Banjar

History

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The Historical Evolution of Banjar, South Kalimantan

The history of Banjar Regency, situated in the heart of South Kalimantan, is intrinsically linked to the rise of the Sultanate of Banjar and the strategic inland waterways of the Martapura River. Covering an expansive 4,591.87 km², this landlocked region transitioned from a collection of riverine chiefdoms into a sophisticated Islamic sultanate that defined the identity of the Banjar people.

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Origins and the Sultanate Era

The historical foundation of Banjar traces back to the 14th century with the Kingdom of Negara Dipa. However, the most pivotal moment occurred in 1526 with the establishment of the Sultanate of Banjar. This transition was marked by a power struggle between Prince Tumenggung and his nephew, Raden Samudera. Seeking assistance from the Sultanate of Demak in Java, Raden Samudera converted to Islam, adopting the title Sultan Suriansyah. He moved the administrative center to the river junctions, establishing a maritime power that controlled the pepper trade. Martapura, currently the administrative seat of Banjar Regency, later became the royal capital in the 17th century under Sultan Mustain Billah after the destruction of the previous capital by Dutch forces.

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Colonial Resistance and the Banjar War

The 19th century was defined by the protracted Banjar War (1859–1905), a fierce resistance against Dutch colonial encroachment. The conflict was ignited by Dutch interference in royal succession and their desire to control the region's coal and diamond resources. Key figures such as Pangeran Antasari and Demang Lehman led guerrilla campaigns from the dense jungles and river networks of the interior. In 1862, Pangeran Antasari was proclaimed "Panembahan Amiruddin Khalifatul Mukminin," the supreme religious and military leader. Despite his death from illness later that year, the resistance continued for decades, deeply embedding a spirit of defiance against foreign rule into the local psyche.

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Independence and Modern Development

Following the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence in 1945, Banjar became a focal point for the Indonesian physical revolution in Kalimantan. Local fighters, organized under the ALRI (Navy of the Republic of Indonesia) Division IV led by Brigadier General Hasan Basry, engaged in significant skirmishes against NICA forces. The region officially transitioned into a regency (Kabupaten) within the newly formed South Kalimantan province in 1950.

In the modern era, Banjar has evolved into a center for commerce and culture. Martapura has earned the international moniker "Kota Intan" (City of Diamonds) due to its centuries-old traditional diamond mining industry, centered in locations like Cempaka. Culturally, the region is famed for its "Pasar Terapung" (Floating Markets) and the annual Haul of Guru Sekumpul (K.H. Muhammad Zaini Abdul Ghani), which attracts millions of pilgrims, reflecting the region's deep-rooted Islamic scholarship. Today, Banjar stands as a bridge between its royal past and its role as a vital economic hub in Indonesian Borneo.

Geography

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Geographical Profile of Banjar Regency

Banjar Regency, situated in the heart of South Kalimantan, serves as a vital inland corridor connecting the coastal regions to the Meratus mountain range. Spanning an area of 4591.87 km², the regency is characterized by a dramatic transition from low-lying alluvial plains in the west to rugged, high-altitude terrain in the east.

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Topography and Hydrographic Networks

The terrain of Banjar is defined by its lack of coastline, making it a purely landlocked administrative area. The eastern portion is dominated by the foothills of the Meratus Mountains, where the elevation rises sharply, creating deep valleys and steep ridges. In contrast, the western and central sectors consist of undulating hills and expansive wetlands. The regency’s lifeblood is the Martapura River, a major tributary of the Barito River. This waterway, along with the Riam Kanan River, dictates the settlement patterns and agricultural cycles of the region. The Riam Kanan Reservoir, a massive man-made lake, stands as a critical geographical landmark, regulating water flow and providing a unique lacustrine ecosystem amidst the inland hills.

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Climate and Seasonal Variations

Banjar experiences a tropical rainforest climate (Af), characterized by high humidity and significant precipitation throughout the year. The weather is governed by the monsoonal cycle. The wet season, typically peaking between November and March, brings heavy rainfall that frequently swells the Martapura River. The dry season, occurring from July to September, is relative rather than absolute, as convective storms remain common. Average temperatures fluctuate between 25°C and 32°C, though the higher elevations in the eastern highlands offer a noticeably cooler microclimate compared to the humid lowlands of the Martapura district.

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Natural Resources and Land Use

The geological composition of Banjar is rich and varied. It is globally renowned for its diamond and gemstone deposits, particularly in the Cempaka and Martapura areas, where alluvial mining has shaped the landscape for centuries. Beyond minerals, the regency possesses significant coal reserves. In terms of agriculture, the fertile alluvial soil supports extensive tidal and swamp rice cultivation. Forestry remains a key sector in the upland areas, with rubber and oil palm plantations occupying vast tracts of the mid-altitude undulating hills.

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Ecological Zones and Biodiversity

The ecological diversity of Banjar ranges from swamp forests and riparian zones in the west to primary tropical rainforests in the Meratus foothills. These highland zones are hotspots for biodiversity, harboring endemic species such as the Proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) in the riverine corridors and various species of dipterocarp trees. The Riam Kanan area serves as a protected catchment zone, essential for preserving the local flora and maintaining the hydrological balance of South Kalimantan.

