West Kalimantan

Lying directly on the equator with many canals crisscross the city and one of Indonesia’s longest rivers, the Kapuas (1,143 km long) divides the town in two, providing an essential and historical communications link. Stone carvings and ceramics can be traced as far back as the 5th century, but it is the influence of Islam that has had the most impact on this region. West Kalimantan covers an area of over 146,607 sq km, rich in a variety of minerals and precious stones, and remains largely unexplored. Coastal areas are mainly swamp lands with more than 100 rivers sculpting the flat plains. In the mountainous eastern parts of the province, away from the city and plains, there are many Dayak villages. A large Chinese population, Malays and other Indonesian ethnic groups account for the rest of the inhabitants of the province. West Kalimantan has a tropical climate with the average daily minimum temperature of 220,9 C and maximum 310,05 C. A light rainy season from March - May and the heavy rain from November - January.

Getting there

Supadio International airport, 18 km from Pontianak city is easily accessible from Jakarta or Singapore by air.
PELNI’s Ship sail from Jakarta and Surabaya to Pontianak. Pontianak is easy accesible from kuching, East Malaysia via Entikong.

Tourism Events

Bumi Khatulistiwa Culture Festival
The Festival is held twice a year to celebrate Pontianak’s position right on the Equator. This festival features traditional West Kalimantan art, tourism, and cultural exhibitions, and traditional sport competition contests and seminar are also held this event on March 2008.

Places of Interest

Pontianak.

Pontianak. A capital city of West Kalimantan province covering an area of 146,607 sq kms. Some tourism object closest to Pontianak city are Kada-riah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, and the Kapuas and Landak River. Beach Resorts of Kijing and Temajoh Islands are good places for rest after diving, fishing and sailing.

Equator Monument

Equator Monument. A five kilometers north of Pontianak city is the precise spot at which the equator bisects the earth. Explore an astronomi cal experiences of the phenomena for a period of only 5-10 minutes twice a year.

A Long House Replica

A Long House Replica. Reflection of the past of the Dayak tribes, a long house “Rumah Betang” situated at Jl. Letjen Sutoyo Pontianak is a unique traditional house. On April 20-23 every year, the ceremony of “Gawai Dayak” will be held.

Pasir Panjang

Pasir Panjang. 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency, is the beach resort of Pasir Panjang, ideal for swimming and tennis. Comfortable cottages are available. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng Hill Resort is a good place for nature lovers

Selimpah Beach

Selimpah Beach is a camping area on the beach where among February until May, many turtles lay their eggs there. It is 305 Km from Pontianak city or 80 Km from Sambas.

Palung National Park

Palung National Park. The Gunung Palung National Park, located in the Ketapang regency covers over 90,000 sq km, is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Hot springs, lakes and caves are among the many special features here. The park can be reached by plane or express boat from Pontianak to Ketapang or to Telok Melano and proceed by minibus for 2 hours drive or by kandong (traditional boat) for 6 hours.

Karimata Island

Karimata Island. A spectacular marine nature reserve 100 kilometers east of Ketapang and covering an area of 77,000 square kilometers, the island is home to many species of turtlrs and dugongs.
The Regional airport Rahadi Usman and sea port make it an important link to the rest of Kalimantan.
Accommodation ranging from moderate hotels including restaurants is available.

Kapuas Hulu

Kapuas Hulu, a mega diversity eco-tourism with its huge lagoon amongst the regions in entire Borneo. Covers numerous sites of interest in Betung Kerihun National Park such as botanical inclined, animal lovers, ritual ceremonies by the Dayaks, local music and art, handicraft in the making, Daily life of local communities, Trekking into the jungle, Braving the Rapids, Exploring the caves, adventure – Journey into the Heart of Borneo West.
Danau Sentarum National Park is well worth a visit for its huge lagoon lies on the Borneo land of the West. Covers an area of 132,000 ha situated in Kapuas Hulu Regency, Semitau Sub-District, within a 1,5 hour your convenience trip by speed boat of 20 HP enter the area and explore more traditional floating houses on long boats. Surrounding fresh water swamp with a number of 5 different lakes is also home to the large selection of more than 220 fresh water fish species of any lake in the world. Salty fishes, baked fish. Foremost amongst these are the Super Red Arrowana (Scleropages formosus), or local name “Ikan Silok”, famed for its beautiful coloration and much prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike. A uniquely breeding of this Super Red Arrowana by locals Malay and Dayak. At night the visitors are welcome to stay at indigenous floating houses on the of the Sentarum National Park while self-eatering, fishing, swimming, bush walking, mountain climbing, cruise by traditional boat or speed boat makes your journey ne¬ver ending.

