of Banjarmasin's identity, an architectural masterpiece that celebrates the uniqueness of Kalimantan's fauna while providing a space for the social life of modern society to continue to grow on its historic riverbanks.