Samarinda

History

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History and Development of Samarinda City: The Heart of Mahakam in East Kalimantan

Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan Province, is a city that holds a long historical narrative across an area of 720.76 km². Its unique geography, bisected by the Mahakam River, has made it a strategic trading center from the past to the present.

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Origin and Bugis Wajo Settlement

Samarinda's history began in the mid-17th century. The name "Samarinda" originates from the physical description of the residents' raft houses built on the water at a low, equal height, which in Malay is called "sama rendah." A crucial event occurred on January 21, 1668, when a group of Bugis refugees from Wajo, led by La Mohang Daeng Mangkona, arrived in this area. Their arrival was triggered by their rejection of the Bongaya Treaty in the Sultanate of Gowa. With the permission of the Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara, they were allowed to settle in the area now known as Samarinda Seberang, on the condition that they would help defend the sultanate from enemy attacks.

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Colonial Era and Dutch Influence

Entering the 19th century, Dutch colonial interests began to spread to East Kalimantan. In 1844, following conflicts between the British and the Dutch in the Mahakam waters, the Dutch East Indies government officially established its influence through a treaty with Sultan Aji Muhammad Salehuddin. The city then developed into a vital river port for forest commodities, rubber, and later coal. The urban structure began to change with the presence of Dutch government offices on the north side of the river, creating a settlement duality between traditional areas and colonial administration.

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Independence Era and People's Struggle

After the Proclamation of Independence in 1945, the spirit of independence burned brightly in Samarinda through figures like Abdoel Moeis Hassan. He led the diplomatic struggle through the National Front to integrate the East Kalimantan region into the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), opposing the Dutch efforts to form a federal state. On January 4, 1960, Samarinda was officially designated as the capital of East Kalimantan Province based on Law No. 25 of 1956, replacing the important role previously held by Balikpapan and Kutai.

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Cultural Heritage and Modern Identity

The city's historical heritage is manifested in iconic sites such as the Masjid Raya Shiratal Mustaqiem in Samarinda Seberang, built in 1881 and still standing strong as the oldest mosque in the city. Furthermore, the tradition of weaving Sarung Samarinda, brought by the Bugis Wajo ancestors, remains a rare and valuable cultural identity on an international scale.

Today, as a city directly bordering Kutai Kartanegara Regency on almost all sides, Samarinda is transforming into a service and industrial city. Its position in the central corridor of Kalimantan makes it a primary support for the development of Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). By combining the maritime history of the Mahakam River with urban modernity, Samarinda continues to evolve without abandoning its historical roots stemming from the spirit of bravery of the Wajo migrants.

Geography

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Geography of Samarinda: The Heart of the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan

Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan Province, is a region of 720.76 km² geographically located in the central part of the province. Astronomically, this region is located at coordinates 0°19′02″–0°42′34″ South Latitude and 117°03′00″–117°18′14″ East Longitude. Uniquely, despite being known as an inland city, Samarinda has strategic water access and a coastline stretching along the Indonesian Sea through its large river mouths, making it an important maritime hub in the eastern corridor of Kalimantan. Administratively, Samarinda is a rare entity because it is exclusively surrounded by Kutai Kartanegara Regency on almost all its land borders, creating a very intense interaction between the two regions.

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Topography and Landscape

Samarinda's topography is dominated by low hills and undulating floodplains. The elevation varies between 0 to 200 meters above sea level. The most iconic geographical feature is the Mahakam River, the longest river in East Kalimantan, which bisects the city into two large parts (Samarinda Seberang and Samarinda Kota). This river reaches a width of 300 to 500 meters in the urban area with a depth that allows ocean-going vessels to enter the heart of the city. Around the riverbanks, there are fertile alluvial valleys that are nevertheless vulnerable to sea tide fluctuations.

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Climate and Weather Patterns

Samarinda has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) with very high air humidity, averaging between 80% and 85%. Rainfall occurs almost year-round without extreme dry or rainy seasons, although the peak rainfall usually occurs in December and May. The average air temperature ranges between 24°C and 32°C. Local weather patterns are heavily influenced by the "banjir rob" phenomenon, or high sea tides meeting high discharge flows from the Mahakam upstream, creating a unique hydrological dynamic in its land areas.

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Rich Natural Resources and Biodiversity

Geologically, the region is rich in coal deposits from the Balikpapan and Kampung Baru formations, making it one of the main mining centers. In the forestry sector, despite rapid urbanization, remnants of secondary forests still contain meranti and ulin wood. Agricultural land around the river valleys is used for limited-scale rubber and oil palm plantations.

Samarinda's ecosystem includes wetland and tidal swamp ecological zones. Characteristic biodiversity includes mangrove vegetation along the riverbanks leading towards the estuary, as well as habitats for endemic fauna such as the Mahakam Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), a rare freshwater mammal occasionally seen in the downstream waters of the river that flows through the city. The combination of coal hills and river networks makes Samarinda's geography a complex and vital landscape for Kalimantan's economy.

