Banjarbaru

Banjarbaru is the capital city of the South Kalimantan province in Indonesia. It serves as a major urban center within the Banjarbakula metropolitan area. The city is the second largest city in its province, following Banjarmasin.

Located southeast of Banjarmasin, Banjarbaru is a vital administrative hub. It sits at the foot of the Meratus Mountains. The city is relatively small in size compared to its neighbors. It covers only about 0.88% of the total provincial territory.

The geography of Banjarbaru is defined by its varied elevation and soil types. About 80% of the city area sits at or above sea level. However, some parts of the city reach much higher elevations. The soil across much of the city is classified as podzol. This type of soil makes up as much as 63.82% of the area. In the Landasan Ulin district, the ground is different. There, the soil is dominated by peat and alluvium.

The climate in Banjarbaru is a tropical rainforest climate, known as Af in the Köppen classification. This means the region experiences abundant rainfall during all months of the year. While June to October are comparatively drier, rain is still common. Because the city is located near the equator, temperatures remain uniform. The average annual temperature stays consistent throughout the seasons. On 16 August 1997, the city recorded a temperature of 37.2°C. This remains the highest temperature ever recorded in Indonesia.

Banjarbaru has a deep history rooted in mining and changing political needs. Long ago, the area consisted of hills called Mount Apam. Since the 15th century, diamond mining has occurred in the Cempaka district. This mining began under the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom of Negara Dipa. Later, during the Banjar Sultanate, a royal edict controlled the diamond trade. Only the sultan could purchase diamonds weighing four carats or more.

During the colonial era, mining was regulated by specific laws. In the 1950s, officials sought to move the provincial capital here. They wanted to escape the frequent floods that affected Banjarmasin. The name "Banjarbaru" was originally a temporary name. It means "new Banjar" in Indonesian, and the name eventually became official.

The city is divided into five administrative districts, known as kecamatan. These are Banjarbaru Utara, Banjarbaru Selatan, Cempaka, Landasan Ulin, and Liang Anggang. Each district is further divided into four urban villages, or kelurahan. The population has grown steadily over the last two decades. In the 2010 Census, the population was 199,627. By the 2020 Census, it reached 253,442. Mid-2024 estimates place the population at 285,546. This group includes 143,255 males and 142,291 females.

The economy of Banjarbaru is diverse but faces certain shifts. The service sector is the largest part of the economy. In 2011, this sector accounted for approximately 23.47% of the economy. Other significant sectors include restaurants and hotels at 18.70%. Construction is also a major industry, making up 18.33%. In the Cempaka district, the economy relies on agriculture and diamond mining. Mining occupies about 2,000 hectares in that district. However, mining only accounted for 8.12% of the gross regional product in 2011. This is partly because many mining transactions happen in secrecy.

Cultural and social life offers many points of interest for residents and visitors. The city features the QMall, which is the only shopping mall in the area.

For nature, the Mentaos Pine Forest provides 1,000 square kilometers of city forest. Another popular spot is Kampung Pelangi, or "Rainbow Village." This area was once a slum but is now a waterfront with parks and WiFi.

For history, the Lambung Mangkurat Museum holds collections from the Banjar Sultanate. The city also provides essential healthcare services. There are seven hospitals and many clinics available to the public. The Idaman Regional Hospital is the largest public facility.