Thursday, March 19, 2026

Kalimantan Barat

Kalimantan Barat (West Kalimantan) is a province in Indonesia, located in the west of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan). 

Capital: Pontianak (located exactly on the equator). 
Ethnic groups: Primarily Dayak (indigenous), Malay (Melayu), Chinese (Tionghoa), plus migrants such as Javanese, Bugis, and Madurese. 
Religion: Mostly Islam (~60%), followed by Christians (mainly Dayak, ~33%), Buddhism, and Confucianism (mainly Chinese). 
Characteristics: Known as the "province of a thousand rivers" (including the long Kapuas River). 
Much tropical rainforest, coastal wetlands, and mountains in the interior. 
Borders Sarawak (Malaysia) to the north. 
Economy: Primarily agriculture (palm oil, rubber, rice), forestry, and fisheries. 

A green, river-rich province with a mix of indigenous Dayak culture, Malay traditions, and Chinese influences.








Kalimantan Selatan

Kalimantan Selatan (Kalsel) is a province in Indonesia, located in the southeast of Borneo (Kalimantan).
It is the smallest province on the island in terms of area, but the second largest in terms of population.

Capital: Officially Banjarbaru since 2022 (formerly Banjarmasin was the capital and remains the cultural and economic center). 
Main ethnic group: The Banjar (Islamic, with their own language and culture), along with Dayak groups and others. 
Nickname: "Provinsi Seribu Sungai" (Province of a Thousand Rivers) and "Land of Lambung Mangkurat". 
Known for: Floating markets (such as Lok Baintan and the famous Pasar Terapung in Banjarmasin). Diamond mines (Martapura = "city of diamonds"). 
Rich Banjar culture with traditional houses, boats, and food. 
Nature: Mountains Meratus, rainforests, mangroves, and the island of Pulau Laut. 
Economy: Mining (coal, diamonds, iron, gold), agriculture (rice, rubber), trade via rivers and ports. 

Kalsel is unique due to its river culture: much transport and many markets take place by boat, and it feels very different from the rest of Borneo. 
Ideal for anyone interested in authentic Indonesian river and floating market culture!








Kalimantan Tengah

Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan, abbreviated Kalteng) is a province in Indonesia, located in the central part of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan). 

Capital: Palangka Raya. 
Population: Primarily Dayak peoples (especially Ngaju, Ot Danum, Ma'anyan), with their rich culture, traditional longhouses, and (partially still) animistic beliefs. 
Landscape: Predominantly dense tropical rainforest, swamps, rivers (including Kapuas, Barito, Kahayan), and mountains in the northwest (Schwaner and Müller Mountains). 
Economy: Mainly forestry (timber), mining, palm oil, rubber, and agriculture (rice, cassava). 
Tourism is also growing. 
Known for: Tanjung Puting National Park (famous for wild orangutans, klotok boat tours). 
Very sparsely populated and still relatively pristine rainforest. 
Dayak culture and traditions. 

In short: the province with the most pristine jungle in Indonesia, a strong Dayak identity, and one of the best places to see orangutans in the wild.








Kalimantan Timur

Kalimantan Timur (East Kalimantan) is a province in Indonesia, located in the eastern part of the island of Borneo (Kalimantan). 

Capital: Samarinda (the largest city on all of Borneo). 
Key features: Rich in rainforests, rivers (especially the Mahakam River), and biodiversity. 
The economy relies mainly on mining (coal, gold, oil/gas), logging, oil refining (near Balikpapan), and agriculture. 
Known for indigenous peoples such as the Dayak (Kenyah, Kayan, etc.) in the interior and coastal peoples such as the Kutai, Bugis, and Banjar. 
Tourist highlights: Derawan Archipelago (beautiful diving locations with coral, turtles, jellies, and sharks), Kutai National Park, orangutan rehabilitation centers (such as Samboja Lestari). 
Interesting fact: The new capital of Indonesia, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), is being built here to replace Jakarta – a massive sustainable development project. 

In short: a province with immense natural wealth, heavy extractive industry, traditional cultures, and spectacular nature (rainforest + sea), but also challenges such as deforestation and environmental impact from mining.