Kendawangan Nature Reserve

Kendawangan Nature Reserve is enriched with an ecosystem comprising lowland fo¬rest, coastal forest, mangrove forest, swamp forest and peat forest. Covering an area of 150,000 square kilometers, this reserve is also home to sea turtle.

Menager Multi-Level Waterfall

Menager Multi-Level Waterfall, cascade down in seven stages over a vast area, surrounded by pristine rainforest, caves Barema – Dayak worship site, rapid stream calm pools of water invite young and old alike to soak in their tranquil depths, this unique waterfall to create a breathtaking spectacle for all to enjoy. Complementing this natural wonder are the ringing calls of birds as they echo from the trees.
This unique waterfall situated between Landak and Bengkayang is easily accessible by 4WD.
Renowned mysteriously as Bukit Kelam (Dark Hill) is a huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang.
Sintang is a river town on the confluence of the Kapuas and Melawi rivers, strategically making it the center of Chinese trade with the interior of Borneo. Steel stairs ascend the mountain’s side offering an exciting challenge for adventurous visitors.
This huge stone outcrop forms a spectacular natural backdrop for the town of Sintang, covering an area 520 square kilometers and rising some 900 m (3,000 ft) from the plain below. Kelam (which means “dark” in Indonesia) begins to wear its characteristic shroud of clouds by mid afternoon becoming a brooding, spellbinding image.Is only 15 km from Sintang by public transportation. Rest pavilions and coffee shops are located nearby for the weary traveler.

Baning Nature Reserve

Baning Nature Reserve. This nature reserve provides a beauty panorama for locals alike as its location is right in the heart of Sintang city. Baning National Park is easily accessible for visitors and residents alike. With its unique ecosystem, virgin tropical rainforest and breathtaking panoramic view a quiet oasis. Many varieties of orchids and Kantong Semar flowers create the setting for a beautiful nature walk. For those who love adventure, Nokanayan and Jegonoi waterfalls with its crisscross canal of the river Nokanayan making a perfect apot for visitors world wide.
Detail information for the adventurous lovers are kindly advised to meet the Unit office in Sintang.

The Hidden Paradise in The Heart of Borneo

The Hidden Paradise in The Heart of Borneo. The beauty of nature, a tropical ca¬nyon, lush jungle, fill with rapids and various flora and fauna. With a view of the Schwaner mountains. Come to NOKAN NAYAN where hidden paradise is waiting for you, in the heart of Borneo. There two amazing waterfalls, Nokanayan and Nokan Jengonoi both have a heigh of more than 200 meters hight with more than 50 meter width. With cantons and beauty virgin surrounding.

Myriad array of Malay

Myriad array of Malay. Furthermore, the musical instrument gambus, ketipang, rebana and tar-tar of the Malay dance with its vibrant color of dresses with the men’s motive of Teluk Belanga tied around the waist and wear a hat. For women called “Baju Kurung” and weaving Sarung completed with scarf. Ranging from fascinating array of attractions of the Dayak Dancing and ritual ceremonies to magical treatment, Cap Go Meh Chinese Dancing Dragon with the Ma¬gical Tatung, Robok, Malay Traditional Music and Dance with its weaving clothes in vibrant colors, Cannon Barrage Festival by Malay in Pontianak and much more become the most significant events for the visitors world wide.

