Province

Central Kalimantan

Central Kalimantan

Central Kalimantan, situated in the heart of Borneo island, is a province with Palangkaraya as its capital city. With a population of 2.75 million people in 2023, it stands as the least populous province on the island. The majority of this population identifies as Muslims. 

Central Kalimantan is notably home to the Dayak people, who possess a culture of unique traditions and customs with its subgroups of Ngaju, Ot Danum, and the Ma’anyan. Several ethnic groups from outside the island also live in the province, such as the Malay, Madurese, Sundanese, Balinese, Bugis, Batak, and Flores people. Additionally, Central Kalimantan’s culture is defined by its cuisine, which gained the recognition of the Tourism Ministry in 2023. The province’s notable dishes include fried lais fish, roasted catfish (patin), juhu rotan baung, kandas sarai, and jelawat soup.

North Kalimantan’s culture is also shaped by its history as a trading center, which has led to influences from Malay, Chinese, and Arab cultures. Subsequently, the province has drawn a considerable number of tourists, totaling 1.8 million in 2023, surpassing the initial target of 800,000.

Furthermore, the province boasts an abundance of natural wonders, including rainforests, rivers, and exotic wildlife. The world’s largest tropical rainforest lies in North Kalimantan, harboring an array of plant and animal species endemic to Borneo. Additionally, rivers such as the Kahayan and Kapuas rivers have functioned as lifelines for the local communities, providing transportation, irrigation, and sustaining livelihoods.

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Economic development

Central Kalimantan is driven by various sectors that have contributed to its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). In 2023, the province’s GRDP was primarily driven by the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector, with a contribution of Rp 23 trillion. This sector also experienced a growth rate of 4.41 percent in 2023 from 3.63 percent in 2022.

Following closely behind is the processing industry sector with a GRDP of Rp 17.9 trillion in 2023, and the mining sector with Rp 15.7 trillion. While the processing industry sector experienced a growth in its GRDP from Rp 16.9 trillion in 2022, the mining sector recorded a higher GRDP in 2022 with Rp 16.6 trillion.

Furthermore, recent investment trends in Central Kalimantan have shown positive growth, with investment realization in the province increasing by 32.44 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. Initially, the Investment Ministry set a target of Rp 16.09 trillion for investments in the province, which was exceeded by Rp 19.10 trillion (118.74 percent) by the year’s end.

Foreign investment dominated the investment landscape in Central Kalimantan, amounting to Rp 10.32 trillion, while Rp 8.78 trillion originated from domestic investment sources. The agriculture and farming sector was recorded as the sector absorbing the highest investment, followed by the mining sector. Additionally, the growth in the food processing industry sector indicates that this sector could potentially become a leading sector for investment in the province.

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Latest News

October 9, 2025

Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran met with the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergey Gennadievich Tolchenov and his entourage, which include Attaché of the Embassy of the Russian Federation to Indonesia Alexey Mirskiy, UC Rusal Official Representative in Indonesia Anton Tikhomirov, Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Official Representative in Indonesia Anna Belokoneva, Trade Mission of the Russian Federation in Indonesia Consultant Ivan Simakov.

The Russian delegation's visit to Central Kalimantan was for investment, bringing businesspeople from the country to invest in the energy and aluminium sectors.

"We welcome Russia's intention to invest in Central Kalimantan," said Governor Agustiar amid the meeting at the Central Kalimantan Governor's Office in Palangka Raya City, Central Kalimantan on Oct. 7, 2025.

The Governor also highlighted the abundant natural resources in Central Kalimantan, such as coal, silica, bauxite, iron ore, and gold.

Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Tolchenov expressed his gratitude at being received and hosted by the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government. He added that Russian investors are ready to explore investment opportunities in Central Kalimantan, such as the construction of a nuclear power plant and a bauxite smelter for aluminium production.

"If we invest here, we can help the governor realize his vision and mission to develop Central Kalimantan," he concluded.

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