North Hulu Sungai Regency

History

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History and Development of North Hulu Sungai Regency

North Hulu Sungai Regency (HSU) is a region with deep historical value in the heart of South Kalimantan Province. Located in the central position of Banua Anam, this regency, covering an area of 912.4 km², is surrounded by eight neighboring regions, making it a strategic meeting point for trade and culture since ancient times.

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Historical Roots: The Era of the Negara Dipa Kingdom

The history of HSU cannot be separated from the existence of Candi Agung in Amuntai, built by Empu Jatmika in the 14th century. This site marks the founding of the Negara Dipa Kingdom, the precursor to the Banjar Sultanate. Empu Jatmika, a wealthy merchant from India (Keling), established a settlement at the confluence of the state rivers, which later developed into a center of government. The legends of Putri Junjung Buih and Prince Suryanata, who became rulers in this region, provide a strong spiritual and cultural identity for the people of Amuntai to this day.

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Colonial Era and People's Resistance

During the Dutch colonial period, the Hulu Sungai region became a base for fierce resistance. Based on the Treaty of 1826, this region began to be targeted by the colonialists due to its agricultural potential. One of the heroic events that marked history was the involvement of local figures in the Banjar War (1859-1905). Amuntai became one of the logistics centers and coordination points for the fighters led by Prince Antasari. The Dutch then formed the Afdeeling Amuntai to control this region, but the spirit of independence never died through religious education and pesantren that flourished in the Rakha (Rasyidiyah Khalidiyah) area.

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Independence Era and Administrative Formation

After the proclamation of Indonesian independence, local political dynamics demanded regional autonomy. Based on Law Number 8 of 1953, North Hulu Sungai Regency was officially established. Its capital, Amuntai, is known as a vital transit city. In the early period of independence, figures like KH Idham Chalid, who was born in Satui but educated in Amuntai, became national figures who brought the aspirations of the HSU people to the central level, strengthening the regency's position in Indonesian political history.

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Cultural Heritage and Local Identity

HSU's unique characteristic lies in its peat swamp ecosystem, which influences the community's way of life. One of the rare historical and cultural facts is the tradition of raising Alabio Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos Borneo) and cultivating Swamp Buffaloes (Paminggir). Swamp buffaloes are a symbol of the community's resilience in adapting to the aquatic environment. Architecturally, the Rumah Bubungan Tinggi and the Grand Mosque At-Taqwa Amuntai stand as silent witnesses to the blend of religious values and local aesthetics.

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Modern Development

Today, North Hulu Sungai is transforming into a center for handicraft trade, especially woven products made from purun, which have penetrated international markets. The construction of the Alabio Duck Monument in the city center is not just decoration but a reminder of a self-reliant people's economic history. Although it does not have a coastline, HSU optimizes its river and swamp potential as the lifeblood, connecting the glorious history of Negara Dipa to a modern yet religious future.

Geography

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Geography of North Hulu Sungai Regency: Swamp Ecosystem and the Heart of South Kalimantan

North Hulu Sungai Regency (HSU) is a unique administrative region in South Kalimantan Province. Located at coordinates between 2°17' to 2°33' South Latitude and 114°52' to 115°24' East Longitude, this regency covers an area of 912.4 km². Its geographical position is very strategic as it is in the central part of the province, making it a transition meeting point between the lowland and hilly areas in the interior of Kalimantan.

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Topographical Characteristics and Landscape

Topographically, North Hulu Sungai is dominated by very flat lowlands with a slope gradient ranging from 0 to 2 percent. The most prominent characteristic of this region is the dominance of wetlands or swamp ecosystems. Almost 80% of its total area consists of wetlands, both monotonous swamps (lebak) and swamps influenced by river tides. As a non-coastal region, HSU is surrounded by land and directly borders eight administrative regions, including Tabalong, Balangan, and Hulu Sungai Tengah Regencies, and borders Central Kalimantan Province to the west.