Chinese - Tionghoa Display Performances Amazing Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with its Magical Tatung (LOYA).
As one of the highest concentration of ethnic Chinese or locals “Tionghoa”, in West Kalimantan the Singkawang city provides the Spectacular Magical Tatung and Dan¬cing Dragon during the Chinese happy New Year with its Cap Go Meh – Imlek – Xong She Fat Xoi.
The most attractive traditional musical instrument displayed on special occasion of:
Xong Xi Fat Choi or Wedding party. Ama¬zing Singkawang Chinese Tionghoa Dancing Dragon with the Magical Tatung.

Handicraft & Choices Of Souvenirs

Handicraft & Choices Of Souvenirs. The most conspicuous handicrafts of West Kalimantan. The most well known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various motif in vibrant colors.
Kain Sambas (Weaving cloth) and the Dayak weaving cloth of Ensaik Panjang, Sintang. Cual, Corak Insang, Lunggi Woven, Kalengkang embroidery, and West Kalimantan’s batik.
Choices of handicraft, woven material, rattan, philodendron and wood of West Kalimantan.
Pandanus Plaited bag, bamboo plaited baskets, dishes covers, mat, souvenirs Khatulistiwa monument miniature, bandong traditional boat miniatures, Dayak scimitar, key holders, and woodcarving, ceramics, tie woven beads. It is advisable to come over the Indonesia National Crafts Council (DEKRANASDA) at Jl. Hasanudin Pontianak, Souvenir Shop at Jl. Pattimura, Koperasi KERTA at Jl. Adi Sucipto Pontianak. Further Sambas is renowned with its Weaving Cloth. The most well-known cloth in the region of West Kalimantan with its various kinds of motif in vibrant colors. Meanwhile, Dayak weaving cloth is made by locals Dayak at Ensaid village in Sintang Regency becomes the most wanted by Europe countries and other overseas countries. Dayak Scimitar, or locals Mandau made by the Dayak people in Melawi Regency. This unique replica of Mandau with its scabbard made in big scale of more than 2m x 0,5 height by the Dayak in Melawi Regency creates the best souvenir as its unique style, intricate paintings, design and carving.

Keraton Dara Juanti

Keraton Dara Juanti is the palace in the Sintang's kingdom.

Kelam Hill's Nepenthes

Nepenthes is one of plants who can looked on the kelam hill. Nepenthes called as kantong semar or entuyut by sintang's people.

National Parks and Nature Reserves at Borneo

Kalimantan has a number of nature reserves to protect its unique flora and fauna. Kersik Luway is where the very rare 'Black Orchid' (Colongenia Pandurata) grows, located upstreams the Mahakam river, East Kalimantan. Bontang, in the regency of Kutai with an area of about 200,000 ha, has a rare flora and fauna.

The Kutai National Park near Bontang is worth visiting to see scenery especially those at Beras Basah. Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is the oldest conservation site of Kalimantan's flora and fauna. The park is inhabited by Orang Utans, Owa-owa, Bekantan and other primates. Also found here the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre which is supported by the Would Wildlife Fund (WWF).

In West Kalimantan, Gunung Palung National Park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also an interesting place to visit to see the Rafflesia or giant flower. Singkawang is also a nature reserve.

The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang. In South Kalimantan, there is the Kaget island, home to a wide variety of birds and monkeys, Most notably the humorous longnosed proboscis monkeys.
West Kalimantan National Parks and Jungle

Key National Parks include:
• Mount Palung National Park
• Kendawangan Natural Preservation
• Sentarum Lake Wild Animal Preservation
• Bukit Baka / Bukit Raya National Park
• Kelam Hill Baning Tourism Forest
• Bekantan (Sentarum Lake Wild Animal Reservation)
Central Kalimantan National Parks
• Tanjung Puting National Park
• Bukit Tangkil National Park

Other Places of Interest:
• Burung Lake in West Kotawaringin.
• Porarawu Wildlife Preservation nearby Muara Teweh.
• Gunung Pararawen (Mount Pararawen).
• Kereng Bangkirai Lake in Palangkaraya.
• Tahai Lake in Palangkaraya.

