Banjar

Banjar refers to an ethnolinguistic group native to the Banjar Basin in southern Kalimantan, Indonesia. They are one of the major communities in the region, concentrated mainly in South Kalimantan, including the provincial capital, Banjarmasin. The name also applies to the Banjar language and to administrative and geographic entities such as Banjar Regency (Kabupaten Banjar).

The Banjar language, also called Bahasa Banjar or Banjarese, belongs to the Malayic sub-branch of the Austronesian language family. It has several dialects and is written in the Latin script today; historically, Jawi (Arabic script) has been used in some contexts. The language is spoken by the Banjar people and is often used in daily communication, education, and cultural expression.

Historically, Banjar society developed around Islam and local governance structures, culminating in the Banjar Sultanate from the 16th to the 19th centuries, which governed much of southern Kalimantan and played a role in regional trade networks. Traditional adat (customary) practices influence social life, and distinctive cultural elements include architecture such as the Bubungan Tinggi house, music, and craft traditions.

Religion in Banjar communities is predominantly Islam, with practices reflecting a blend of Islamic faith and local customs. While the majority are Sunni Muslims, there are minority communities and diverse religious expressions within Kalimantan.

Today, Banjar communities are primarily located in South Kalimantan and in urban centers across Indonesia, contributing to the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. The term Banjar appears in place names and administrative units and denotes a distinctive cultural heritage within Indonesia.