Banjar

Who are the Banjar?

The Banjar are an indigenous people of South Kalimantan, Indonesia, and are the major ethnic group in the region. Their identity is shaped by a blend of Dayak, Malay, and Javanese ancestry, and they are further divided into three main sub-ethnic groups: Batang Banyu, Kuala Banjar, and Pahuluan Banjar. The Banjar are united by their language, shared customs, and a strong sense of community rooted in river-based life. Their culture is marked by respect for elders, hospitality, and a tradition of good manners.

Where do the Banjar live?

The Banjar homeland is centered in South Kalimantan, especially along the Barito, Martapura, and Negara rivers. The region is characterized by lowland river valleys, estuaries, and the foothills of the Meratus mountains. The rivers are central to Banjar life, shaping settlement patterns, transportation, and economic activities. Some Banjar communities also live in Central and East Kalimantan, and there are significant diaspora populations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.

What language do the Banjar speak?

The Banjar speak Banjarese, an Austronesian language with several dialects, including Hulu Banjar (upriver), Kuala Banjar (downriver), and Batang Banyu. The language has been influenced by Malay and Dayak languages. Banjarese remains widely spoken in daily life, alongside Indonesian and, in diaspora communities, Malay. Arabic is used for religious purposes.

How do the Banjar live?

Traditionally, the Banjar make their living through farming, especially rice cultivation in fertile river valleys, and fishing in the rivers and estuaries. Crafts such as weaving and woodwork are also important. Urbanization has led many Banjar to work in trade, services, and wage labor. Houses are often built on stilts along rivers, reflecting adaptation to the wet environment. Riverboats are a common means of transport.

How is Banjar society organised?

Banjar society is organized around extended families and kinship networks. Sub-ethnic divisions reflect historical assimilation with Dayak, Malay, and Javanese groups. Social life emphasizes respect for elders, communal decision-making, and hospitality. Marriage often follows Islamic customs, and traditional ceremonies are important in marking life stages. Leadership in the past was linked to sultanates and local chiefs.

What do the Banjar believe?

Most Banjar are Sunni Muslims of the Shafi'i school, a tradition established since the 16th century. Islamic practices are central to daily life, but some older customs and rituals with Dayak and Malay roots persist, especially in ceremonies. Traditional dress is worn for important occasions, and music and dance reflect a mix of local and external influences. Artisans produce distinctive textiles and crafts.

The history of the Banjar

The Banjar trace their origins to a mix of Dayak, Malay, and Javanese peoples. Early kingdoms such as Negara Dipa and Negara Daha were Hindu-Buddhist, later replaced by the Islamic Sultanate of Banjar in the 16th century. The Banjar had contact with European traders from the 17th century, leading to conflict and eventual Dutch colonial rule after the Banjarmasin War. Migration agreements during colonial times spread Banjar communities to Sumatra and Malaysia. Genetic studies show close links to the Malagasy of Madagascar and Comorians.

Banjar life today

Today, the Banjar number over 5 million, with large populations in Indonesia and Malaysia. Most live in urban and rural areas of South Kalimantan, but many have migrated to other parts of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The Banjar maintain their language and customs, though modernization and urbanization bring changes. Their river-based culture and Islamic identity remain strong, and they are recognized as a major ethnic group in their homeland.

Questions people ask about the Banjar

Sources and further reading

• Banjar people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Banjar themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.