Dukungan Untuk Kapuas Raya

Sintang, 11/9/2007 ; Rektor UNKA (Universitas Kapuas) Dr. Arkanuddin Msi akan segera memberi dukungan

secara tertulis mengenai pemekaran propinsi Kapuas Raya.

"Saya berharap mulai dari mahasiswa, alumni yang tersebar di Kapuas Hulu, Melawi, Sekadau dan Sanggau serta

kalangan dosen hendaknya dapat merespon secar positif dengan memberikan dukungan tertulis, " kata Arkanuddin, di

Sintang, beberapa waktu lalu.

Lembaga perguruan tinggi mesti memberikan dukungan secara penuh atas terkait percepatan pemekaran propinsi di

wilayah timur Kalimantan Barat (Kalbar).

Dalam waktu dekat, dirinya akan mengumpulkan para dosen dan organisasi kemahasiswaan unka guna membahas

dukungan tertulis berupa tanda tangan baik kepada bupati sintang maupun pansus DPRD kalbar.

Ia juga berharap DPRD propinsi kiranya segera membuat rekomendasi tertulis agar proses pemekaran berjalan dengan

lancar sesuai rencana. Mengingat rentang kendali roda pemerintahan terlalu jauh dan sudah saatnya kalbar terbagi jadi

dua propinsi.

Sementara dampak dari pemekaran nanti, UNKA bisa berubah status perguruan tinggi. Yang jelas terbentuk propinsi

Kapuas Raya bakal memberikan dampak signifikan bagi suatu daerah di masa mendatang.

(Sumber: www.bipnewsroom.info)

National Parks and Nature Reserves in West Kalimantan

In West Kalimantan, Gunung Palung National Park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also an interesting place to visit to see the Rafflesia or giant flower. Singkawang is also a nature reserve.

The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang. In South Kalimantan, there is the Kaget island, home to a wide variety of birds and monkeys, Most notably the humorous longnosed proboscis monkeys.
West Kalimantan National Parks and Jungle

Key National Parks include:
• Mount Palung National Park
• Kendawangan Natural Preservation
• Sentarum Lake Wild Animal Preservation
• Bukit Baka / Bukit Raya National Park
• Kelam Hill Baning Tourism Forest
• Bekantan (Sentarum Lake Wild Animal Reservation)

Borneo Island (West Kalimantan)

One of the main attractions of West Kalimantan (kalimantan Barat) is the culture of its Dayak ethnic groups. Most Dayaks live in long houses along rivers which criss-cross the land. This province covers an area of 146,807 square km. Its low plains are swampy with more than 100 rivers playing a vital role in communications and the economy.

Scattered across the swamps are several lakes and villages, often linked by bridges. The provincial capital, Pontianak lies exactly on the Equator. It is a fast growing city divided into three parts by the Kapuas and Landak Rivers. Pontianak is the main gate to enter this province through Supadio Airport, 18 km from the city.

The Kapuas River, about 1143 km, is one of the longest river in Indonesia, connecting Pontianak with the Sanggau, Sintang and Kapuas Hulu Regencies. Among the branches of the Kapuas River are the Landak, Kubu, Punggur, Melawi and Sekayam Rivers.

The population of West Kalimantan consist of the Dayaks, Malays, Chinese and some other Indonesian ethnic groups.

Dayak dances express respect, heroism, welcome and cure. It is recommended to take a river trip and make overnight stops at villages where dance performances are organized on advance notice.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN WEST KALIMANTAN

Pontianak - As the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting places to visit, among others the Equator Monument, Kadariah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges with a river view and floating market. You can also simply relax in the recreational park Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and Temajoh Island are good places for diving, fishing and sailing.

Bukit Kelam (Kelam Hill) - This is an attractive tourism object, completed with beautiful and pritisne scenery. There are long houses of Dayak tribe, and for the more adventurous, this hill is great for rock climbing. Kelam Hill is located about 18 km from Sintang, and accesible by overland and waterways transportation. From Pontianak to Sintang, it Takes about 8 hours by bus, or through waterways on Kapuas River by “Bandung Boat”.

