Province

South Kalimantan

South Kalimantan, thousands of rivers province

Located on Borneo island, South Kalimantan is home to a population of 4.23 million people as of 2023. The province serves as a melting pot, housing various ethnic groups, including the Dayak and Banjar people. The Banjar people comprise the largest ethnic group in South Kalimantan. Additionally, the province is characterized by diverse religious beliefs, with Islam being the predominant faith adhered to by the population.

Culturally, the province’s richness and diversity are influenced by Arab, Chinese, and Malay cultures, which have been integrated into South Kalimantan through the province’s history as a trading hub of Indonesia. Regarding trade, the province’s Martapura River, known as the River of Diamonds, has been a center of commerce for centuries, featuring bustling floating markets.

Among South Kalimantan’s notable cultural landmarks are the Sultan Suriansyah Mosque and the Kambang Palace in Banjarmasin, which offer glimpses into the region’s past. Additionally, traditional villages such as the Nagara and Sungai Tabuk village allow visitors to witness age-old customs and craftsmanship firsthand.

Besides its cultural richness, South Kalimantan is blessed with natural beauty that includes extensive river systems such as the Barito and Martapura Rivers, as well as mountains and forests. Notably, the province is home to the Tanjung Puting National Park, home to endangered species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.

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Economic sector

As of 2023, South Kalimantan’s economy is mainly contributed by the mining sector, which recorded a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of Rp 36 trillion or 24.4 percent of the total GRDP. Following closely behind is the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sector with Rp 19 trillion or 13.07 percent, and the processing industry with Rp 18 trillion or 12.32 percent.

The province has also seen a positive trend in terms of investment, generating Rp 19 trillion throughout 2023, which surpasses the initial target of Rp 16.2 trillion. Of this investment, Rp 14.9 trillion came from domestic sources in the form of 6,697 projects, while Rp 4.8 trillion originated from foreign sources in the form of 836 projects.

Despite positive progress in its investment, South Kalimantan has experienced fluctuations in economic growth in the past few years, with growth rates of 3.48 percent in 2021, rising to 5.11 percent in 2022, and then slightly decreasing to 4.84 percent in 2023. Nevertheless, opportunities for South Kalimantan to bolster its economic growth are available, notably through the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in the neighboring province of East Kalimantan.

Moreover, other economic opportunities are presented in several national strategic projects (PSN) that are being built in the province, such as the Tapin Dam and the Balikpapan-Samarinda toll road. Additionally, the province is set to develop industrial areas in Batulicin, Jorong, Banjarmasin, and Tapin, as well as the Mekar Putih special economic zone (SEZ) in Kotabaru.

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Latest News

November 6, 2024

Acting Tapin Regent Muhammad Syarifuddin officially closed Ruai Rindu Meratus (RRM) 2024 in Piani District, Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan Province on Oct. 27, 2024. The closing was marked by regional cultural performances and the planting of tree seedlings for greening the area.

Various interesting activities were presented in the evening, such as the rithus bumi dance performance, pandaz music, abigel project, and the nyalong x st mancabung ripples. The event was also enlivened by the distribution of prizes for the basusumpitan competition for the men and women categories and for the manumbuk galapung competition.

"RRM has succeeded in combining the natural beauty of the Meratus Mountains with the rich culture of the Dayak people, creating an unforgettable experience for the participants," Syarifuddin said.

From Oct. 25 to 27, 2024, participants enjoyed various activities that encompass traditional ceremonies, traditional dance performances, and stunning music. In addition, they were also invited to explore the history and natural beauty of the surrounding area, including traversing the historic Tapin River estuary.

Participants, both locals and people outside the region, felt the warmth and friendliness of the local community. Participants could also enjoy the cultural wealth of the Meratus Mountains.

The event is not only a recreational occasion, it also strengthens the sense of love and pride for Indonesia's cultural and natural heritage. With the end of RRM 2024, it is hoped that the spirit to maintain and preserve said natural and cultural wealth will continue.

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