Culture

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The Cultural Tapestry of Banjar, South Kalimantan

The Banjar Regency, situated in the heart of South Kalimantan, serves as the spiritual and cultural epicenter of the Banjar people. Though it spans 4591.87 km² and lacks a coastline, its identity is inextricably linked to the intricate river systems that define its geography and social structure.

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Traditions, Customs, and Ceremonies

Life in Banjar is governed by the philosophy of Bubuhan, a strong sense of kinship and communal solidarity. A cornerstone of local custom is the Baayun Maulud, a ceremony where toddlers and adults alike are swung in decorated cloth cradles to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This ritual blends Islamic devotion with ancestral traditions. For weddings, the Bapicik and Batamatan Al-Qur'an ceremonies are essential, marking the transition into adulthood through the completion of religious study.

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Arts, Music, and Performance

The performing arts of Banjar are characterized by the Madihin, a form of rhythmic oral poetry performed by a soloist accompanied by a terbang (tambourine). These performers use wit and spontaneity to deliver social commentary or entertainment. In the realm of dance, the Baksa Kembang is a classical court dance used to welcome guests, performed by dancers wearing crowns of fresh jasmine. The region's musical identity is further defined by Musik Panting, featuring the panting (a plucked lute), which produces a melodic, fast-paced sound unique to the interior of South Kalimantan.

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Textiles and Traditional Attire

Banjar is the birthplace of Sasirangan, a sacred textile created through a complex "stitch-resist" dyeing technique. Historically believed to possess healing powers, each pattern—such as Iris Pudak or Kangkung Kaombakan—carries specific philosophical meanings. Regarding traditional attire, the Bagajah Gamuling Baular Lulut is the most prestigious wedding costume, heavily influenced by Hindu-Javanese aesthetics from the pre-Islamic era, featuring intricate beadwork and jasmine garlands.

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Culinary Specialties

The culinary landscape is dominated by the use of freshwater fish and local aromatics. Soto Banjar is the most iconic dish, a fragrant soup enriched with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, served with lime and perkedel (potato patties). Another specialty is Ketupat Kandangan, featuring hand-pressed rice cakes in a savory coconut milk broth served with smoked Haruan (snakehead fish). For those with a sweet tooth, the "41 Macam Wadai" (41 types of traditional cakes), such as Bingka Banjar, represent the region's rich confectionery heritage.

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Language and Religion

The Banjar language (Bahasa Banjar) is a distinct Malayic tongue, flavored with ancient Javanese and Arabic loanwords. Expressions such as "Waja Sampai Kaputing" (unwavering determination until the end) reflect the resilient spirit of the local people. Religion is the backbone of society; Banjar is often called the "Veranda of Mecca" in Kalimantan due to its deep-rooted Islamic scholarship, centered in the town of Martapura. The legacy of local saints, particularly Syekh Muhammad Arsyad al-Banjari, continues to influence daily ethics and the grand Haul festivals that draw millions of pilgrims annually.

Tourism

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Discovering the Heart of South Kalimantan: The Wonders of Banjar

Banjar Regency, spanning an expansive 4,591.87 km² in South Kalimantan, serves as the cultural and spiritual soul of the province. While it is a landlocked region, its lifeblood is defined by the labyrinthine river systems and lush highlands that offer a unique alternative to coastal tourism.

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Natural Landscapes and Highland Escapes

The landscape of Banjar is dominated by the majestic Meratus Mountains. A primary highlight is the Tahura Sultan Adam (Sultan Adam Forest Park) in Mandiangin. Here, visitors can trek through pine forests to reach viewpoints that overlook the vast Riam Kanan Reservoir. This man-made lake, surrounded by emerald hills, is often compared to a "miniature Raja Ampat." For those seeking water-based tranquility, the Lembah Kahung offers pristine tropical rainforest trekking leading to hidden waterfalls, while the Belangian Valley provides a serene look at Kalimantan’s ancient biodiversity.

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Cultural Legacy and the Diamond City

Banjar is synonymous with Martapura, famously known as the "Diamond City." The Cahaya Bumi Selamat (CBS) Market is the epicenter of the global gemstone trade, where visitors can find exquisite Intan (diamonds) and local semi-precious stones. Culturally, the region is deeply Islamic; the Al-Karomah Great Mosque stands as a magnificent architectural landmark. For a deeper historical dive, the Lambung Mangkurat Museum in nearby Banjarbaru (historically part of the Banjar cultural sphere) houses artifacts from the Banjar Kingdom and the Hindu-Buddhist era of South Kalimantan.

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Culinary Traditions and the Floating Market

No visit to Banjar is complete without experiencing the Lok Baintan Floating Market. Unlike generic markets, this is a centuries-old tradition on the Martapura River where traders, mostly women in traditional *tanggui* hats, sell produce from wooden *jukung* boats. Food enthusiasts must try Soto Banjar, a fragrant chicken soup enriched with cinnamon and cloves, and Ketupat Kandangan. For dessert, the region is famous for its "41 varieties of Wadai" (traditional cakes), including the rich, green Bingka Kentang.