Hutan Wisata Baning (Baning Tourism Forest) - Located just outside Sintang, this forest characterizes a tropical forest with various species of orchids and specific plants, such as nepenthes or “Bunga Kantong Semar”. The area can be reached overland or through waterways.

Bukit Baka/Bukit Raya National Park - It is situated in Serawai District, Sintang Regency. Bukit Baka covers an area of about 100,000 hectars of tropical forest with various species of animals. Serawai can be reached through waterways by motorboat from Sintang Regency.

Dara Juanti Museum (Sintang Palace) - Formerly, this museum was the Palace of Sintang. This museum displays the collection of some inheritances of Sintang Kingdom. The museum can be visited every day.
Location: around the bank of Kapuas River. It is about 395 km from Pontianak, and it can be reached either overland (by bus) about 8 hours, or through Kapuas River (by boat) between 20-48 hours.

Betang (Longhouse) - On the outskirts of Pontianak is a Dayak traditional long house at Saham village, 158 km from Pontianak. The longhouse is huge - 186 m long and 6 m wide, and is inhabited by 269 people! There is no tourist accommodation available here.

Pasir Panjang - It lies 17 km from Singkawang in the Sambas regency. There is a beach resort, ideal for swimming. Comfortable cottages are available equipped with a tennis court. In the vicinity of Singkawang, the Gunung Poteng hill resort with its fresh air is a good place for nature lovers.

National Park and Nature Reserve - The Gunung (Mount) Palung National Park located in the Ketapang regency is home to miscellaneous flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also an interesting place to visit in order to see the Rafflesia.

Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found. The other nature reserves are the forests of Baning and Kelam Hill in the Sintang Regency. While in Kapuas Hulu, there is the Bentuang

ACCOMMODATION - West Kalimantan has recently been developed for tourist traffic, however, Pontianak has two three-star hotels, each with modern amenities and also facilities for conventions.

Kapuas River

The town of Sintang thrives largely because of the trade and community-life that congregates along its riverfront.

Tourist Trip Operate Daily In Sintang (West Borneo)

Starting point : Pontianak / Kalimantan
Ending point : Pontianak / Kalimantan

Day 01 : Pontianak - Arrival (D)
Upon arrival, meeting service and then transfer to your hotel. Dinner at local restaurant. Accommodation at hotel.

Day 02 : Pontianak - Sintang (BLD)
Assemble at the lobby, then depart for Sintang by small aircraft, Cesna 02 engine with max. capacity 9 persons. From the air you can see the Kapuas River criss-cross through the green sprawling landscape. On arrival, you will be transferred to a simple hotel. Sintang is a small town divided into three parts by Kapuas river and Melawi River. Sintang town shopping area, Sintang Tanjung Puri Government area, and Sintang Kampung Raja now used as the Dara Juanti Museum. Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 03 : Sintang - Kerbiau River (BLD)
Today we take a small boat to go upstream the Kapuas River enjoying the water traffic and the scenic river. The trip will take full day to arrive at a small river of Keliau and set up a tent to stay overnight.

Day 04 : Kerbiau River - Sabang Laja - Ensait (BLD)
Today we continue our boat trip to Sabang LAja village and then on foot following tracks to Ensait Panjang. There are two Ensait Long house : Ensait Panjang and Ensait Pendek, situated at a distance. We pass through Ensait Pendek and stay overnight in Ensait Panjang. Dinner will be served together with the community and hospitality with the chief. Here we can see how they traditionally weave clothes, plait baskets, etc... and how the natives live in harmony.

Day 05 : Ensait Panjang - Bukit Kelam (BLD)
Taking an oplet (public transport) to Kelam hill. The peak of Kelam hill can be reached within 5 hours climb. Overnight at the peak and for those who can not climb they can stay overnight at the foot of the hill

Day 06 : Kelam Hill - Sintang (BLD)
By public transport we return to Sintang to relax after a few day trips. In the evening, farewell with the guides.

