Languages Spoken in Samarinda: A Comprehensive Guide

Samarinda is a city located in the eastern part of the island of Borneo in Indonesia. It is the capital of the East Kalimantan province and one of the largest cities in the region. Samarinda is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, making it a melting pot of various languages and dialects spoken in the area.In this article, we will discuss the different languages spoken in Samarinda, their origins, and their significance to the local culture.

The Official Language: Indonesian

Indonesian, also known as Bahasa Indonesia, is the official language of Indonesia and is widely spoken in Samarinda. It is a standardized form of Malay, which has been made official in the country since 1945. Indonesian is taught in schools, used in the media, and is the language used in government and administrative activities. Almost all residents in Samparinda are fluent in Indonesian.

The Regional Language: Banjar

Banjar is a language that is spoken in Borneo, particularly in the Banjar region, which covers parts of Central, South, and East Kalimantan. Banjar is also spoken in Samarinda alongside Indonesian. Banjar is a Malayo-Polynesian language and is closely related to Malay. It has its own script, which is called the Lontara script. Banjar is the second-most-spoken language in Samarinda.

Minority Languages

Samarinda is also home to several other minority languages spoken by Indigenous communities. These languages share roots with the Austronesian language family, which includes languages such as Tagalog, Hawaiian, and the majority of languages spoken in Southeast Asia.

Dayak

Dayak is the name for various ethnic groups indigenous to Borneo. Dayak communities in Samarinda speak various languages, with the most common being Dayak Maanyan and Dayak Tunjung. Dayak languages have been in use for centuries, and they are rich in history, culture, and tradition. However, they are now threatened by extinction, as younger generations in these communities are not fluent in them.

Javanese

Javanese is another minority language spoken in Samarinda. Although Javanese is a minority language, it is the largest ethnic group in Indonesia, with over 100 million speakers. Javanese is also considered as a second language by many Indonesians. Many Javanese people migrated to Samarinda and other parts of Kalimantan during the colonial period and in search of work in the 1980s.

Other Languages

Other languages spoken in Samarinda include Berau, Kutai Kartanegara, and Baduy. These languages are spoken by smaller communities in Samarinda and have their roots in the Austronesian language family.

The Significance of Language in Samarinda

Samarinda’s linguistic diversity is a testament to its unique culture and history. The different languages spoken in the city reflect its rich history, as many communities have lived in the area for centuries. Language is also significant in shaping the identity of the different ethnic groups in Samarinda. Speaking the local language is a source of pride and is considered as a way of preserving cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Samarinda is a city with a diverse linguistic landscape, reflecting the unique history and culture of the area. While Indonesian and Banjar are the most widely spoken languages in Samarinda, there are several minority languages spoken by Indigenous communities, each with their unique history, culture, and tradition. Understanding the different languages spoken in Samarinda can provide insight into the city’s cultural identity and enrich our appreciation of its history and traditions.

Insider’s Guide to Samarinda: A City With A Diversity of Languages

Samarinda is one of the rapidly growing cities in Indonesia, located in Kalimantan Island (Borneo). The city is home to more than 700,000 people with a diversity of ethnic groups and languages. When visiting Samarinda, tourists will witness the uniqueness of Indonesian culture at its best. From the local history to the local cuisine, visitors will be delighted with a new experience that can only be found in Samarinda. Here is a comprehensive guide for tourists visiting Samarinda, including local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

1. Mahakam River & Houseboats: The Mahakam River is the largest river in East Kalimantan. Renting a houseboat and enjoying the scenic river views is a must-do activity while visiting Samarinda.

2. Tenggarong Seberang: It’s a historical site that used to be the capital of the Kutai Kartanegara Sultanate. There are two prominent structures on the site, the Sultan’s Palace and the Mulawarman Museum, where tourists can learn about the city’s history.

3. Sungai Wain Nature Reserve: For nature lovers, the Sungai Wain Nature Reserve is the perfect place to visit. The park offers a variety of flora and fauna, including the rare Proboscis Monkey.

4. Samarinda Central Plaza: A shopping center that offers everything from local souvenirs to international brands. The mall’s food court is also an excellent place to try the local cuisine.

Dining Spots

1. Rumah Makan Sinar Pagi: A local restaurant serving traditional Indonesian food. The restaurant’s Nasi Campur is a must-try. It’s a plate of rice with different types of Indonesian side dishes.

2. Sushi Tei: Offering Japanese cuisine, Sushi Tei is the perfect place to enjoy some sushi rolls while on vacation.

3. Bakso Lapangan Tembak Senayan: A restaurant that serves Indonesian meatball soup, Bakso, with several variations and spices.

4. Kedai Kopi Kwang Koan: For coffee lovers, Kedai Kopi Kwang Koan offers excellent coffee in a traditional atmosphere.

Cultural Experiences

1. Balikpapan Art Gallery: The gallery showcases art from Indonesian artists, highlighting the Dayak people’s unique culture in East Borneo.

2. Tari Tradisional Dayak: Experience the Dayak traditional dance performance, usually held during the city’s celebration or special events.

3. Borneo Cultural Festival: A yearly event held in July, showcasing the diverse culture of East Kalimantan.

Local History

1. Klandasan: A historic site where a battle took place in 1945 during the Indonesian Revolution.

2. Museum Kayu: A wooden museum that showcases the wood carving craft and tells the history of East Kalimantan.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Lamin Etam: An old traditional Javanese house located in the middle of the city. The house has unique architecture and is more than 100 years old.

2. Lembah Hijau: For those who appreciate nature, Lembah Hijau is an excellent place for hiking. The valley offers beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.

3. Makam Pahlawan: A hero’s cemetery where Indonesian independence activists are buried. The site offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s history.

In conclusion, Samarinda’s diversity of ethnic groups and languages is what makes it unique. The city is a blend of traditional and modern influences, offering a unique experience for tourists. With this insider’s guide, visitors will have the opportunity to explore what Samarinda has to offer, from nature reserves to local cuisine, traditional dance performances, and historical sites.