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Hydrological Network and Rivers

As the name suggests, water is the lifeblood of North Hulu Sungai. The region is divided by two large rivers, the Negara River and the Barito River, as well as tributaries such as the Balangan River and the Tabalong River. The confluence of these large rivers creates complex hydrological phenomena, where during the rainy season, this region functions as a natural water retention area (reservoir) for South Kalimantan. The existence of Lake Panggang and its surrounding swamp areas is a geomorphological characteristic not found in other regions.

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Climate Pattern and Seasonal Variations

HSU has a tropical wet climate with quite high rainfall, averaging between 2,000 to 3,000 mm per year. There are contrasting seasonal variations; during the dry season, the swamp water level recedes significantly, revealing vast grasslands. Conversely, during the rainy season, the landscape transforms into a vast freshwater sea, where water transportation becomes the primary means of mobility for the local community.

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Natural Resources and Biodiversity

HSU's natural wealth lies not in mineral mining like coal, but in its agricultural and freshwater fisheries potential. The peat swamp agriculture sector is the main focus, especially the cultivation of local rice varieties. In addition, the "Alabio Duck" and "Swamp Buffalo" (Bubalus bubalis) farming sectors are unique ecological characteristics here. Swamp buffaloes have adapted to live and swim in deep waters, becoming an iconic sight in Paminggir District.

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Ecological Zones and Biodiversity

Ecologically, North Hulu Sungai is an important habitat for various species of water birds and native Kalimantan freshwater fish such as haruan (snakehead) and papuyu. The biodiversity in these peat swamp and freshwater swamp ecosystems plays a crucial role in maintaining regional environmental balance, acting as natural filters and water regulators for the downstream areas of South Kalimantan.

Culture

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Cultural Richness of North Hulu Sungai: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Banua

North Hulu Sungai Regency (HSU) is a unique region in South Kalimantan dominated by a wetland and monotonous swamp ecosystem. This geographical characteristic shapes a very distinctive cultural identity, differentiating it from coastal or Meratus mountain regions. Located in the central (upstream) position of South Kalimantan, HSU is a river civilization center rich in religious traditions and local wisdom.

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Swamp Buffalo Tradition and River Life

One of the most specific cultural icons in HSU is the Swamp Buffalo (*Bubalus bubalis*) farming tradition in Paminggir Village. Unlike land buffaloes, the local community has a strong cultural bond with these animals, which live and swim in vast swamps. The tradition of herding buffaloes using a *jukung* (small boat) has been a turun-temurun (hereditary) heritage that reflects human adaptation to the aquatic environment. Furthermore, the Floating Duck Market in Amuntai is a unique phenomenon, where poultry trade transactions take place on water, demonstrating how inseparable the lifeblood of the HSU community is from its rivers.

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Arts and Handicrafts

In the performing arts, HSU is home to Madihin and Wayang Kulit Banjar (Banjar Shadow Puppetry). Madihin, a rhythmic oral poetry accompanied by the beat of a drum, is often used as a medium for preaching or entertainment in traditional ceremonies. For handicrafts, Amuntai is known as a center for Purun Weaving and Water Hyacinth Weaving. Swamp plants considered weeds are transformed by the skilled hands of artisans into bags, mats, and hats with intricate traditional motifs. Additionally, aluminum and iron crafts from Alabio have been nationally recognized for their durability.

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Signature Cuisine: Alabio Duck and Duck Satay

Talking about HSU is incomplete without mentioning Alabio Duck. This superior duck breed native to the region is the base ingredient for legendary culinary delights: Amuntai Duck Satay and Roasted Duck. Unlike typical satay, Amuntai duck satay has a very tender meat texture with a rich, flavorful habang (red) sauce that is not spicy. Additionally, there is Apam Hambuku, a sweet snack made from rice flour cooked traditionally over a wood fire, giving it a distinctive authentic aroma.

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Language and Traditional Attire

The majority of HSU's population consists of the Banjar Hulu ethnic group, who speak the Banjar Language, Hulu Dialect. This dialect has characteristic intonations that are firmer and more archaic vocabulary compared to the Kuala (Banjarmasin) dialect. In terms of attire, the community highly values the use of Kain Sasirangan with classic motifs such as Gigi Haruan (snakehead teeth) or Kangkung Kaombakan (waving water spinach). For formal ceremonies, men wear a Laung (headband) and women wear short kebaya paired with a sarong.

