Kapuas River West Kalimantan - Do you know the longest river in Indonesia? The river is located on the island of Borneo, named Kapuas River. This river stretches across Borneo island with a length reaching 1,143 Km.
Kapuas has a very important role for the people of Kalimantan, especially West Kalimantan. This river is like the lifeblood of life. All sorts of needs, especially water depend on this river. In some cities like Pontianak, which in fact have peat soil and away from the mountains, the supply of water really depends only on the water of the Kapuas river.
This time the admin will share about various things about this longest river in Indonesia.
- History of the Kapuas River
As for the history of the name Kapuas, taken from the name of one of the areas upstream of the river in West Kalimantan, which is now Kapuas has become its name has been transformed into Kapuas Hulu area.
Kapuas Flow
This river has a very close relationship in the history of the city city in Kalimantan, especially Pontianak. Based on the history of Pontianak, Kapuas River is one of the origins of the city.
Historical records note that the former founder of Pontianak, Syarif Abdurahman, traces all rivers in Kalimantan to spread Islam. In the journey through Kapuas, he was disturbed by the spirits named Kuntilanak in Batu Layang area. That is the beginning of the story of the formation of the city of Pontianak. - The location of the Kapuas River is Very Strategic
Kapuas River splits West Kalimantan Province with its head in Putussibau district, passing through Sintang, Sekadau, Sanggau and Pontianak districts. The width of this river is 70-150 meters and is never dry throughout the year.
The Flow of the Kapuas River
In ancient times until now, Kapuas became a very important transportation path in the area of West Kalimantan. In the Dutch colonial period, Kapuas became a strategic area that they must master. Various kinds of expeditions, operations, and delivery of logistics supply to control West Kalimantan districts are conducted through the Kapuas River.
In the period of independence, the river has a role that is so important in the struggle of the Indonesian nation. Kapuas becomes a supplier of various purposes. Noted during the conflicts of Malaysia and Indonesia in 1963, the Kapuas river was used for mobilization of troops from Pontianak along the border by motor boat. - Kapuas River Tour
Besides full of value for use, Kapuas River also has its own beauty and keesotisan. Some attractions and historical places visited by residents among others:
Historical tour along the Kapuas River Pontianak City
Kapuas has a very close relationship with the city of Pontianak. Starting from the history of the establishment of the city to the daily life of the community. There are several historic objects that you can visit along the river such as Jami Mosque, Palace Kadariyah Palace, Eating Stone Layang, until the Equator Monument.
Keraton Kadariyah Pontianak in the Kapuas River Basin
Palace Kadariah Palace is the first Islamic heritage building in Pontianak. The building is located right on the banks of Kapuas in the Kunyit River Pontianak. This magnificent building was founded by, sultan Sharif Abdurahman on October 23, 1771. The date is then used as the anniversary of Pontianak City. This building is very historic for the people of Pontianak because this building is the beginning of the formation of the city of Pontianak.
The second is the Jami Mosque, this mosque is a symbol of Islamic sultanate at that time. The location of this mosque adjacent to the palace kadariyah, with a distance of about 300 meters. Herein lies the spread of Islam in West Kalimantan.
Masjid Jami Pontianak on the Kapuas River
Besides the value of histrorisnya, you also can enjoy the exotic building mosque made by sultan Sharif Abdurahman this. This building has dimensions of 33 x 27 Meters. In architecture, this building combines Malay cultural architecture, Islam and Europe. The building is made entirely of wood or ironwood material. What a unique place!
Read also: the city that passed the equator
The last one is the Tomb of Batu Layang. This tomb is the tomb of the royal sultan of Pontianak and his family. The grave is on the edge of the Kapuas in the district of Jungkat, Kab Mempawah. Based on the story of the community, the location to the three historical sites near Kapuas is in a straight line.
Tomb of Raja Batu Layang
Stones are the starting place of history of Sultan Abdurahman founded the city of Pontianak. It is not clear why the sultan chose this place. But this place has its own meaning for the people of Pontianak.
Beautiful Kapuas River Bridge
After exploring the history of the Kapuas river and Pontianak, it is not complete before enjoying the beautiful view of the Kapuas river in the city of Pontianak. To enjoy the keidahannya, you can visit one of the interesting plaing spot in the city of Pontianak the Kapuas Square. There you can relax on the banks of the river while enjoying the beauty of the Kapuas river.
Galaherang Ship in Alun - Alun Sungai Kapuas
Do not move before you try to get around the Kapuas river. You should try to board the Galaherang ship. This ship is a floating cafe that will spoil its passengers with various culinary as well as around the Kapuas river.
Kapuas Bridge at Night
You can visit in the afternoon and evening to board this Galaherang ship. Later you will see the beautiful reflection of urban lights above Kapuas. You will also be taken over the magnificent bridge of Kapuas. - Shark Paradise Fish Kapuas
Sungai Terbesat in Borneo is home to more than 700 species of freshwater fish with about 12 species of rare fish and 40 other species threatened with extinction. Kapuas River is like a paradise for the fishermen besides the many fish species, in this river are still many inhabited big fish, such as tapah fish, snakehead, Gurame, Patin, and many others. - Kapuas River Basin
Puaka or commonly called puake by the people of Pontianak is a term used to refer to the guard or guardian of the Kapuas river. According to the local myth, at the base of Kapuas there is a supernatural kingdom. While the puake is the royal guard. - The legend of the Kapuas River
If you live in Pontianak for a while, you will be familiar with one of the city's songs, "Aek Kapuas". This song tells about the Pontianak community relationships with this river, following the video of the song:
This song tells about the history of the city of Pontianak and the legend or a unique story about this river. If you ever drink water of Kapuas, in the sense of living in this city. You will never forget the city of Pontianak and Kapuas and will always long to return.
