South Sumatra, Indonesian province in southern Sumatra.
South Sumatra is a province in the southern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, running from the mountain ranges in the west to the broad lowlands and coastal zones in the east. The area takes in rainforest, plantations, river valleys, and mangrove forests along the shoreline.
The region was the center of the Buddhist Srivijaya empire from the seventh to the thirteenth century, which ruled over much of Southeast Asia. After Srivijaya declined, an Islamic sultanate emerged here in the fifteenth century, shaping the culture and religion seen today.
The name of this region refers to its position on the southern part of the island, and visitors hear a mix of languages in daily conversation, from Malay dialects to Javanese and local tongues. Mosques with tall minarets rise above the markets, where vendors sell spices, woven textiles, and fresh produce from the rivers and fields.
Travelers reach the province most easily through Palembang, which has an airport with international and domestic connections. Roads link the larger towns, while boats and ferries move along the rivers to reach more remote villages.
The large rivers of the province form a wide network of waterways that has served as the main transport artery for centuries and still supports floating markets where traders sell their goods directly from boats. Some villages can only be reached by water and live by the rhythm of the tides and the river flow.
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