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Religious Practices and Festivals

As a region known for its religiosity, HSU is often nicknamed "Kota Bertakwa" (City of Piety). The Baayun Maulid tradition during the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday is a strong blend of local culture and Islam, where children are rocked in cradles decorated with palm leaves and fruits while reciting praises. Furthermore, the Haul (anniversary commemoration) of local great scholars always becomes a cultural magnet, gathering thousands of people and strengthening the bonds of friendship and social solidarity among the people of North Hulu Sungai.

Tourism

Exploring the Exotic Charm of North Hulu Sungai: The Swamp Heart of South Kalimantan

North Hulu Sungai (HSU) is a hidden gem in the central part of South Kalimantan Province. With an area of 912.4 km², this regency offers a unique landscape dominated by a vast monotonous swamp ecosystem. Bordering eight regions simultaneously, HSU is a rich meeting point of culture and trade in the interior of Kalimantan.

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Unique Swamp Maze Natural Tourism

Unlike other regions that highlight mountains, HSU's main attraction is Rawa Panggang (Panggang Swamp). Here, visitors can enjoy the phenomenon of "Swamp Buffalo" (Bubalus bubalis). Witnessing herds of buffaloes swimming through vast water hyacinths at sunrise is a rare experience not found elsewhere. Additionally, Candi Agung Amuntai offers a blend of historical and natural tourism. This relic site of the Negara Dipa Kingdom is surrounded by tranquil green areas, providing a glimpse into ancient Hindu civilization on Borneo.

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Cultural and Architectural Richness

Amuntai, the capital of HSU, is known for its iconic Mojosari Duck Statue, a symbol of local livestock prosperity. Tourists can visit traditional floating markets that are more authentic and less commercial than in other areas. The life of the community on stilt houses (lanting) along the river provides a deep perspective on human adaptation to water. Don't miss the purun weaving craft center in Mehu Village, where skilled hands transform swamp grass into export-quality bags and hats.

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Amuntai's Signature Culinary Adventure

A trip to HSU is incomplete without tasting Amuntai Roasted Duck. The tender duck meat with a secret marinade that seeps into the bone makes it a culinary favorite. Additionally, try Soto Amuntai, which has a clear broth but is rich in spices, as well as sweet snacks like Apam Hambuku, which is cooked traditionally using firewood.

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Outdoor Activities and Accommodation

For adventure lovers, exploring the river by kelotok (traditional motorboat) to the interior areas is a must-do activity. You can fish for abundant freshwater fish like haruan (snakehead) and papuyu. For accommodation, Amuntai offers various options from simple guesthouses to comfortable wooden hotels with the warm and religious Banjar hospitality.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit North Hulu Sungai is at the end of the dry season or the beginning of the rainy season (September - November). During this period, the swamp water level is ideal for boat exploration, and the swamp buffalo phenomenon is more easily encountered as they search for food in shallower areas. HSU offers a harmony of local wisdom, royal history, and unforgettable swamp ecosystem wonders.

Economy

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Economic Profile of North Hulu Sungai Regency: A Wetland Agribusiness Center

North Hulu Sungai Regency (HSU) is a strategic region in South Kalimantan with unique geographical characteristics. Located in the central position of South Kalimantan's mainland with an area of 912.4 km², this regency has no coastline. Most of its territory consists of wetlands or swamp ecosystems (approximately 89% of the total area), which form the backbone and determine the economic structure of this region.

Wetland Agriculture and Fisheries Sector

Unlike other regions that rely on oil palm plantations, HSU's economic strength lies in optimizing its swamp land. The agricultural sector is dominated by the cultivation of local rice varieties and horticulture adapted to water fluctuations. However, HSU's main uniqueness lies in its livestock sector, especially the Alabio Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus). This duck is not just a commodity but an economic icon that makes HSU the largest duck breeding and distribution center in Kalimantan. In addition, freshwater (swamp) fisheries contribute significantly to income through the production of local fish such as snakehead (haruan), betok (papuyu), and sepat.

