Sintang Regency is a regency of West Kalimantan province of Indonesia. It covers an area of 21,638.2 km2, and had a population of 364,759 at the 2010 Census[2] and 421,306 at the 2020 Census;[3] the official estimate as at mid 2023 was 438,022 (comprising 226,018 males and 212,004 females).[1]
Sintang Regency is one of the few Indonesian regencies having a land border with another country (in this case, with Malaysia). It is also the third largest regency in the province by land area after Kapuas Hulu Regency and Ketapang Regency. The regency was formerly the site of the Sintang Kingdom, a Hindu kingdom that later converted to Islam and which was a regional power in the interior of Borneo Island. The regency seat is located at the large town of Sintang, which is among the biggest settlements in Borneo's interior alongside Putussibau and Puruk Cahu.
The natural beauty of Sintang
Sintang Regency boasts breathtaking natural panoramas, making it one of the top tourist destinations in West Kalimantan. Here are some of the must-visit natural attractions in Sintang:[4]
Bukit Kelam (Kelam Hill)
One of the largest monoliths in the world, Bukit Kelam is an iconic tourist attraction in Sintang Regency. It offers spectacular views for hikers and nature enthusiasts. From its peak, visitors can enjoy a stunning vista of lush green forests and the beautiful Kapuas River.
Kapuas Beach
Although not a seaside beach, Kapuas Beach, located along the Kapuas River, provides a serene atmosphere with expansive views of the river. This spot is a favorite destination for relaxation while enjoying the view of Bukit Kelam in the distance.
Nanga Melawi
This area, where the Melawi and Kapuas Rivers meet, offers mesmerizing scenery. It is a popular spot for photography or simply enjoying the tranquil natural surroundings.
Local culture and traditions
Sintang is home to rich traditions and cultures passed down by the Dayak and Malay communities. Some unique traditions worth highlighting include:
Ngamik Bini
In Dayak culture, "Ngamik Bini" is a tradition of welcoming the bride by the groom's family. This meaningful ceremony involves a series of traditional processes that symbolize respect and acceptance.
Gawai Dayak
This is a harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak community. The event features various traditional arts such as traditional dances and music played with the Sape, a distinctive Dayak musical instrument.
Handwoven crafts
Dayak artisans produce beautiful handwoven items such as mats, bags, and hats made from natural materials like rattan. These crafts not only have high aesthetic value but also hold significant economic potential.
Sintang is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its scenic landscapes and vibrant traditions.
Somewhere between 45,000 and 39,000 B.C. the Sintang area was first inhabited by humans. The area changed hands several times from the Majapahit to the Bruneian Sultanate, but when the Dutch arrived at Borneo in 1776 the area was quickly occupied by the Dutch
The area was occupied by the Empire of Japan in 1941 as a result of WW2, and then was liberated in 1945. This was followed by Indonesian Independence.
Geography
Climate
Sintang, the seat of the regency has a tropical rainforest climate (Af) with heavy to very heavy rainfall year-round.
Climate data for Sintang (Susilo Airport) (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1999–2023)
Following the separation of the former southern part (eleven districts) to form the separate Melawi Regency on 18 December 2003, the residual Sintang Regency consists of fourteen districts (kecamatan), tabulated below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census[2] and 2020 Census,[3] together with their official estimates as at mid 2023.[1] The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of administrative villages in each district (totalling 390 rural desa and 16 urban kelurahan - the latter all in Sintang District), and its post code.
Kode Wilayah
Name of District (kecamatan)
Area in km2
Pop'n 2010 Census
Pop'n 2020 Census
Pop'n mid 2023 Estimate
Admin centre
No. of villages
Post code
61.05.14
Serawai
2,261.37
21,922
22,771
22,935
Nanga Serawai
38
78683
61.05.15
Ambalau
5,991.97
12,867
13,259
13,324
Nanga Kemangai
33
78684
61.05.09
Kayan Hulu
1,790.01
21,854
22,758
22,939
Nanga Tebidah
31
78694
61.05.03
Sepauk
1,502.71
46,407
53,251
55,208
Nanga Sepauk
39
78662
61.05.02
Tempunak
873.89
26,860
30,163
31,076
Nanga Tempunak
26
78661
61.05.20
Sungai Tebelian
597.64
29,144
34,679
36,334
Sungai Ukoi
26
78655
61.05.01
Sintang
355.65
59,410
77,319
83,144
Sintang (town)
29 (a)
78611 - 78619
61.05.07
Dedai
599.53
27,573
30,127
30,793
Penyak Lalang (Nanga Dedai)
31
78691
61.05.08
Kayan Hilir
1,050.46
24,423
27,562
28,437
Nanga Mau
43
78693
61.05.19
Kelam Permai
642.11
15,276
18,433
19,391
Kebong
17
78656
61.05.21
Binjai Hulu
377.48
11,332
13,910
14,706
Binjai Hulu
11
78663
61.05.04
Ketungau Hilir
1,630.88
20,567
24,100
25,138
Nanga Ketungau
24
78652
61.05.05
Katungau Tengah (Central Ketungau)
1,970.41
27,421
30,413
31,221
Nanga Merakai
29
78653
61.05.06
Ketungau Hulu
1,993.89
19,703
22,561
23,376
Senaning
29
78654
Totals
21,638.20
364,759
421,306
438,022
Sintang
406
Note: (a) comprising 16 urban kelurahan (Akcaya, Alai, Batu Lalau, Kapuas Kanan Hilir, Kapuas Kanan Hulu, Kapuas Kiri Hilir, Kapuas Kiri Hulu, Kedabang, Ladang, Mekar Jaya, Mengkurai, Menyumbung Tengah, Rawa Mambok, Sengkuang, Tanjung Puri and Ulak Jaya) and 13 desa.
Education
There are 193 kindergartens, 456 elementary schools, 142 junior high schools, and 44 senior high schools. In addition, there are 18 vocational high schools. The regency has a total of 10 universities and higher education institutions as of 2020, most of which are located in the town of Sintang.[7] One of the most notable in the regency is Kapuas Sintang University, located in Sintang district.[8] The university is private and located close to the Kapuas River. It was previously known as Panca Bhakti Teaching and Education College before becoming a university.[9] Muhammadiyah University in Pontianak also has a campus branch in Sintang, which is also private. Other colleges in the regency include Christian theological schools such as Sintang Khatulistiwa Theological College, Injili Setia Sintang Theological College, Kapuas Raya Christian College, and Immanuel Sintang Kalbar Theological College. In addition, there is a public academy owned by the West Kalimantan provincial government and one private Islamic college, Ma'arif Sintang Islamic College.[8]
The regency government also runs a regional library, located in the town of Sintang.[10]
References
1 2 3 Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2024, Kabupaten Sintang Dalam Angka 2024 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.6105)
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