Tana Tidung, Administrative regency in North Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Tana Tidung is an administrative regency in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, comprising five districts with Tideng Pale as its administrative center. The region sits at about 27 meters elevation and features a landscape of rural settlements interspersed with dense forests.
The Tidung Kingdom controlled this region from the 11th century until the colonial period, relocating its capital from Tarakan to Malinau in 1900. This shift reflected changing power dynamics as European colonial forces reshaped the political landscape.
The name Tana Tidung comes from the word "tiding," meaning hills, and represents the ancestral territories of the Tidung people. The region is home to Tidung, Dayak, and Malay communities who maintain distinct traditions and share spaces in villages and towns.
The region's economy relies heavily on agriculture, which provides livelihoods for many residents and shapes daily work rhythms. Visitors should expect rural roads and basic infrastructure, with the dry season being the best time to explore the area.
With around 27,000 inhabitants, this is Indonesia's least populated regency, which gives it a relatively unknown character compared to more developed regions. The low population density allows visitors to experience the area without crowds and in genuine interaction with local people.
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