Creative Industry and Traditional Handicrafts

The industrial sector in HSU is deeply infused with local wisdom. The utilization of swamp weeds, namely Purun and Water Hyacinth, has transformed into an export handicraft industry. In craft centers like Amuntai Utara and Haur Gading Districts, the community produces bags, mats, and even furniture with high aesthetic value. The existence of the Amuntai Duck Market also serves as a massive hub for monetary circulation, bringing together traders from various provinces in Kalimantan.

Trade, Services, and Transportation

As a region surrounded by eight neighboring areas (including Tabalong, Balangan, and Hulu Sungai Tengah), HSU functions as a trade hub on the inter-provincial route. The service and trade sectors are growing rapidly in Amuntai City. Although it is a landlocked region, river transportation still plays a vital role in logistics distribution and resident mobility in remote swamp areas, complementing the road infrastructure that continues to be improved to connect production centers with regional markets.

Ecology-Based Tourism

HSU's tourism economy is beginning to develop through the optimization of its swamp landscape. Destinations such as Candi Agung and swamp buffalo tourism (pambuan) in Paminggir District offer new economic potential. The phenomenon of buffaloes swimming to find food in wetlands attracts foreign and domestic tourists, which in turn stimulates the growth of culinary SMEs and accommodation sectors.

Employment and Development Trends

Employment trends in HSU show a transition from the primary sector to the secondary and tertiary sectors. The local government focuses on downstream processing of agricultural products and strengthening cooperatives to support local artisans. The main challenge for economic development remains in water management and disaster-resilient infrastructure, given the region's susceptibility to river overflow floods. By integrating wetland potential and community creativity, North Hulu Sungai continues to strengthen its position as an economic pillar in the heart of South Kalimantan.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of North Hulu Sungai Regency

North Hulu Sungai Regency (HSU) is a region located in the central position of South Kalimantan Province. With an area of approximately 912.4 km², this regency has unique demographic characteristics due to its dominance by wetland and swamp ecosystems (about 89% of its territory), which significantly influence population distribution patterns and the socio-economic activities of its community.

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Population Size, Density, and Distribution

Based on the latest data, the population of North Hulu Sungai reaches over 230,000 people. Considering its relatively small area compared to other regencies in South Kalimantan, HSU has a fairly high population density, exceeding 250 people per km². Population distribution is concentrated in Amuntai Tengah District as the center of government and trade, while swampy water areas like Paminggir District have much lower densities with linear stilt settlement patterns following river courses.

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Ethnic Composition and Cultural Diversity

The majority of HSU's population is of Banjar ethnicity, specifically the Banjar Hulu (Pahuluan) sub-ethnic group. This demographic characteristic creates a strong cultural homogeneity, where Islamic religious values heavily dominate daily life. The Banjar language, Hulu dialect, is the main lingua franca. The presence of small communities of migrants from Java and Bugis is usually concentrated in urban areas and trade sectors, adding a slight color to the local cultural diversity.

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Age Structure and Population Pyramid

HSU's population structure is dominated by the productive age group (15-64 years), forming an expansive population pyramid that is starting to narrow at the bottom, indicating a decline in birth rates over the last decade. This youth bulge phenomenon presents both challenges and opportunities for job creation in non-agricultural sectors.

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Education and Literacy

The literacy rate in HSU is considered high, exceeding 98%. A unique characteristic of this region is the high participation in religious-based education. HSU is known as a hub for Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and madrasahs, making the educational profile of its community strongly rooted in Islamic education, alongside formal general schools that continue to develop in urban areas.

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Urbanization and Migration Dynamics

HSU experiences specific seasonal migration patterns. Many young residents migrate out (merantau) to major cities like Banjarmasin, Balikpapan, or Samarinda to seek economic opportunities in the service and trade sectors. Meanwhile, internal urbanization occurs from remote swamp areas towards Amuntai city center to gain better access to health and education, creating a dynamic small city in the midst of the inland swamps of South Kalimantan.