Kepulauan Bangka Belitung

Kepulauan Bangka Belitung (short: Babel) is a province in Indonesia, located east of Sumatra, bordering South Sumatra. 

It consists of two main islands: Pulau Bangka and Pulau Belitung, plus hundreds of smaller islands (approximately 470 in total, of which 50 are inhabited). 
Capital: Pangkalpinang (on Bangka). 
Known as a historical tin producer (timah), still important. 
Tourism: beautiful white beaches, unique large granite boulders (especially on Belitung, including Tanjung Tinggi – known from the film Laskar Pelangi), clear water, good diving and snorkeling spots. 
Ethnic: mainly Malays, a Chinese community, and migrants from other islands. 
Most inhabitants are Muslim. 
Provincial status since 2000 (formerly part of Sumatra Selatan). 

In short: a quiet, beautiful island province with beaches reminiscent of a tropical paradise, but not (yet) overrun by mass tourism.








Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Kepulauan Riau

Kepulauan Riau (or simply Kepri) is a province in Indonesia, consisting of thousands of islands in the South China Sea, south of Singapore and east of Sumatra. 

Key facts: Established: 2002 (separated from the province of Riau; government installed in 2004). 
Capital: Tanjung Pinang (on Bintan). 
Largest city: Batam (economic center, much industry, and near Singapore). 
Main islands: Batam, Bintan, Karimun, Lingga, Anambas, and Natuna. 
Number of islands: Approx. 2,400 (of which approx. 1,800 are named); 96% of the area is water, only 4% land. 
The population consists mainly of Malays, with influences from Javanese, Chinese, and others. Characteristics: The province is strategically located on important shipping routes (Strait of Malacca). 
It is one of the most prosperous provinces of Indonesia thanks to industry, tourism, fishing, and trade. Known for beautiful beaches, coral reefs, maritime tourism, and rich Malay culture and history (including the former center of the Johor-Riau Sultanate). 

In short: a tropical island paradise with a mix of nature, culture, and a modern economy close to Singapore. Ideal for beach holidays, water sports, and relaxation.








Lampung

Lampung is a province in Indonesia, located at the southern tip of the island of Sumatra. 

Geography: The province borders South Sumatra and Bengkulu to the north, the Sunda Strait to the south, the Java Sea to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the west. 
The area also includes several islands in the Sunda Strait, such as Krakatau (known for the volcanic eruption in 1883). 
The landscape varies from volcanic mountains (part of the Barisan Mountains) and highlands to lowlands, swamps, and coastal areas. 
The climate is tropical with a dry and a wet season. 

Capital and population: The capital is Bandar Lampung (formerly Tanjungkarang-Telukbetung), an important port city and transportation hub. 
The province has two cities (Bandar Lampung and Metro) and 13 regencies. 
The population is a mix of indigenous Lampungers (with subgroups such as Pepadun and Saibatin), but primarily many descendants of migrants from Java, Bali, and other islands via the transmigration program. 
Javanese form the largest group. 
History: Lampung has a long history: it was part of ancient kingdoms such as Kantoli (6th century), Majapahit (14th century), and later the Sultanate of Banten. 
The Dutch colonized the area in the 19th century. 
The province was officially established on March 18, 1964. 
It is a strategic “gateway” between Java and Sumatra, with important ferries via Bakauheni. 

Economy: The economy is strongly agricultural: coffee, rubber, palm oil, cassava, rice, pepper, fruit (such as durian), and other crops. 
Fisheries (including deep-sea fishing) are also important. 
There are industries such as food processing, textiles (tapis weaving is characteristic), woodcarving, and handicrafts. 
Bandar Lampung serves as an important trading center with ports and an airport (Radin Inten II). Culture and tourism: Indigenous Lampung culture features values ​​such as Piil Pesenggiri (honor, courage, togetherness) and traditional tapis textiles. 
The population is predominantly Muslim. 
Tourist highlights include beaches, Way Kambas National Park (home to Sumatran elephants and tigers), volcanoes, and cultural remains. 
Famous dishes include local variations with fish, sambal, and spices. 

In short: Lampung is a fertile, strategically located province with a rich mix of cultures, strong agriculture, and an important role as a link to Java. 
It is relatively densely populated and economically oriented towards exports and transit traffic.