Day 07 : Sintang - Pontianak - Departure (B)
Transfer to airport for departure to your next destination via Pontianak

The Interest Places in Sintang

• Kelam Hill
• This is an attractive tourism object, completed with beautiful and pritisne scenery. There are long houses of Dayak tribe, and for the more adventurous, this hill is great for rock climbing. Kelam Hill is located about 18 km from Sintang, and accesible by overland and waterways transportation. From Pontianak to Sintang, it Takes about 8 hours by bus, or through waterways on Kapuas River by “Bandung Boat”.
• Baning Tourism Forest
• Located just outside Sintang, this forest characterizes a tropical forest with various species of orchids and specific plants, such as nepenthes or “Bunga Kantong Semar”. The area can be reached overland or through waterways.
• Bukit Baka/Bukit Raya National Park
  It is situated in Serawai District, Sintang Regency. Bukit Baka covers an area of about 100,000 hectars of tropical forest with various species of animals. Serawai can be reached through waterways by motorboat from Sintang Regency.
• Dara Juanti Museum (Sintang Palace)
  Formerly, this museum was the Palace of Sintang. This museum displays the collection of some inheritances of Sintang Kingdom. The museum can be visited every day.
  Location: around the bank of Kapuas River. It is about 395 km from Pontianak, and it can be reached either overland (by bus) about 8 hours, or through Kapuas River (by boat) between 20-48 hours.

Kabupaten Sintang

Kabupaten Sintang

SEJARAH Kabupaten Sintang dimulai ketika Demong Irawan yang bergelar

Jubair I pada tahun 1385 mendirikan Kerajaan Senentang, yang berarti

sungai- sungai dengan arus berlawanan. Kerajaan ini terletak di daerah

apitan Sungai Kapuas dan Sungai Melawi dengan anak-anak sungainya.

Bekas istana kerajaan yang akhirnya dikenal dengan nama Kerajaan Sintang

ini pada tahun 1938 direnovasi, lalu dialihfungsikan menjadi museum

dengan nama Museum Dara Juanti. Museum yang memajang semua

peninggalan kerajaan ini mampu memperkaya khasanah pariwisata

Kabupaten Sintang.

Potensi pariwisata Kabupaten Sintang amat beragam. Selain wisata sejarah,

kabupaten yang berjarak 395 kilometer dari Kota Pontianak ini juga memiliki pesona alam yang

indah. Wilayahnya yang berbukit dan penuh hutan memberikan keuntungan yang tidak sedikit. Di

daerah ini ada Bukit Kelam yang terkenal dengan lereng batunya, Hutan Wisata Baning yang

terletak di tengah kota dengan aneka ragam anggrek dan kantung semar. Begitu pula air terjun

Nokanayan serta Taman Nasional Bukit Baka dengan rumah-rumah panjang khas Suku Dayak

yang disebut Rumah Betang.

Obyek pariwisata kabupaten ini mendapat keuntungan ganda dari hutan belantara yang

dimilikinya. Sebagai bagian dari Pulau Kalimantan dengan identitas hutan tropis yang lebat,

Sintang juga sarat dengan hutan yang luas. Lebih dari dua pertiga total lahan kabupaten seluas

3,23 juta hektar ini adalah hutan. Selain hutan lindung dengan keragaman hayatinya, Sintang

memiliki 1,4 juta hektar hutan produksi yang bernilai ekonomis. Saat ini terdapat empat

perusahaan pemegang hak pengusahaan hutan (HPH) yang beroperasi di areal hutan

produksinya.

Tahun lalu para pemegang HPH ini membabat 24.800 hektar hutan produksi kayu bulat. Secara

langsung kas daerah mendapatkan pemasukan dari retribusi daerah yang dikenakan menurut

jenis kayu berdasar pada jumlah produksi. Sedangkan untuk jenis pungutan lain seperti Provisi

Sumber Daya Hutan (PSDH), Iuran Hasil Pengusahaan Hutan (IHPH), dan berbagai jenis

pungutan lainnya dikelola oleh pemerintah pusat. Sementara bagi masyarakat, di samping kayu

bulat, produk hutan yang dimanfaatkan untuk mendapatkan nafkah adalah rotan, getah damar,

kulit kayu, dan bambu.