Culture

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Cultural Charm of Samarinda: Harmony of the Mahakam River and Cultural Acculturation

Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan with an area of 720.76 km², is a unique city due to its position in the middle of the province's trade route and being bisected by the Mahakam River. As a strategic riverine coastal area, Samarinda is a meeting point for various ethnicities, creating a rich culture of acculturation between the Dayak, Banjar, Bugis, and Kutai tribes.

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Traditions, Ceremonies, and Beliefs

Cultural life in Samarinda is greatly influenced by the river ecosystem. One of the preserved traditions is the Upacara Belian, a traditional Dayak healing ritual performed to ward off evil spirits. Furthermore, the influence of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate is strongly felt through the Erau celebration, where the people of Samarinda participate in sacred traditional processions. Religious life here is very harmonious, reflected in the grandeur of Masjid Raya Darussalam and spiritual activities on the banks of the Mahakam that blend Islamic teachings with local wisdom.

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Arts, Music, and Dance

Samarinda boasts a captivating performing arts scene. Tari Jepen is one of the signature dances representing the fusion of Malay and Islamic cultures, often performed to welcome important guests. Additionally, there is Tari Gong, which symbolizes the elegance of Dayak women on gongs. Traditional musical instruments such as the Sampe (a traditional Dayak plucked guitar) and Gambus always accompany cultural festivals in the city. Intricate Dayak carving art with motifs of bayu or plant tendrils also serves as a strong visual identity on public buildings.

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Textiles and Traditional Attire

The most prominent cultural icon of this city is Sarung Samarinda. This traditional weaving was brought by the Bugis people who migrated to the Samarinda Seberang area in the 17th century. Using traditional looms (ATBM), this sarong is known for its precise checkered motifs and bold colors. Besides sarongs, the community also wears Miskat clothing, official attire inspired by sultanate-era fashion, and Baju Kustin, which is the traditional wedding attire for Kutai nobility.

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Culinary Delights and Local Flavors

Samarinda's culinary landscape is dominated by freshwater richness. Nasi Kuning Samarinda is the breakfast star, distinguished by its accompaniment of Ikan Haruan (snakehead fish) cooked in habang sauce. No less popular is Amplang, a savory cracker made from belida or tenggiri fish, which is a must-have souvenir. There is also Pencok, a fresh signature sambal, and Bubur Pedas, rich in spices and vegetables, reflecting the community's closeness to its surrounding natural produce.

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Language and Dialect

The people of Samarinda use Indonesian with Banjar and Kutai dialects. One of the most iconic local expressions is the word "Etam" which means "we" in the Kutai language, as well as the use of the suffixes "kah" or "pang" in daily conversation. This language serves as a warm communication bridge among the diverse migrants who have settled in this city.

Samarinda is more than just a transit city; it is a center of civilization in the heart of East Kalimantan where river traditions blend with modernity, creating a cultural identity rarely found elsewhere.

Tourism

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Samarinda: Mahakam's Gem in the Heart of East Kalimantan

Samarinda City, the capital of East Kalimantan Province, stands majestically in the central part of Borneo island with an area of 720.76 km². As a city bisected by the Mahakam River, Samarinda offers tourist charm that blends the pulse of a great river with rare cultural richness. Uniquely, despite being known as a river city, Samarinda has coastal access connecting it to the marine wealth of the Mahakam Delta, making it a strategic destination between its neighboring regencies, Kutai Kartanegara and Penajam Paser Utara.

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Natural Charm and Water Tourism

Samarinda's main attraction lies in Mahakam River Cruises. Using traditional cruise ships, tourists can enjoy city views from the middle of the river, especially at sunset. For nature lovers, Air Terjun Pinang Seribu (Thousand Areca Nut Waterfall) offers tranquility with its unique tiered waterfall structure, while Desa Budaya Pampang (Pampang Cultural Village) presents a green landscape integrated with the life of the Dayak Kenyah tribe. For those seeking peace in city parks, Taman Samarendah serves as an iconic city lung with its artistic lamp tower.

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Cultural and Religious Heritage

Samarinda has a rich historical heritage. Masjid Raya Darussalam and Masjid Baitul Hikmah are symbols of magnificent architecture. However, the rarest is Kampung Tenun Samarinda (Samarinda Weaving Village). Here, visitors can witness firsthand the process of making Sarung Samarinda using traditional looms (ATBM). Additionally, Vihara Sejahtera Maitreya, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, demonstrates the harmony of diversity in this city.

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Culinary Adventures

An experience in Samarinda is incomplete without tasting Nasi Kuning Ikan Haruan (Yellow Rice with Snakehead Fish) on the legendary Jalan Lambung Mangkurat. The red-cooked haruan fish offers an authentic savory-spicy flavor. Don't miss Amplang, a crispy flat fish cracker, and Sate Payau (deer satay), which is now a rare but highly sought-after delicacy due to its distinctive meat texture.

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Outdoor Activities and Accommodation

For adrenaline seekers, Puncak Steling offers a light hiking trail with the reward of panoramic city views of Samarinda from above. For accommodation, the city has various options ranging from five-star hotels overlooking the river to community-based guesthouses. The inclusive hospitality of the local residents makes every traveler feel at home.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Samarinda is between March and September when rainfall is low. In January, tourists can also witness the city's anniversary celebration, enlivened by various cultural festivals and dragon boat races on the Mahakam River. Visit Samarinda to experience the unforgettable harmony between urban modernity and East Kalimantan's local wisdom.

