Samarinda history

The history of the city of Samarinda is inextricably linked to the migration of the Bugis people—an ethnic group from the island of Sulawesi. As a result of the Gowa War in the 1660s and the signing of the Treaty of Bongaya, a portion of the Bugis were forced to seek a new home. The Sultan of the Kutai principality in East Kalimantan allowed them to settle on his lands in exchange for loyalty and protection. The official founding date of the city is considered to be January 21, 1668, when the first settlers arrived in this region.

The growth and development of Samarinda were determined by several important factors. Firstly, its strategic location on the banks of the Mahakam River, which is the main transport artery connecting the island's interior with the coast of the Makassar Strait. This contributed to the settlement transforming into an important trading post. Secondly, fertile lands and rich natural resources, including timber and later coal, became the foundation of the region's economy. Political support from the Sultan of Kutai ensured stability and security for the first settlers.

The name of the city itself, according to one version, comes from the phrase "sama rendah," which means "equal in height." This reflected the arrangement of the first settlements, where all houses were built on rafts and had the same height as a symbol of equality. The early economy focused on trading agricultural products and forest resources. The city's culture formed as a unique blend of the traditions of the indigenous Dayak peoples, the Malay culture of the Kutai Sultanate, and the customs of the incoming Bugis, making Samarinda one of the colorful centres of Indonesia.

Key Dates in the History of Samarinda

• January 21, 1668 — Considered the official founding date of the city, when Bugis settlers led by La Mohang Daeng Mangkona received permission from the Sultan of Kutai to establish a settlement.
• 1730 — Some sources indicate this year as the founding date of the trading post that subsequently grew into the city of Samarinda.
• 1732 — Samarinda was established as an important port city by the Sultanate of Kutai, which moved its capital to Pemarangan.
• 1844 — The Dutch colonial administration took control of the region, turning Samarinda into the administrative centre of the eastern part of Kalimantan.
• Late 19th - early 20th century — The city becomes a major centre for coal mining and export, attracting Dutch mining companies to the region and contributing to economic growth.
• 1942–1945 — During World War II, Samarinda, like all of Indonesia, was under Japanese occupation.
• 1950s — After the proclamation of Indonesia's independence, Samarinda officially became part of the new state and continued to develop as a regional centre.
• 1957 — Samarinda was officially designated the capital of the newly formed province of East Kalimantan.
• 1960s — Active growth of the logging industry began, making the city one of the world's largest centres for timber export.
• 1980s – 2000s — The city's economy diversifies through the growth of the service, trade, and public administration sectors, while retaining importance in natural resource extraction.
• 2024 — Completion is planned for the first phase of the major "Teras Mahakam" infrastructure project to revitalize the river embankment for tourism development.

Stages of Samarinda's Development

The development of Samarinda is the story of a river settlement transforming into a major economic and administrative centre of the island of Borneo. Key transformations were closely linked to its strategic position on the Mahakam River and the region's rich natural resources.

• Founding as a trading post (1668): The city was founded by Bugis settlers on the banks of the Mahakam River. Thanks to its location, it quickly became an important point for river trade, connecting the interior regions of Kalimantan with the coast. This laid the foundation for its future economic role.
• Resource extraction centre in the colonial period (late 19th - early 20th century): With the arrival of the Dutch administration, Samarinda turned into a centre for coal mining and logging. The construction of port infrastructure for resource export gave the first powerful impetus to urbanization and the city's economic growth.
• Obtaining provincial capital status (1957): Designating Samarinda as the capital of East Kalimantan strengthened its administrative importance. This led to the growth of the state apparatus, the development of social infrastructure, and an increase in population.
• Boom in the logging industry (1960s): The city became one of the global centres for timber export, attracting major national companies and investments to the region. This period defined the economic face of Samarinda for decades to come and contributed to its further growth.
• Economic diversification (1980s – present): Alongside resource extraction, the city's economy began to actively develop towards trade, services, and finance. Samarinda became the most important transport and logistics hub of East Kalimantan with the busiest passenger and container port in the province.
• Modern infrastructure development (21st century): The construction of major bridges across the Mahakam River, such as the Mahakam Bridge and the Achmad Amins Bridge, physically united the city and improved transport accessibility. Projects are being implemented to revitalize embankments and develop the urban environment, aimed at improving the quality of life and attracting tourists.

