Brief Profile of Palangkaraya, a Unique City in the Middle of Borneo Island

Palangkaraya City

Palangkaraya city was established in 1957 by the Indonesian government as a planned city to serve as the capital of the newly formed Central Kalimantan province. It is located in the heart of Borneo and is surrounded by tropical rainforest.

Palangkaraya is known for its natural beauty, with many rivers, lakes, and forests surrounding the city. The city also has several cultural attractions, including the Kaharingan religion, which is practiced by the indigenous Dayak people in the area.

The economy of Palangkaraya is primarily based on agriculture, with rubber, oil palm, and timber being the major products. The city also has a growing tourism industry, with visitors coming to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.

Overall, Palangkaraya is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural and natural heritage that attracts visitors from all over the world.

History

The history of Palangkaraya begins with the establishment of the Central Kalimantan province in 1957, when the Indonesian government decided to create a new capital city for the province. The city was planned and designed by the architect Joost C. Bakker, who aimed to create a modern city in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago.

The construction of the city began in 1957, with workers clearing the land and building the infrastructure necessary to support the new capital. The city was built on the site of a former Dayak village called Pahandut, and many of the original residents were relocated to other areas.

The name “Palangkaraya” was chosen by President Sukarno, who combined two words from the local Dayak language. “Palangka” means “meeting” or “assembly,” while “raya” means “great” or “large.” The name was chosen to reflect the city’s role as a center of government and culture in the province.

Throughout its history, Palangkaraya has faced a number of challenges, including the devastating forest fires that swept through the region in 2015 and 2019. Despite these challenges, the city has continued to grow and develop, with a strong focus on preserving its cultural and natural heritage.

Today, Palangkaraya is a bustling city with a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. It remains an important center of government and commerce in Central Kalimantan, and is home to a diverse and dynamic population.

Statistics

Here are some statistics about Palangkaraya:

1. Population: As of 2021, the estimated population of Palangkaraya is approximately 256,000 people.
2. Area: Palangkaraya covers an area of approximately 2,400 square kilometers.
3. Demographics: The majority of the population in Palangkaraya is made up of the indigenous Dayak people, who account for about 60% of the population. The remainder of the population is primarily made up of Javanese, Banjar, and other ethnic groups.
4. Economy: The economy of Palangkaraya is primarily based on agriculture, with rubber, oil palm, and timber being the major products. The city also has a growing tourism industry, with visitors coming to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the area.
5. Education: Palangkaraya has a number of schools and universities, including the University of Palangka Raya, which is one of the largest universities in Central Kalimantan.
6. Infrastructure: Palangkaraya has a modern infrastructure, with well-maintained roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. The city also has a number of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
7. Climate: Palangkaraya has a tropical climate, with average temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The city experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season from November to April, and a dry season from May to October.

Overall, Palangkaraya is a thriving city with a rich cultural and natural heritage, and a strong focus on sustainable development and preservation of its resources.

Government

Palangkaraya is the capital city of Central Kalimantan province in Indonesia, and as such, it is governed by a local government under the authority of the provincial government.

The local government of Palangkaraya is headed by a mayor, who is directly elected by the people. The mayor serves as the highest executive official in the city, responsible for managing the city’s administration and implementing policies and regulations. The current mayor of Palangkaraya is Fairid Naparin.

The local government of Palangkaraya is divided into several departments and agencies, each responsible for specific areas of governance. These include the departments of finance, education, health, tourism, and transportation, among others.

Palangkaraya also has a local legislative council, known as the City Council (DPRD). The City Council is responsible for creating and passing local laws and regulations, as well as overseeing the implementation of policies by the local government.

The city’s judiciary system is overseen by the local court system, which includes a District Court and a Religious Court. The District Court handles civil and criminal cases, while the Religious Court handles cases related to Islamic law.

Overall, the government of Palangkaraya works to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its residents, while preserving the city’s cultural and natural heritage.

Tourism

Palangkaraya is a popular tourist destination in Central Kalimantan, known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Palangkaraya:

1. Kahayan River: The Kahayan River is the largest river in Palangkaraya, and is a popular destination for river cruises, fishing, and swimming. The river is surrounded by lush tropical forests and is home to a variety of wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles.
2. Bukit Tangkiling: Bukit Tangkiling is a hill located in the center of Palangkaraya, and is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor recreation. The hill offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding area, as well as opportunities to see native flora and fauna.
3. Palangkaraya Arboretum: The Palangkaraya Arboretum is a botanical garden located in the center of the city, and is home to a diverse collection of plants and trees from across the region. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, and is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
4. Dayak Cultural Center: The Dayak Cultural Center is a museum and cultural center dedicated to the indigenous Dayak people of Central Kalimantan. The center showcases traditional Dayak art, music, and dance, as well as exhibits on the history and culture of the region.
5. Tangkiling Nature Park: Tangkiling Nature Park is a protected area located on the outskirts of Palangkaraya, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare orchids and the elusive Bornean clouded leopard. The park offers opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.

Overall, Palangkaraya offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking adventure and relaxation in the heart of Borneo.

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