Potensi kabupaten yang tahun 1999 mempunyai pendapatan per kapita Rp 1,9 juta ini kurang

mendapatkan daya dukung dari prasarana jalan. Jalan darat, baik di dalam kabupaten maupun

jalan provinsi, banyak yang rusak. Perjalanan dari Sintang ke Putussibau, ibu kota Kabupaten

Kapuas Hulu atau dari Sintang ke Kabupaten Sanggau terjadi kerusakan yang parah di sepanjang

ruas jalan. Kerusakan jalan ini sedikit banyak menimbulkan gangguan yang cukup berarti

terhadap arus distribusi barang ke dalam dan ke luar kabupaten.

***

Kabupaten Sintang berdasarkan kegiatan ekonominya dapat digolongkan sebagai daerah agraris.

Sektor pertanian dengan subsektor kehutanan memberikan kontribusi terbesar senilai Rp 454,8

milyar. Menurut teksturnya, tanah kabupaten ini berjenis podsolik yang bersifat masam dan

kandungan unsur hara di bawah lapisan permukaan rendah. Tekstur seperti ini lebih sesuai untuk

tanaman tahunan atau tanaman perkebunan.

Pertanian perkebunan merupakan sistem pertanian yang secara tradisional dikenal masyarakat

Sintang, selain ladang berpindah. Sejak dulu masyarakat sudah bertanam karet dan lada. Sampai

saat ini, dua jenis tanaman itu masih menjadi andalan bagi 34.000 kepala keluarga penduduk

Sintang.

Jenis tanaman perkebunan yang berkembang pesat adalah kelapa sawit. Jika tanaman karet dan

lada sebagian besar merupakan perkebunan rakyat, kelapa sawit banyak diusahakan oleh

perkebunan swasta besar. Luas lahan kelapa sawit tahun 1995 tercatat 16.000 hektar. Lima

tahun kemudian luasnya sudah dua kali lipat menjadi 34.835 hektar. Tetapi, kenaikan areal

perkebunan di kabupaten yang berbatasan langsung dengan Serawak ini mengakibatkan

penurunan yang tajam pada areal hutan produksi yang dapat dikonversi.

Daya tarik Sintang di mata investor perkebunan memang cukup besar. Tahun ini tercatat ada 53

perusahaan yang mengajukan izin untuk mendapatkan pengusahaan lahan perkebunan, tetapi di

lapangan hanya 12 perusahaan yang konsisten membuka lahan. Selebihnya banyak yang

menelantarkan lahannya.

Hasil perkebunan setidaknya menjadi motor penggerak sektor perdagangan. Tahun 1999, nilai

kegiatan ekonominya Rp 228,8 milyar. Bahan olah karet rakyat (bokar) petani dijual ke pabrik

kilang karet (

crumb rubber

) milik PT Perkebunan Negara XIII yang berada di Sintang atau diolah

di pabrik kilang karet yang ada di Pontianak. Sedangkan komoditas lada, baik lada hitam maupun

lada putih, dijual melalui pedagang pengumpul yang langsung membeli dari petani. Komoditas ini

banyak dipasarkan di Serawak, terutama di daerah dekat perbatasan. Di Sintang juga berdiri

pabrik

crude palm oil

(CPO) yang mengolah buah sawit.

Alam yang tidak menguntungkan untuk sistem pertanian sawah bukan berarti tanaman pangan

tidak berkembang. Petani Sintang yang dahulu mengenal sistem berladang untuk bertanam padi,

sekarang sudah banyak yang bertani sawah. Padi sawah yang tahun 1993 hanya ditanam di

sembilan hektar, tahun 1999 sudah menjadi 29,3 hektar dengan produksi 67 ton. Sedangkan

padi ladang yang ditanam di lahan seluas 25,6 hektar, sudah menghasilkan padi 39 ton. Petani di

kabupaten yang termasuk penerima transmigran terbesar di Kalimantan Barat ini juga bertanam

sayur-sayuran, palawija, dan umbi-umbian di tanah pertaniannya yang tidak subur.

by: Pratiwi