Who Are the Banjar People?

The Banjar are the dominant ethnic group of South Kalimantan, and Banjarmasin is the cultural and commercial heart of their world. With a history shaped by the powerful Banjar Sultanate — which reached its peak between the 15th and 19th centuries — the Banjar people carry a rich legacy of Islamic tradition, river-based trade culture, and deep artistic heritage.

Today, Banjar identity is inseparable from three pillars: Islam, the river, and craftsmanship. Understanding these helps explain almost everything you'll encounter in and around Banjarmasin.

Islam as a Cultural Foundation

South Kalimantan is sometimes called the "Serambi Makkah" (Verandah of Mecca) of Kalimantan, reflecting the deeply Islamic character of Banjar society. The region has historically been an important center of Islamic scholarship in Southeast Asia. This influence is visible in:

  • The abundance of mosques and langgar (small prayer houses) throughout the city
  • The Masjid Sultan Suriansyah, the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan, built in the 16th century
  • Daily life rhythms structured around prayer times
  • Traditional ceremonies and rites of passage rooted in Islamic practice

The River as a Way of Life

Banjarmasin's nickname — Kota Seribu Sungai, "City of a Thousand Rivers" — is not just poetic. The city is built on a delta of rivers and channels, and historically, life happened on and beside the water. Klotok (motorized wooden boats) remain a primary form of transport, and entire communities still live in rumah lanting (floating houses) or stilt houses along the riverbanks.

The river shapes Banjar architecture, food traditions (fresh river fish is central to the diet), trade, and social gathering. The floating markets are perhaps the most visible expression of this water-based culture.

Traditional Crafts and Arts

Sasirangan Fabric

Sasirangan is the traditional tie-dye fabric of the Banjar people and one of South Kalimantan's most recognized cultural products. Originally made for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, Sasirangan is produced using a resist-dyeing technique where patterns are stitched into the cloth before dyeing. The resulting geometric and flowing designs are striking and unique to this region. It has received recognition as an Indonesian intangible cultural heritage.

Traditional Architecture

The traditional Banjar house (Rumah Banjar) is characterized by its raised structure on stilts, steep sloping roof, and distinctive front porch. Several types exist — including the Bubungan Tinggi (high ridge) style — each reflecting the social status and function of the household. Examples can still be seen along riverbanks and in heritage areas of the city.

Music and Performing Arts

Madihin — a form of rhyming oral poetry accompanied by a frame drum (tarbang) — is a beloved Banjar tradition used historically to convey news, advice, and humor. It remains performed at community events and celebrations today.

Key Historical Landmarks in Banjarmasin

  • Masjid Sultan Suriansyah — the oldest mosque in South Kalimantan, near Kuin
  • Museum Lambung Mangkurat (in Banjarbaru) — the main provincial museum housing Banjar cultural artifacts
  • Makam Sultan Suriansyah — the tomb of the first Muslim king of Banjar, a pilgrimage site
  • Pulau Kembang — a small river island near Banjarmasin with a macaque sanctuary and a Chinese temple

Preserving What Makes Banjarmasin Unique

Rapid urbanization and modernization pose real challenges to traditional Banjar culture. Younger generations are increasingly urban, and the number of skilled Sasirangan weavers and Madihin performers has declined. Local government, cultural organizations, and community groups are actively working to document, teach, and celebrate these traditions — ensuring the City of a Thousand Rivers retains the identity that makes it extraordinary.