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Adventure and Hospitality

Adventure seekers can navigate the Riam Kanan by motorized longboats or engage in off-road mountain biking through the Mandiangin hills. Accommodations in Banjar range from comfortable urban hotels in Martapura to eco-lodges and riverside guesthouses that offer an immersive local experience. The Banjar people are renowned for their "Urung Banjar" hospitality—a warm, community-centric welcome rooted in trade and religious tradition.

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Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore Banjar is during the dry season (May to September), which ensures safer trekking in the Meratus range and clearer skies for photography. Visiting during the Baayun Maulud festival or major religious commemorations provides a spectacular window into the region’s vibrant living heritage.

Economy

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Economic Landscape of Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan

Banjar Regency, spanning 4,591.87 km² in the heart of South Kalimantan, serves as a vital inland economic hub. Characterized by its riverine geography and vast terrestrial resources, the regency’s economy is anchored by a diverse mix of primary production and burgeoning service sectors.

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Dominant Agricultural and Extractive Sectors

Agriculture remains the backbone of the Banjar economy. The region is a primary producer of wetland paddy (sawah), particularly in districts like Martapura and Gambut. Beyond staples, Banjar is renowned for its rubber plantations and horticulture, specifically the local "Siam Banjar" oranges. As a landlocked area, it lacks a maritime economy; however, it compensates through a robust freshwater aquaculture sector. The Riam Kanan Reservoir is a critical center for floating net cage (karamba) fish farming, producing significant yields of tilapia and carp for the regional market. Furthermore, the extractive industry, particularly coal mining and kaolin clay excavation, continues to contribute substantially to the local GDP.

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The Gemstone Industry and Traditional Crafts

Martapura, the regency’s capital, is internationally recognized as the "City of Diamonds" (Kota Intan). The gemstone industry is a sophisticated value chain involving traditional mining in Cempaka, precision cutting, and high-end retail at the Cahaya Bumi Selamat (CBS) market. This sector sustains a large workforce of skilled artisans. Complementing this is the traditional craft of Sasirangan textile production and intricate beadwork (manik-manik), which are essential export commodities and symbols of local cultural identity.

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Tourism and Service Economy

Tourism in Banjar is driven by both natural and religious attractions. The Riam Kanan pine islands and Tahura Sultan Adam provide eco-tourism revenue, while the religious significance of the Al-Karomah Great Mosque and the legacy of local scholars (ulama) draw thousands of pilgrims annually, fueling the hospitality and retail sectors.

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Infrastructure and Employment Trends

Economic development is currently focused on enhancing connectivity between the inland production centers and the provincial capital, Banjarmasin. The presence of the Syamsudin Noor International Airport on the regency’s border and the development of the Trans-Kalimantan highway have streamlined logistics for local products. Employment trends show a gradual shift from subsistence farming toward the service and manufacturing sectors, particularly in food processing and construction materials. As infrastructure improves, Banjar is positioning itself as a strategic logistical corridor, bridging the resource-rich interior with the maritime export gates of the South Kalimantan coast.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan

Banjar Regency, situated in the heart of South Kalimantan with Martapura as its administrative capital, represents a vital demographic hub within the province. Covering an expansive landlocked area of 4,591.87 km², the regency serves as a bridge between the coastal industrial zones and the interior highlands.

Population Distribution and Density

As of recent census data, the population of Banjar exceeds 560,000 residents. The population density is approximately 122 people per square kilometer, though distribution is highly uneven. The highest concentrations are found in the western districts such as Kertak Hanyar and Gambut—which function as satellite suburbs for the provincial capital, Banjarmasin—and the central district of Martapura. Conversely, the eastern and northern reaches, characterized by undulating hills and the Riam Kanan reservoir, remain sparsely populated.

Ethnic and Cultural Composition

The demographic landscape is overwhelmingly dominated by the Banjar people, specifically the Banjar Hulu and Banjar Kuala subgroups. This ethnic homogeneity is reflected in the widespread use of the Banjar language and a profound adherence to Islamic traditions, earning Martapura the moniker "Veranda of Mecca." Significant minority enclaves exist due to historic transmigration programs, bringing Javanese, Madurese, and Bugis settlers who have integrated into the agricultural sectors of the regency.

Age Structure and Education

Banjar possesses a "young" population pyramid, with a broad base indicating high fertility rates and a large productive-age cohort. Approximately 65% of the population falls within the 15–64 age bracket. Literacy rates are high, consistently exceeding 96%, supported by a unique educational ecosystem that blends formal state schooling with traditional Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools). Martapura serves as a regional center for religious scholarship, attracting students from across Kalimantan.

Urbanization and Migration

The regency is experiencing rapid "rurbanization." While traditionally agrarian—focused on rice cultivation and gemstone mining—the proximity to the Syamsudin Noor International Airport and the trans-Kalimantan highway has spurred a shift toward service and trade sectors. Internal migration is driven by the expansion of the Banjarbakula metropolitan area, leading to significant residential growth in districts bordering Banjarmasin and Banjarbaru, transforming former wetlands into densely packed housing estates.