The architectural appearance of Samarinda is a reflection of its history as a river trading post, a resource extraction centre, and a modern provincial capital. The city cannot boast classical European styles such as Gothic or Baroque; however, its development has formed a unique combination of traditional, colonial, and modern forms.

Main Architectural Influences and Styles

• Traditional river architecture. Initially, Samarinda was a Bugis settlement where houses were built on stilts or rafts along the banks of the Mahakam River. This "architecture on water" (kampung air) was ideally adapted to life by the river, which served as the main transport artery and source of livelihood. Elements of traditional wooden stilt houses (rumah panggung) can still be found in the old districts of the city.
• Dutch colonial style (late 19th – early 20th century). With the arrival of the Dutch administration, buildings appeared in the city in a style adapted to the tropical climate. It is characterized by high ceilings, large windows, and verandas for better ventilation. These were mainly administrative buildings, warehouses, and residential houses for Europeans. Although many of them have not survived, their influence is noticeable in the layout of old quarters.
• Modern Islamic architecture. Undoubtedly, the most iconic structure and architectural landmark of the city is the Samarinda Islamic Center (Masjid Islamic Center Samarinda). This is the second-largest mosque in Southeast Asia, the architecture of which represents an impressive synthesis of several styles. Its main dome is inspired by the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the high gates reference European architecture, and the design of the minarets is borrowed from the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The height of the main minaret is 99 metres, symbolizing the 99 names of Allah.

Urban Development

Historically, the development of Samarinda was linear and inextricably linked to the Mahakam River. The city expanded along its banks, which for a long time remained the main corridor for the movement of people and goods. A key stage in urban planning was the construction of major bridges, such as the Mahakam Bridge and the Mahkota II Bridge. They connected the historical centre with the Samarinda Seberang district on the opposite bank, giving a powerful impetus to more comprehensive and even development of the urban territory.

Modern urban planning is aimed at modernizing infrastructure and improving the quality of life. Projects are underway to improve embankments, create public spaces, and develop new residential and commercial districts, which is gradually changing the face of Samarinda, turning it into a more modern and comfortable city for living.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Samarinda

Over its centuries-old history, Samarinda has become the birthplace and place of activity for many iconic figures who have contributed to the development of the city, the region, and all of Indonesia. Among them are founders, rulers, cultural figures, and modern leaders.

• La Mohang Daeng Mangkona
  Role: Founder of the city, leader of the Bugis community.
  Significance: Considered the founder of Samarinda. In 1668, he led a group of Bugis settlers from the island of Sulawesi and, with the permission of the Sultan of Kutai, established the first settlement on the banks of the Mahakam River, initiating the history of the city. His name is inextricably linked to the origin of Samarinda as a centre of trade and a melting pot of cultures.
• Aji Muhammad Sulaiman
  Role: Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara (1845–1899).
  Significance: During his reign, Samarinda began to transform into an important economic centre. The Sultan granted Dutch companies concessions for coal mining in the vicinity of the city, which led to rapid industrial growth and the strengthening of Samarinda's status as a key port in Kalimantan.
• Korrie Layun Rampan
  Role: Writer, literary critic, journalist.
  Significance: A native of Samarinda, Korrie Layun Rampan is one of the most prolific and respected literary figures in Indonesia. He is the author of numerous novels, short stories, and poems, and is also known for his work in documenting and critically analyzing modern Indonesian literature, making him an important figure in the country's cultural life.
• Denny Kantono
  Role: Professional badminton player.
  Significance: Born in Samarinda, Denny Kantono achieved global recognition in badminton. Together with his partner Antonius Ariantho, he won the bronze medal in men's doubles at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, becoming one of the most famous athletes to emerge from this city.
• Hadi Mulyadi
  Role: Politician, former Vice Governor of East Kalimantan.
  Significance: A native and graduate of Samarinda schools, Hadi Mulyadi is a prominent modern political figure. He served as the Vice Governor of the East Kalimantan province (2018–2023), contributing to the governance and development of the region, of which Samarinda is the capital.
• KH. Muhammad Zhofaruddin
  Role: Religious leader, preacher.
  Significance: Better known as Guru Udin, he is one of the most influential and charismatic Islamic figures in modern Samarinda and all of East Kalimantan. He leads the major religious assembly "Majelis Ta'lim Nurul Amin" and enjoys immense respect among residents for his sermons and public activities.