Banjarmasin history

The history of Banjarmasin is closely interwoven with its strategic location in the river delta and the rich natural resources that have made it a significant trading hub for many centuries. Often referred to as the "River Capital", the city was shaped by the influence of trade, politics, and a unique culture based on life by the water.

The foundation and establishment of the city began with a key event that took place on 24 September 1526. This date marks the victory of Prince Samudera, the heir to the Hindu kingdom of Negara Daha, in a struggle for power. Following his victory, achieved with the support of the neighbouring Sultanate of Demak, the prince embraced Islam, took the name Sultan Suriansyah, and founded the Sultanate of Banjar. The new city, which emerged at the confluence of the Kuin and Barito rivers, became its capital.

Key development factors defined the growth and prosperity of Banjarmasin. Firstly, its geographical position in the delta of the Barito and Martapura rivers made the city a natural port and a gateway for trade between the interior of Kalimantan and the rest of the world. Secondly, starting from the 17th century, the region became one of the largest suppliers of pepper in Southeast Asia, attracting merchants from China and European powers. Thirdly, its status as the capital of the powerful Sultanate of Banjar for centuries ensured the city's political influence and fostered economic growth.

The city's cultural and economic features are inextricably linked to its history. The early economy of Banjarmasin was entirely focused on river trade. In addition to pepper, gold, diamonds, rattan, and other jungle produce were exported from here. This characteristic shaped a unique "river" culture, a vibrant legacy of which are the famous floating markets (Pasar Terapung), which still exist today. The city became a melting pot where the traditions of the indigenous Dayak and Banjar peoples mixed with Javanese, Malay, Chinese, and European cultural influences.

Key Dates in the History of Banjarmasin

• 14th Century — The territory of the future city is part of the Hindu states of Negara Dipa and Negara Daha, which were vassals of the Majapahit Empire.
• 24 September 1526 — Considered the founding date of the city; Prince Samudera establishes the Sultanate of Banjar, embraces Islam, and becomes Sultan Suriansyah.
• 1606 — The Dutch East India Company opens a trading post in the city, marking the beginning of European influence in the region.
• 1703 — The British East India Company establishes a factory, which was destroyed by locals four years later.
• 1787 — The Sultanate of Banjar signs a treaty with the Dutch, effectively becoming a protectorate of the Netherlands.
• 1859 — The Banjarmasin War begins, a major uprising against Dutch colonial rule.
• 1860 — The Dutch colonial administration officially abolishes the Sultanate of Banjar.
• 1905 — The last claimant to the Sultanate's throne passes away, marking the definitive end of the era of Sultan rule.
• 10 February 1942 — During World War II, the city is occupied by Japanese troops.
• 17 August 1945 — Proclamation of Indonesian Independence, marking the beginning of the city's integration into the new state.
• 14 August 1950 — Banjarmasin becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed province of South Kalimantan.
• 15 February 2022 — The capital of South Kalimantan province is officially moved from Banjarmasin to the neighbouring city of Banjarbaru, although Banjarmasin retains its status as the region's largest city.

Stages of City Transformation

The development of Banjarmasin is a story of adaptation to changing economic and political conditions, in which the river has always played a central role. From the capital of a powerful sultanate to a modern administrative and commercial hub, the city has passed through several key stages of transformation.

• Era of the Pepper Trade (17th–18th Centuries): Becoming one of the main suppliers of black pepper in Southeast Asia, Banjarmasin turned into a thriving port city. This period defined its economic specialisation and attracted traders from Europe and China, laying the foundations for a multicultural society. The economy was entirely focused on river trade, which shaped the unique culture of floating markets.
• Colonial Modernisation (19th – Early 20th Centuries): Following the establishment of Dutch control and the end of the Banjarmasin War, the city began to change. The Dutch developed infrastructure, building roads and European-style buildings. The economy diversified through coal mining and rubber production, although traditional river trade continued to play an important role.
• Provincial Capital (1950–2022): After the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Banjarmasin received the status of administrative centre for the South Kalimantan province. This gave a powerful impetus to urbanisation: the city grew, and new residential areas, government buildings, and educational institutions were built, including Lambung Mangkurat University, strengthening its status as a regional leader.
• Development of Trisakti Port: The modernisation and expansion of Trisakti Port turned it into the region's main maritime gateway. This strengthened Banjarmasin's position as a key logistics and trade hub, through which coal, palm oil, rubber, and timber from Kalimantan are exported.
• Modern Economic Growth: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the city's economy became more multifaceted. Alongside trade and logistics, a significant share of GDP was taken up by the service sector, communications, and manufacturing, including plywood production and rubber processing.
• Relocation of the Capital (2022): The official transfer of the provincial administrative capital to the neighbouring city of Banjarbaru became a new challenge and, simultaneously, a point for rethinking the city's role. Banjarmasin retains its status as the largest economic, commercial, and cultural centre of South Kalimantan, focusing on the development of commerce, tourism, and transport infrastructure.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban structure of Banjarmasin is unique and dictated by its geography: the city literally grew out of the water. Historically, development formed along the numerous rivers and canals, where house facades faced the water—the main transport artery. The architectural portrait of the city represents a fusion of traditional Banjar architecture, Dutch colonial influence, and modern Indonesian modernism.

