Central Kalimantan
Central Kalimantan ( Indonesian : Kalimantan Tengah often abbreviated to Kalteng) is a province of Indonesia, one of four in Kalimantan- the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. Its provincial capital is PalangkarayaCentral Kalimantan is divided into 13 districts or regencies, which are headed a regent. (Capitals listed in brackets)
South Barito (Buntok)
East Barito (Tamiang Layang)
North Barito (Muara Teweh)
Gunung Mas (Kuala Kurun)
Kapuas (Kuala Kapuas)
Katingan (Kasongan)
West Kotawaringin (Pangkalan Bun)
East Kotawaringin (Sampit)
Lamandau (Nanga Bulik)
Murung Raya (Puruk Cahu)
Pulang Pisau (Pulang Pisau)
Sukamara (Sukamara)
Seruyan (Kuala Pembuang)
Central Kalimantan is the 3rd largest Indonesian province by area with a size of 153,800 km2, about 1.5 times the size of the island of Java. It is bordered by West and East Kalimantan provinces to the north, by the Java Sea to the south, by South and East Kalimantan provinces to the east, and by West Kalimantan province to west. The province has a population of 1.9 million (As of 2007 census). The population grew 2.7% annually between 1990 and 2000, one of the highest provincial growth rates in Indonesia during that time. Cover area 153,564 km2 (59,291 sq mi) with density 12.5 /km2 (32 /sq mi).
Central Kalimantan has numerous rivers from the catchment areas to the north in the Schwaner Mountains, flowing to the Java sea. The major rivers include:
Barito River (900 km)
Kapuas River (600 km)
Kahayan River (600 km)
Katingan River (600 km)
Mentaya River (400 km)
Seruyan River (350 km)
Lamandau River (300 km)
Arut River (250 km)
Sebangau River (200 km)
Kumai River (179 km)
Jelai River (100 km)
Far more than other province in the region, Central Kalimantan is dominated by the Dayaks, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo, ethnic Banjarese (24%), Javanese (18%), Ngaju (18%), Dayak Sampit (10%), Bakumpai (8%). In particular the tribes living in these areas are an anthropologists delight as well as being of intense interest to the traveller. The tree Dayak sub-tribes inhabit the province and are the Ngaju, Ot Danum, and Ma’anyan Ot Siang. The Ngaju are nomadic. They adhere to the old Kaharingan religion. This is a form of ancestor worship mixed with elements of animism.
With approximately 6,000 people, the Ot Danum is the largest among the tree sub-tribes. The Ot Danum live in longhouses which sometimes have as many as 50 rooms. The women are known for their skill in plaiting rattan, palm leaves, and bamboo. Like other Dayaks, the men are good hunters, using simple tools. The art of Central Kalimantan clearly bears the marks of Kabaringan religion, which is the traditional belief of the Dayaks in the hinterland of Central Kalimantan. Building styles, statues and carvings have been influenced by the Chinese, and Hindu-Javanese. Aside from their aesthetic properties, many objects are appreciated for their magic value.
Their language are Indonesian (official), Malay, Bugis, Dayak, Chinese dialects of Hakka and Teochew.
The Schwaner Mountains stretch from the north-east of the province to the south-west, 80% of which is covered in dense forest, peatland swamps, mangroves, rivers, and traditional agriculture land. Highland areas in the north-east are remote and not easily accessible. Non-volcanic mounts are scattered in this area including Kengkabang, Samiajang, Liang Pahang and Ulu Gedang.
The centre of the province is covered with tropical forest, which produces rattan, resin and valuable timber such as Ulin and Meranti. The southern lowlands are dominated by peatland swamps that intersect with many rivers. Sebangau is a protected peatland area internationally acknowledged as sanctuary for the endangered Orangutan. Recently the peat swamp forests have been damaged by the Mega Rice project, which unsuccessfully sought to turn large areas into rice paddies.
The province's climate is wet weather equatorial zone with an eight-month rainy season, and 4 months of dry season. Rainfall or precipitation is 2,776 - 3,393 mm per year with an average of 145 rainy days annually.
Places of Interest
Palangkaraya:
In the local Dayak language, Palangkaraya means “Holy Container”. Palangkaraya can easily be reached from Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Balikpapan and other points on the island by air. The town has become the centre of government, trade and education of the province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan.
Kuala Kapuas:
It is located at Kapuas River, 40 km from Banjarmasin. A well-known tourist attraction is Telo Island, a pleasant fishing village and port. For the adventurer, white-water rafter and nature lovers, there is Gohong Rawai, known for its beautiful and challenging rapids. The gold mines of Teweh and Batu Api, Rungan district, are also interesting sites to be visited. In this region, gold mining is a major source of livelihood for the people, who pan for the valuable metal using the old traditional method.
Tanjung Puting National Park:
The Tanjung Puting National Park is a well-known nature and wildlife reserve in lowland and swamp forests, inhabited by orangutans, owa-owa, bekantan and other primates. One can visit the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Sampit:
Sampit is the biggest timber port in Kalimantan. The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is home to a number of rare and beatiful orchid varieties. Hunters can engage in their favourite pastime of hunting park of West Kotawaringin.
Pangkalanbun
Make sure to visit the old Palace of Pangkalanbun, constructed completely out of ulin (iron wood). It is the only Banjar royal legacy found in Central Kalimantan.
