West Kalimantan

West Kalimantan is a province of Indonesia. It is one of five Indonesian provinces in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo. Its capital city is Pontianak.

Geography

West Kalimantan is bordered by the Natuna Sea to the north, Sarawak and Central Kalimantan to the east, Java Sea to the south, and Riau and Jambi provinces to the west. The province has a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the Bornean orangutan and the Borneo elephant.

History

The history of West Kalimantan is marked by interactions between indigenous Dayak tribes, Malay kingdoms, and foreign influences such as Chinese, Arab, and European traders. The area was part of the Majapahit Empire before becoming part of the Sultanate of Sambas and the Sultanate of Pontianak.

Culture

The culture of West Kalimantan is a blend of indigenous Dayak, Malay, Chinese, and Arab influences. Traditional arts include Pantun, a form of Malay poetry, and Wayang kulit, a shadow puppet theatre.

Economy

The economy of West Kalimantan is primarily based on natural resources such as rubber, palm oil, and timber. The province is also known for its black pepper production.

Cuisine

West Kalimantan cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of local ingredients. Popular dishes include Bakso, a meatball soup, and Nasi goreng, a fried rice dish.

See also

• Provinces of Indonesia
• Borneo
• Pontianak