Traditional Era: Banjar Style (16th–19th Centuries)

During the Sultanate's golden age, vernacular architecture dominated, adapted to the humid climate and swampy soil.

• Style: Traditional Banjar architecture (Rumah Banjar).
• Characteristic Features: Stilt structures, the use of ironwood (ulin), and high pitched roofs. An iconic building type is the Bubungan Tinggi—a house with a steep roof, originally intended for nobility.
• Key Landmarks:
  • Sultan Suriansyah Mosque (Masjid Sultan Suriansyah) — the oldest mosque in the region (built in 1526). Its architecture with a multi-tiered roof demonstrates a synthesis of local traditions and the influence of the Javanese Sultanate of Demak, characteristic of early Islamic architecture in Indonesia.
  • Lanting Houses (Rumah Lanting) — traditional floating houses on rafts, which can still be seen along the rivers.

Colonial Period: Indies Style (19th – Mid-20th Century)

With the consolidation of Dutch power, the urban planning vector shifted from the rivers to the land. The construction of roads and administrative buildings made of stone and brick began.

• Style: Indies Empire Style.
• Characteristic Features: Adaptation of European classicism to the tropics: high ceilings, wide verandas for ventilation, white plastered walls.
• Key Landmarks:
  • Maranatha Church (Gereja Maranatha) — an example of colonial religious architecture that has preserved its austere forms and historical appearance.
  • The area around the former Fort Tatas. Although the fort itself has not survived, its location defined the centre of the modern city, where the main administrative and religious structures are now located.

Modernity: Modernism and Postmodernism (From Late 20th Century)

After gaining independence, the city began to be developed with monumental public buildings combining modern technology with elements of local identity.

• Style: Modernism, Islamic Modernism, High-Tech (in infrastructure).
• Characteristic Features: Use of concrete, geometric forms, large-scale domes, and an emphasis on vertical landmarks.
• Key Landmarks:
  • Sabilal Muhtadin Grand Mosque (Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin) — the architectural dominant of the centre. Built in 1981 in a modernist style, it stands out for its geometric structure and copper dome, reminiscent of the shape of a traditional hat.
  • Menara Pandang — a modern viewing tower on the Martapura riverfront. The building combines elements of postmodernism with motifs of a traditional roof and has become a new symbol of tourism in Banjarmasin.
  • Barito Bridge — an engineering structure in the style of industrial modernism, one of the region's calling cards.

Notable Figures Associated with Banjarmasin

The history and culture of Banjarmasin are enriched by the deeds of many prominent individuals. From the founders of the Sultanate to modern artists, these people have left a significant mark on the development of the city and Indonesia as a whole.

• Sultan Suriansyah — The founder and first ruler of the Sultanate of Banjar. Upon embracing Islam, he laid the foundations of the new state and made Banjarmasin its capital on 24 September 1526, which is considered the city's founding date. His reign marked the beginning of the islamisation of the region and the city's emergence as an important political and trade centre.
• Prince Antasari (Pangeran Antasari) — A National Hero of Indonesia and leader of the Banjarmasin War (1859–1863) against Dutch colonisers. Despite not being a direct heir to the throne, his courage and leadership qualities united the people in the struggle for independence. In 1862, he was proclaimed Sultan with the title Panembahan Amiruddin Khalifatul Mukminin.
• Hasan Basry — A military figure, leader of the guerrilla movement in Kalimantan during the Indonesian War of Independence, and a National Hero of Indonesia. He played a key role in uniting resistance forces against Dutch rule and is known as one of the proclamators of the "17th May Proclamation", which affirmed Kalimantan's allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia.
• Idham Chalid — An influential Indonesian political and religious figure born in South Kalimantan. He served for a long time as the chairman of one of the country's largest Islamic organisations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and held high state positions, including Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly and Deputy Prime Minister. In 2011, he was awarded the title of National Hero of Indonesia, and his portrait is featured on the 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah banknote.
• Olla Ramlan — A famous Indonesian actress, model, and television presenter born in Banjarmasin. She began her career in the late 1990s and became one of the most recognisable media personalities in the country, starring in numerous TV series and becoming the face of popular brands.
• Ian Kasela — A popular musician and vocalist of the famous Indonesian pop-rock group "Radja". Born in Banjarmasin, he achieved nationwide fame in the 2000s thanks to his distinctive vocals and eccentric image, becoming one of the icons of Indonesian pop music.