Kalimantan
Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. It is located in Southeast Asia and shares borders with Malaysia and Brunei.
Kalimantan is also a popular destination for ecotourism, with many national parks and protected areas that offer opportunities for trekking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. Some of the popular attractions in Kalimantan include the Tanjung Puting National Park, which is known for its orangutan conservation program, and the Derawan Islands, which are known for their beautiful coral reefs and underwater life.
The economy of Kalimantan is largely based on agriculture, mining, and forestry. The island is rich in natural resources, such as coal, gold, and timber, which are exported to other countries. Kalimantan is divided into five provinces: West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and North Kalimantan. The island is known for its rich biodiversity, with vast tropical rainforests, rivers, and mountains that are home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including the iconic orangutans.
Kalimantan has a diverse population, with various ethnic groups, including the Dayak people who are the native inhabitants of the island. The Dayak people have their own unique culture and traditions, and visitors to Kalimantan can learn about their way of life by visiting traditional villages, attending cultural events, and trying local food.
Languages spoken | Bahasa Indonesia |
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Currency used | Rupiah |
Area (km2) | 544,150 |
Culture and history info
Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, boasts a rich cultural heritage and fascinating history. Here's an overview:
Culture:
Ethnic Diversity: Kalimantan is home to a diverse array of indigenous ethnic groups, each with its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. Some of the major ethnic groups include the Dayak (or Dyak), Banjar, Kutai, and Malay.
Dayak Culture: The Dayak people are the indigenous inhabitants of Kalimantan, known for their unique customs, spiritual beliefs, and traditional practices. Dayak communities often live in longhouses, which are communal dwellings that house multiple families.
Art and Handicrafts: Kalimantan is renowned for its exquisite art and handicrafts, including woodcarvings, textiles, pottery, and jewelry. Traditional motifs and designs often reflect themes from nature, mythology, and ancestral heritage.
Music and Dance: Music and dance play a significant role in Dayak culture, with performances often accompanied by traditional instruments such as the sape (a lute-like instrument) and gongs. Dance rituals are used to commemorate important events, celebrate harvests, and honor ancestral spirits.
Cuisine: Kalimantan's cuisine is influenced by the diverse cultures of its inhabitants. Staple foods include rice, fish, vegetables, and tropical fruits. Popular dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), soto Banjar (spicy chicken soup), and various seafood dishes.
History:
Early Settlements: The history of Kalimantan dates back thousands of years, with evidence of early human settlements found in cave paintings and archaeological sites throughout the region. These early inhabitants were likely ancestors of the present-day indigenous peoples.
Colonial Period: Kalimantan came under European colonial rule during the 17th century, with the Dutch and British establishing trading posts and exploiting the region's natural resources, particularly in the coastal areas. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) exerted significant influence over the region during this time.
Independence and Integration: Following Indonesia's independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945, Kalimantan became part of the newly-formed Republic of Indonesia. The integration process was not without challenges, including resistance from certain indigenous groups and tensions over land rights.
Economic Development: In recent decades, Kalimantan has experienced rapid economic development, driven primarily by the extraction of natural resources such as timber, coal, and oil. However, this has also led to environmental degradation, deforestation, and conflicts over land use between indigenous communities and commercial interests.
Cultural Preservation: Efforts are underway to preserve and promote Kalimantan's rich cultural heritage, including the revitalization of traditional arts, language preservation initiatives, and ecotourism projects that provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities while conserving the region's natural resources.
Overall, Kalimantan's culture and history are characterized by its ethnic diversity, rich traditions, and ongoing efforts to balance economic development with cultural preservation and environmental conservation.
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