Floating Market at TMII Strengthens Banjar Cultural Identity Nationally

This is not merely a tourist destination, but a representation of the Banjar people’s identity that we must continue to preserve and develop. Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - The Mayor of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, H Muhammad Yamin HR, has positively welcomed the construction of the Floating Market dock at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) as a strategic step in strengthening Banjar cultural identity on the national stage. Yamin stated in Banjarmasin on Sunday that the Floating Market is a culture of the Banjar community living along the banks of the Martapura River, including in Banjarmasin City, which was formerly known as the Kuin Floating Market. In addition to the Banjarmasin City area, where impromptu Floating Markets are now held every Saturday and Sunday at the Martapura River Embankment on Jalan Piare Tendean, Central Banjarmasin, the Lok Baintan Floating Market in Banjar Regency remains vibrant. Yamin explained that the Floating Market is one of the cultural and tourism identities of South Kalimantan that has gained worldwide recognition, to the extent that a miniature version is displayed at TMII Jakarta by the South Kalimantan Provincial Government. “The inauguration of the Floating Market Dock at TMII is an important moment to introduce the unique river culture of Banua to the wider public. This is not just a tourist destination, but a representation of the Banjar people’s identity that we must continue to preserve and develop,” he said. He also hopes that this will increase tourist visits to Banjarmasin. The Governor of South Kalimantan, Muhidin, stated that the presence of this dock represents significant progress for the tourism sector and strengthens South Kalimantan’s position as a centre for river cultural heritage in Indonesia. In addition to showcasing the Floating Market with its trading activities using sampans, South Kalimantan at TMII Jakarta also introduces various local business products such as Sasirangan fabric crafts, regional specialities, and others, which are expected to drive grassroots economic growth and the creative industry.