Berau history

Foundation and First Rulers

The history of Berau is rooted in ancient times, representing the chronicle of one of the oldest state entities in East Kalimantan. The origins of the city and the region date back to the 14th century. Initially, a Hindu kingdom existed here, which over time transformed into an Islamic Sultanate, adopting new cultural and religious traditions.

The founder of the state and its first ruler is considered to be Baddit Dipattung, who held the title Aji Raden Surya Natha. According to historical chronicles, it was he who united the scattered settlements (banua) along the river under a single authority, laying the foundation for Berau's political significance on the island of Borneo.

Key Development Milestones

The rise of Berau as an important center was driven by a combination of geographical advantages and dynastic events:

• Strategic Location: The city grew at the mouth of the Berau River, which flows into the Makassar Strait. This provided direct access to international maritime routes and convenient connections to the resource-rich interior regions of the island.
• Historical Division: A turning point in history was the division of the single sultanate in the early 19th century into two independent states — Sambaliung and Gunung Tabur. This event shaped a unique historical landscape where two centers of power developed in parallel, each with its own palaces and traditions.
• Trade Significance: The river served as the main transport artery. Merchants from China, Arab countries, and other regions of the archipelago arrived here seeking exotic goods.

Culture and Economy of the Past

The economy of old Berau flourished thanks to the bounty of the jungle. Locals harvested rattan, damar resin, and timber. The region gained particular fame for edible bird's nests, which were in incredible demand among foreign traders and considered a delicacy.

The cultural appearance of the city was formed in a melting pot of traditions. The customs of the indigenous Dayak people intertwined with incoming Malay culture, strengthened by the influence of Islam. This synthesis is reflected in the architecture, language, and art, creating the distinctive atmosphere that travelers can experience in Berau today.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Berau is rich in events reflecting the transformation of an ancient kingdom into a modern tourism and economic hub of East Kalimantan.

• 14th Century — Foundation of the Kingdom of Berau led by the first ruler Aji Raden Surya Natha, who united the banua tribes.
• 17th Century — The arrival of Islam in the region, leading to the gradual transformation of the Hindu state into an Islamic Sultanate.
• Around 1810 — A succession crisis led to the division of the single state into two independent sultanates: Gunung Tabur and Sambaliung.
• 1844 — Dutch colonial forces attacked the region, destroying the palace of the Sultan of Gunung Tabur in response to trade conflicts.
• 1906 — Local rulers signed political agreements with the Dutch, effectively handing over control of foreign policy to the colonial administration.
• 1942 — Invasion by Japanese troops and the beginning of the Japanese occupation period during World War II.
• 1945 — Following the surrender of Japan, the population of the region supported the proclamation of Indonesia's independence.
• 1953 — Dissolution of the political power of the sultanates and the beginning of their integration into the new administrative system of the republic.
• 1959 — Official establishment of the Berau Regency (Kabupaten) within the province of East Kalimantan at the legislative level.
• 2012 — Opening of the new modern terminal at Kalimarau Airport, which significantly increased the region's tourism appeal.

Stages of Formation and Development

The evolution of Berau is a journey from traditional sultanates to a modern industrial and tourism hub of East Kalimantan. Below are the key stages that shaped the economic and cultural landscape of this territory:

• Formation of a Dual Cultural Center (19th Century). The historical division into the sultanates of Gunung Tabur and Sambaliung defined the unique architecture of the region. The significance of this stage is profound: today, the city possesses a rich heritage in the form of two preserved palace museums (keratons), which are centers of attraction for history enthusiasts.
• Administrative Autonomy (1959). The official creation of the Berau Regency (Kabupaten) secured the status of Tanjung Redeb as the administrative capital. This event launched the process of modern urban planning, allowing for the development of social infrastructure, schools, and hospitals independently of other provincial centers.
• Industrial Breakthrough and Coal Mining. In the late 20th century, the region underwent a powerful economic transformation due to the development of coal deposits. This turned Berau from an agrarian-trading settlement into an important energy node of Indonesia, ensuring an influx of investment and significant population growth through labor migration.
• Transport System Integration. The construction of the Sambaliung Bridge across the Kelay River was a major engineering achievement. The bridge connected the historical part of the city with the modern business center, eliminating logistical barriers and accelerating trade turnover within the agglomeration.
• Modernization of Kalimarau Airport (2012). The opening of a new terminal with modern architecture and equipment radically changed the city's status. The airport became not just a transport hub, but a key factor in tourism development, opening convenient access to the world-famous diving spots of the Derawan Archipelago.
• Development of Eco-tourism. In recent years, there has been a shift in economic focus from resource extraction to sustainable tourism. The city has become the main transit and service base for travelers, stimulating a boom in the construction of hotels, restaurants, and small business development.

