Kalimantan

Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo. It comprises five provinces: West Kalimantan (capital Pontianak), Central Kalimantan (Palangka Raya), South Kalimantan (Banjarmasin), East Kalimantan (Samarinda), and North Kalimantan (Tanjung Selor). The region forms the majority of Borneo's land area and shares borders with Malaysia's states of Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, and the other parts of Borneo.

Kalimantan features dense tropical rainforest, extensive river systems, and varied topography including lowlands and hills. Major rivers include the Kapuas in West Kalimantan, the Mahakam in East Kalimantan, and the Barito in South Kalimantan. The climate is tropical and humid, with high annual rainfall.

The region hosts diverse ecosystems and notable wildlife such as the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), clouded leopard, and pygmy elephant. Deforestation related to logging, palm oil, and mining has been a persistent environmental concern.

Kalimantan's economy relies on natural resources, including timber, palm oil, coal and other minerals, and oil and gas in eastern areas. River transport and port facilities support trade, while growing urban centers drive services and industry.

The area is home to many Dayak communities alongside migrants from other parts of Indonesia and neighboring countries. Indonesian is the official language; local languages and Malay are also common. North Kalimantan was established as a separate province in 2012, reflecting ongoing administrative changes in the region.