Landscape biography of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Banjarmasin, located in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, is renowned as the "city of a thousand rivers" due to its fluvial landforms and numerous waterways. This book explores the historical development of Banjarmasin through a landscape biography approach. The city's origins trace back to the Holocene period when sedimentation from the Barito and Martapura Rivers, which flow through the Barito Basin, led to the emergence of land. Initially, the area was predominantly a peat swamp forest. The earliest settlements were established by the Dayak people, followed by the Malay community along the riverbanks, which laid the foundations for the initial villages in Banjarmasin. In the 16th century, amidst the political and economic dynamics of southern Borneo, this village evolved into the capital of the Sultanate of Banjarmasin. The trade with foreign merchants in the next era influenced the landscape transformation of this area, and by the 19th century, Banjarmasin developed into a colonial city. However, during the 20th century, post-independence urban development often overlooked the significance of the rivers, leading to environmental challenges in this river city. Fortunately, authorities recognised the importance of rivers in urban planning during the reform era of the early 21st century, incorporating rivers as a key component in the city's development strategy. This landscape biography highlights how the current urban settings of Banjarmasin are intertwined with its historical past. Consequently, it is imperative for all stakeholders today to commit in fostering a resilient and sustainable future for the city, to anticipate urbanisation and global challenges