Bandar Lampung

Bandar Lampung is the capital and largest city of the Lampung province in Indonesia.

It is located on the southern tip of the island of Sumatra. The city sits at the head of Lampung Bay. This location makes it a vital hub for the surrounding region. It serves as a major center for transportation and trade. The city area covers approximately 183.77 square kilometers. It connects the agricultural lands of Sumatra to larger markets.

The city was formed through the amalgamation of two older settlements. These twin cities were Tanjung Karang and Teluk Betung. Originally, both towns were part of the South Lampung Regency. In 1983, the unified city was officially renamed Bandar Lampung. The city's history reaches back much further than this name. A report from 1682 mentions a seat of power near the sea. This report was based on a description by Pangeran Aria Dipati Ningrat. The city administration now uses 1682 as its official founding date.

During the Dutch colonial era, the area had a specific structure. In 1912, laws codified the city as part of the Onderafdeling Telokbetong. This administrative unit included Teluk Betung and its surrounding areas. Tanjung Karang served as the capital for this Onderafdeling. Meanwhile, Teluk Betung acted as the seat of government for the Karesidenan Lampung.

Later, during the Japanese occupation, the city had a Japanese mayor. This leader was assisted by an Indonesian deputy mayor, known as a fuku-shicho.

Bandar Lampung has a diverse population with many different ethnic groups. The Javanese people form the largest group in the city. Many arrived through the Dutch colonial era or the New Order transmigration programs. The Lampungese are the native people of the area. They historically lived as fishermen and peddlers on the outskirts.

You will also find large numbers of Sundanese and Bantenese people. These groups have lived in the region since the Banten Sultanate era. Additionally, Chinese and Minangkabau groups make up about 3.3% of the population. They are often found near the city center and markets.

The city's economy relies heavily on its role as a port. It is the chief transportation center for local agriculture. Surrounding farms produce goods like rubber, tea, coffee, and pepper for export. The city also hosts various cottage industries. These small-scale businesses include metalworking and hand-weaving. People also engage in pottery and tile making. This mix of trade and manufacturing keeps the city busy.

Moving around the city involves several different systems. Travelers can arrive via Radin Inten 2 Airport in South Lampung.

For local travel, many people use a minibus called an angkot. This name is an abbreviation for Angkutan Kota, meaning "City Transportation." These private minibuses run many routes, such as Tanjung Karang to Rajabasa. The city also has a rail system. Tanjung Karang Station is a major terminus.

Trains like the Rajabasa Express connect the city to Palembang.

Education is a significant part of life in Bandar Lampung. The city has several notable universities. These include Lampung University, also known as Unila. There is also Bandar Lampung University, known as UBL. Other institutions include Muhammadiyah University of Lampung and Malahayati University.

In 2009, the city had a literacy rate of 94.3%. This shows a high level of reading and writing skills among the residents. The city continues to grow as an important center for learning and trade.