Definition
Banjar Regency (Indonesian: Kabupaten Banjar) is a second‑level administrative division of Indonesia, classified as a regency (kabupaten) within the province of South Kalimantan (Kalimantan Selatan).
Overview
- Location: Situated on the island of Borneo in the southeastern part of South Kalimantan, Banjar Regency borders the independent city of Banjarbaru to the north, Barito Kuala Regency to the east, and Kotabaru Regency to the south and west.
- Area: Approximately 4,668 km² (1,803 sq mi).
- Population: According to the 2020 Census, the regency had a recorded population of 595,627 inhabitants; later official estimates (2023) suggest a population near 620,000, though exact figures may vary.
- Administrative centre: The town of Martapura serves as the regency’s capital and is a notable centre for the regional diamond trade.
- Governance: The regency is headed by a regent (bupati), elected for a five‑year term, and is subdivided into 23 districts (kecamatan), which together comprise numerous villages (desa and kelurahan).
- History: The territory was historically part of the Sultanate of Banjar, a Malay‑based polity that existed from the early 16th century until its incorporation into the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century and later into the Republic of Indonesia in 1945.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Banjar” originates from the Banjar ethnic group, the dominant Malay‑derived population of the region. The term also reflects the historic Banjar Sultanate, which gave its name to the larger cultural‑geographical area of Banjar in South Kalimantan.
Characteristics
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Geography and Climate: The regency lies within a low‑land tropical rainforest zone, featuring a network of rivers such as the Barito and Martapura Rivers. The climate is equatorial, with high humidity, average temperatures ranging from 24 °C to 32 °C, and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
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Economy:
- Agriculture: Rice, rubber, palm oil, and fruit (especially oranges and bananas) constitute the primary agricultural outputs.
- Mining: The regency holds substantial bauxite deposits; mining activities are concentrated in districts such as Aluh Aluh and Alalak.
- Manufacturing and Trade: Small‑scale processing of agricultural products, stone carving, and the diamond trade centred in Martapura contribute to the local economy.
- Tourism: Cultural tourism related to traditional Banjar architecture, the annual “Maretan” festival, and natural attractions like the Martapura River waterfront attract visitors.
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Demographics and Culture:
- The population is predominantly Banjar (over 90 %), with minorities of Javanese, Dayak, and Chinese descent.
- The Banjar language, a Malay dialect, is widely spoken alongside Indonesian, the national language.
- Islamic traditions dominate religious practice; the majority of residents adhere to Sunni Islam, influencing local customs, dress, and culinary habits.
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Infrastructure: The regency is served by a network of provincial roads linking it to Banjarbaru and Banjarmasin (the provincial capital). Public services include hospitals, secondary schools, and a vocational training institute focused on agricultural and mining technologies.
Related Topics
- South Kalimantan Province
- Banjar people and Banjar language
- Sultanate of Banjar (historical polity)
- Martapura (regency capital)
- Banjarbaru (independent city adjacent to the regency)
- Indonesian administrative divisions (province, regency, district)
- Bauxite mining in Indonesia
All information presented reflects the most recent verified data from Indonesian statistical agencies and scholarly sources.