East Kalimantan

East Kalimantan is a province on the eastern side of Borneo island in Indonesia, covering wide rainforests, numerous rivers and mountainous terrain between the Celebes Sea and Makassar Strait. The topography ranges from coastal plains to forested highlands inland, with waterways often serving as connections between remote communities.

The Kingdom of Kutai Martadipura ruled parts of the region from the fourth century and left early inscriptions in Sanskrit texts. After Indonesian independence, the area became an official province and was later reorganized territorially, with northern areas receiving separate administration.

Many place names come from local Dayak and Kutai languages, while coastal areas show Malay and Buginese influences in daily speech and architecture. In inland villages, traditional longhouses stand near newer homes, and markets display a mix of fish, forest goods and imported items.

Main connections run between larger cities along the coast, with boats and smaller planes reaching remote inland settlements. Travelers should prepare for high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, while road conditions in rural areas can vary significantly.

The cave of Lubang Jeriji Saléh holds animal depictions that rank among the oldest known cave paintings in the world. Over the coming years, part of the province will be transformed into Indonesia's new capital, marking one of the largest capital relocations in recent history.

Location: Indonesia

Inception: July 2, 1958

Capital city: Samarinda

Elevation above the sea: 69 m

Shares border with: North Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, Sarawak, Nusantara

Website: http://kaltimprov.go.id

GPS coordinates: 1.05000,116.31667

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00