Economy

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Economic Profile of Samarinda City: East Kalimantan's Trade Hub

Samarinda, as the capital of East Kalimantan Province, plays a vital role as an economic gravity center in the central part of the trans-Kalimantan corridor. With an area of 720.76 km² directly bordering Kutai Kartanegara Regency, this city has transformed from merely an administrative center into a rare logistics and service hub due to its strategic location on international transit routes.

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Main Sector Structure and Processing Industry

Samarinda's economy has historically been dominated by the processing industry, especially those based on natural resources. The timber and forest product processing industry remains a pillar, but it is now shifting towards downstream activities. The presence of large companies in the Palaran industrial area has driven the growth of the manufacturing sector. Furthermore, the wholesale and retail trade sector contributes significantly to GRDP, making Samarinda a primary distribution depot for consumer goods heading to the inland areas of East and North Kalimantan.

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Maritime Economy and Transportation

Although not directly facing the open ocean, Samarinda has a unique riverine coastal characteristic. Its coastline along the Mahakam River serves as the economic artery of the maritime sector. Samarinda Port and Palaran Container Port are key infrastructures connecting local commodities with global markets. The loading and unloading activities of coal and CPO along these waters create a maritime service ecosystem that absorbs thousands of workers, from ship piloting services to warehouse logistics.

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Traditional Crafts and Creative Sector

One of Samarinda's unique economic aspects is its ability to sustain culture-based industries. Sarung Samarinda (Tajong Samarinda) made with non-machine looms (ATBM) is a flagship product that has penetrated the national market. The craft centers in Samarinda Seberang are not only trade commodities but also attractions for creative economy tourism. Additionally, Dayak-style beadwork and wood carvings marketed in Citra Niaga strengthen the local MSME sector.

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Employment and Infrastructure Trends

In line with the plan to relocate the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), Samarinda is experiencing massive infrastructure development acceleration. The construction of Aji Pangeran Tumenggung Pranoto International Airport and the Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road has transformed the face of labor distribution. There is a shift in employment trends from the primary sector (mining) towards the tertiary sector, such as financial services, hospitality, and education.

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Tourism and Future Development

The economic tourism sector is directed towards developing river tourism and culinary experiences along the Mahakam Riverfront. The integration of modern transportation infrastructure and the preservation of local identity makes Samarinda a region with high economic resilience. With a focus on diversifying the non-mining economy, Samarinda is poised to position itself as a primary service city catering to regional logistics needs in the center of Indonesia.

Demographics

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Demographic Profile of Samarinda City: Epicenter of East Kalimantan's Heterogeneity

Samarinda, the capital of East Kalimantan Province, is a region of 720.76 km² that plays a vital role as a trade and service hub in the heart of Borneo Island. Located in the central part of the province and bisected by the Mahakam River, Samarinda has a unique demographic characteristic as a "rare" city that combines a large river ecosystem with the dynamics of the mainland coast.

Population Size, Density, and Distribution

Based on the latest data, Samarinda's population has exceeded 830,000 people, making it the most populous city in East Kalimantan. The population density reaches approximately 1,150 people/km², but its distribution is uneven. The highest concentration is in the Samarinda Ulu and Sungai Pinjan districts, while the peripheral areas directly bordering Kutai Kartanegara Regency still have ample open space. Population growth here is driven by the expansion of urban structures towards the north and east.

Ethnic Composition and Cultural Diversity

This city is a microcosm of Indonesia. Although it is the ancestral land of the Dayak and Banjar tribes, Samarinda's ethnic composition is highly heterogeneous due to historical migration waves. The Javanese are the majority group, followed by the Bugis who dominate the trade and maritime sectors along the Mahakam riverbanks. The presence of Chinese, Madurese, and Kutai ethnicities creates a plural cultural landscape, where religious moderation and cultural assimilation are hallmarks of the city's social stability.

Age Structure and Population Pyramid

Samarinda has a young population structure with an expansive pyramid. The proportion of the productive age population (15-64 years) exceeds 68%, indicating a significant demographic bonus. The dependency ratio is relatively low, with a large number of children and adolescents, demanding massive provision of employment and educational facilities in the future.

Education and Literacy

Samarinda's literacy rate is one of the highest in Kalimantan, reaching over 99%. As a regional educational center housing Universitas Mulawarman, the city attracts thousands of students from outside the region. This creates a highly educated demographic stratum that influences consumption patterns and modern urban lifestyles.

Urbanization and Migration Patterns

Samarinda's demographic dynamics are heavily influenced by in-migration. As a satellite city for the development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN), Samarinda is experiencing a surge of spontaneous migrants seeking opportunities in the service and construction sectors. Urbanization in Samarinda is not only internal rural-to-urban but also inter-provincial, strengthening its position as an economic meeting point in central Kalimantan.