South Barito

History

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History and Development of Barito Selatan: Gateway to the Barito River

Origins and Kingdom Era

Barito Selatan, with its capital in Buntok, has historical roots deeply intertwined with the riverine civilization of Central Kalimantan. Historically, this region was inhabited by the Dayak Maanyan and Dayak Ngaju tribes who dwelled along the Barito River. Before the arrival of Europeans, this area was under the influence of the Banjar Sultanate. The name "Barito" itself refers to the large river that served as the lifeline for transportation and trade. During this period, the local governance system was led by customary chiefs who managed forest and river resources based on strong Dayak customary law.

Dutch East Indies Colonial Era

The Dutch presence in Barito Selatan began through agreements between the VOC and the Banjar Sultanate in the 17th and 18th centuries. Colonial interest was primarily driven by the potential of natural resources and river trade routes. In the 19th century, this region witnessed people's resistance during the Banjar-Barito War (1859-1905). Local warrior figures like Panglima Batur and Tumenggung Surapati had extensive struggle connections extending to Barito Selatan, opposing colonial trade monopolies and burdensome taxes. The Dutch then established the Onderafdeeling Barito to facilitate administrative control.

Independence Era and Regional Formation

Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, Barito Selatan became an integral part of the struggle to defend sovereignty in Kalimantan. Based on Law Number 27 of 1959, Barito Selatan Regency was officially formed on September 21, 1959. Important figures like G.M.S. Imbar are recorded in the early history of this region's leadership. Initially, this area was much larger before undergoing expansion that led to the formation of East Barito Regency in 2002. With an area of 6,398.61 km², Barito Selatan holds a strategic position as the central axis connecting Central Kalimantan with South Kalimantan.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

The historical richness of Barito Selatan is reflected in its oral traditions and customary ceremonies. One of the most prominent is the Wahas ritual, a thanksgiving ceremony for the harvest for the Dayak Maanyan people. Additionally, the Wara tradition (a death ceremony) demonstrates the deep spirituality of the local community. Rattan weaving crafts and the "Manugal" tradition (mountain rice planting) are still preserved today as the agrarian identity of this region. Archaeologically, there are ancient burial sites and remnants of traditional longhouses that serve as evidence of past traditional architecture.

Modern Development and Connectivity

As a region with riverine characteristics, Barito Selatan has evolved from its dependence on water transportation towards the integration of land routes. The construction of the Kalahien Bridge became a modern historical milestone that broke geographical isolation, connecting Buntok with Palangka Raya more efficiently. Although it has now transformed into a trade and service center in the central region of Kalimantan, Barito Selatan continues to maintain its identity as "Bumi Dahani Dahanai Tuntung Tulus," reflecting the spirit of unity and peace in working towards collective welfare.