Architectural Eras and Urban Landscape

The architectural appearance of Berau is a visual chronicle of the region's transformation from feudal river states to a modern industrial center. The urban structure of Tanjung Redeb and its surroundings historically formed along the banks of the Kelay and Segah rivers, which merge to form the Berau River.

Era of Sultanates: Traditional Wooden Architecture

The earliest and most culturally significant layer of architecture is represented by the heritage of the two historical sultanates — Sambaliung and Gunung Tabur. This period is characterized by the use of local natural materials and adaptation to the tropical climate.

• Style: Traditional Malay and Kalimantan architecture (vernacular style).
• Characteristic Features: Dominance of "ironwood" (Ulin) as the main building material. Buildings were erected on stilts (panggung) for protection against floods and wild animals, featuring high pitched roofs for ventilation and drainage of tropical rains.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Sambaliung Keraton (Palace): An example of a monarch's residence with elements of Chinese and colonial decor harmoniously integrated into the wooden structure.
  • Gunung Tabur Keraton (Batiwakkal Museum): A restored sultan's residence demonstrating the classic layout of a palace complex with spacious audience halls.

Modern Stage: Functionalism and Neo-Vernacular

With the acquisition of administrative center status and the development of coal mining in the second half of the 20th century, Berau's appearance began to change rapidly. Urban planning shifted from the river inland, forming new residential and business districts.

• Style: Modernism, functionalism, and modern interpretations of ethnic motifs.
• Characteristic Features: Use of concrete and glass. Residential development is dominated by the "ruko" type (shophouse) — functional two- or three-story buildings combining commercial spaces on the ground floor and living quarters on the upper floors.
• Iconic Landmarks:
  • Kalimarau Airport: A striking example of modern architecture with neo-vernacular elements. The terminal design includes traditional Dayak patterns and forms referencing local culture, combining them with high-tech structures.
  • Sambaliung Bridge: An engineering structure that has become a visual landmark and a symbol of uniting the historical part of the city with its modern center.

Historical and Modern Figures of Berau

The history of Berau is rich with the names of rulers, reformers, and freedom fighters who shaped the unique character of this region of East Kalimantan.

• Baddit Dipattung (Aji Raden Suryanata Kesuma)
  Founder of the Kingdom of Berau (14th Century)
  The first historical ruler and founder of the dynasty. According to chronicles, it was he who united scattered tribal settlements (banua) into a single state in the 14th century. His rule laid the foundation for the region's political system, which lasted for centuries.
• Sultan Muhammad Hasanuddin
  First Islamic Ruler (17th–18th Century)
  A key figure in the religious history of the region. Under his rule, the Kingdom of Berau officially adopted Islam, transforming from a Hindu state into a Sultanate. This event defined the cultural and legal vector of society's development for all subsequent eras.
• Aji Dilayas
  9th King of Berau
  A ruler whose death became a turning point in dynastic history. A dispute over succession between his descendants (princes from different wives) ultimately led to the split of the single state into two independent sultanates: Gunung Tabur and Sambaliung.
• Sultan Alimuddin (Raja Alam)
  First Sultan of Sambaliung and Fighter Against Colonialism (19th Century)
  A national hero of the region, known for his uncompromising resistance to Dutch colonial expansion. For refusing to submit to the demands of the VOC (Dutch East India Company), he was exiled to Makassar but later returned, becoming a symbol of the struggle for independence. A local army battalion is named after him.
• Sultan Zainal Abidin II
  First Sultan of Gunung Tabur (19th Century)
  Founder of the Gunung Tabur Sultanate dynasty after the division of Berau. He strengthened the new capital on the right bank of the river and created an administrative structure that allowed the sultanate to flourish as a trading center competing with Sambaliung.
• Makmur HAPK (Drs. H. Makmur HAPK, M.M.)
  Former Regent (Bupati) of Berau, Politician (Modern Era)
  A prominent modern figure who served as the head of the district for two consecutive terms. His name is associated with the large-scale modernization of the region's infrastructure, including the reconstruction of Kalimarau Airport and the development of the tourism potential of the Derawan Islands, which brought Berau to the international level.