--- title: "Berau" type: "AdministrativeArea" lang: "en" canonical: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/berau" html_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/berau" province: "Kalimantan" province_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/provinsi/kalimantan" area_km2: 21214.42 is_coastal: true neighbor_count: 4 rarity: "Epic" aliases: ["Kab. Berau", "Kabupaten Berau", "Daerah Istimewa Berau"] wikidata: "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14395" published: "2026-01-22T03:49:36.485967+00:00" publisher: "GeoKepo" license: "Editorial content © GeoKepo. Cite the canonical URL." --- # Berau ## History ### History of Berau Regency: Traces of Sultanates on the Northern Coast of Kalimantan **Origins and Era of Sultanate Glory** The history of Berau in East Kalimantan began with the existence of the Berau Kingdom, founded around the 14th century. According to historical records, the first ruler who unified this region was King Raden Surya Nata Kesuma, who reigned from approximately 1377 to 1426. The center of his government at that time was in Sungai Lati. Berau possessed unique geopolitics due to its strategic location on the northern coast, making it an important trading port for bird's nest commodities, forest products, and gold. In the 18th century, a significant political fragmentation occurred. Due to internal conflicts and the influence of colonial politics, this large kingdom was divided into two sultanates in 1810: the Sultanate of Gunung Tabur and the Sultanate of Sambaliung. Sultan Muhammad Zainal Abidin ruled Sambaliung, while Sultan Muhammad Khalifatullah Kaharuddin led Gunung Tabur. This division left an architectural legacy that still stands today, namely the Sambaliung Palace and the Gunung Tabur Palace, separated by the Segah and Kelay Rivers. **Colonial Era and People's Resistance** The presence of the Dutch in Berau began to strengthen after the signing of a political contract in 1834. The Dutch were highly interested in Berau's natural resources, especially the coal potential in the Teluk Bayur region, which began to be massively exploited by the company *Steenkolen Maatschappij Parapattan* (SMP) in 1913. The presence of this mining industry changed Berau's demographics with the influx of labor from Java and Sulawesi. During the Japanese occupation (1942-1945), Berau experienced a dark period. However, the spirit of nationalism continued to burn. Local figures like Sultan Muhammad Aminuddin of Sambaliung were known for their firm stance against the colonizers. Berau's connection to national history became closer as local figures began to align their movements with the independence struggle in Java. **Independence Era and National Integration** Following the Proclamation of 1945, there were political dynamics in Berau regarding its territorial status. Through diplomatic and military struggles, both sultanates eventually declared their union with the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Based on Emergency Law No. 3 of 1953, the special region status was abolished, and Berau officially became Berau Regency under the Province of East Kalimantan. This transition period was led by the first regent, Jayadi, who laid the foundation for modern administration. **Cultural Heritage and Modern Development** Berau possesses exotic cultural wealth, such as the traditional ceremony of *Be’mbe* and the ritual of *Buang Nahas*. The coastal communities of Berau are also known for their traditional martial arts and the *Dalling* dance, which reflects the cultural assimilation of the Dayak, Banjar, and Bajau tribes. Besides the palace sites, the existence of royal burial complexes in Gunung Tabur serves as a silent monument to past glories. Today, with an area of 21,214.42 km², Berau has transformed from a mining center into a world-class marine tourism destination. Its long history as a coastal region open to the outside world has made the people of Berau inclusive, yet they remain steadfast in holding onto the traditional roots of the Batiwakkal Sultanate in building the future of northern Kalimantan. ## Contextual Analysis: Berau, A Contrasting Northern Gateway Berau is an interesting case study in the geography of East Kalimantan. With an area of 21,214.42 km², this regency covers about 16% of the province's total area, yet exhibits unique population density dynamics. Unlike densely populated urban centers like Balikpapan or Samarinda, Berau has a density far below the provincial average. This creates a comparative landscape where green open spaces and coastal ecosystems still dominate, providing 'breathing room' for an increasingly industrialized Kalimantan. Economically, Berau is no longer solely reliant on conventional natural resource extraction like coal, although that sector remains the regional backbone. A unique insight emerges when we observe the slow shift towards a service-based economy and marine tourism. Berau has successfully positioned itself as a logistics hub in North East Kalimantan, leveraging its strategic geographical location facing the Makassar Strait and the Sulawesi Sea, making it a crucial point in cross-border trade routes towards the Philippines and East Malaysia. In terms of tourism, Berau is in a paradoxical position: it is both a prime destination and a hidden gem. The Derawan Islands have long been the face of world-class tourism for Indonesia, yet its mainland remains 'terra incognita' for many travelers. While Maratua and Kakaban are widely known by international divers, the karst and inland forest potential of Berau remains largely untouched. Berau is not just a gateway to the coast, but a microcosm of Kalimantan where marine ecosystems meet well-preserved tropical rainforests, making it a region of unparalleled ecological strategic value in the island's eastern corridor. ## Curator's Perspective: The Wonder of Kakaban Lake While researching Berau, one fact that stands out is the existence of Kakaban Lake, a geological and biological anomaly rarely found anywhere else on Earth. Kakaban is not just any lake; it is an ancient jellyfish lake that has been isolated from the sea for thousands of years due to the tectonic uplift of coral. What is scientifically astonishing is the evolutionary process that has occurred within this closed ecosystem. Due to the absence of natural predators within the lake, the jellyfish here—specifically the species *Mastigias papua*—have lost their stinging ability. Curatorialy, this is tangible proof of how geographical isolation can drastically alter biological behavior. This phenomenon can only be compared to the Jellyfish Lake in Palau, yet Kakaban possesses a far more complex biodiversity as it also includes unique species of anemones and sponges. For me, Berau is not just about visual beauty, but about a 'living laboratory' that demonstrates how dynamic the Earth's changes are. Knowing that we can swim among thousands of jellyfish without fear is a reminder that nature has magical ways of adapting when space and time separate them from their original habitat. This is where geography transforms into a true narrative of evolution. ## GeoKepo Knowledge Hub Explore the rich geography of Kalimantan and premier destinations in Berau through our curated content below: ### Kalimantan Region Exploration 1. **Kutai Timur**: Berau's neighbor, home to the magnificent Sangkulirang-Mangkalihat Karst, a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. **Mahakam Ulu**: The heart of Kalimantan, offering legendary river adventures and highly authentic Dayak culture. 3. **Tarakan**: An island city in the north with significant military historical value and a unique mangrove ecosystem within the city. ### Popular POI (Point of Interest) Categories in Berau 1. **Marine Tourism & Islands**: Focus on the Derawan Islands archipelago, including Maratua Island (diving paradise), Sangalaki Island (turtle conservation), and Kakaban Island. 2. **Karst Ecosystems & Inland Lakes**: Exploring the uniqueness of Labuan Cermin Lake in Biduk-Biduk, which has two water tastes (salty and fresh), and the karst caves scattered across Berau's southern coastal region.