Banjarmasin Mayor Welcomes Floating Market Pier Development At TMII
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| Banjarmasin Mayor Muhammad Yamin HR welcomes the floating market pier at TMII as a strategic step to strengthen Banjar culture and promote tourism in South Kalimantan. |
BANJARMASIN — Banjarmasin Mayor H Muhammad Yamin HR has expressed strong support for the construction of a floating market pier at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), calling it a strategic move to strengthen Banjar cultural identity on a national level.
Yamin shared his remarks while attending the official inauguration of the Floating Market Pier at TMII on Saturday (April 11, 2026). He emphasized that the facility represents more than just a tourism destination, but also serves as a symbol of preserving South Kalimantan’s river-based heritage.
According to Yamin, the floating market tradition reflects the lifestyle of Banjar communities who have long lived along the Martapura River. Trading activities conducted using small boats or sampans have been an integral part of daily life for generations.
“The inauguration of the Floating Market Pier at TMII is an important moment to introduce Banua’s river culture to a wider audience. This is not merely a tourist attraction, but a representation of the Banjar people’s identity that must be preserved and developed,” Yamin stated.
Banjar River Culture Has Gained Global Recognition
Floating markets have long been recognized as one of South Kalimantan’s most iconic cultural and tourism attractions, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Within Banjarmasin City, floating market activities continue to thrive, including weekend floating markets held every Saturday and Sunday at the Martapura River promenade along Piare Tendean Street in Central Banjarmasin.
Meanwhile, the Lok Baintan Floating Market in Banjar Regency remains one of the region’s most well-preserved traditional markets and a popular tourist destination.
The floating market miniature now showcased at TMII highlights the strong commitment of regional and provincial governments to preserving and promoting Banjar culture.
Boosting Local Economy And Tourism Growth
Mayor Yamin believes the floating market pier at TMII will have a positive impact on the local economy, especially for small businesses and creative industry players.
With stronger cultural promotion at the national level, tourist visits to Banjarmasin and other parts of South Kalimantan are expected to increase significantly.
“We hope that the floating market presence at TMII will encourage visitors to explore Banjar culture and eventually visit its original locations in South Kalimantan,” he added.
In addition to showcasing traditional trading activities using boats, the floating market area at TMII also introduces a variety of South Kalimantan’s signature local products.
These include Sasirangan textile crafts, traditional culinary products, and other locally produced goods that contribute to the region’s creative economy.
Provincial Government Strengthens River Heritage Identity
South Kalimantan Governor Muhidin stated that the floating market pier development at TMII represents a significant milestone in strengthening the region’s tourism sector.
He highlighted that South Kalimantan’s river-based culture is one of its unique strengths, distinguishing it from other regions across Indonesia.
According to Muhidin, the new pier reinforces South Kalimantan’s position as a national center of river heritage culture.
Beyond cultural promotion, the initiative also serves as an opportunity to introduce micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to a wider national audience.
A Momentum To Promote Banjar Culture Nationwide
The presence of the floating market at TMII is widely viewed as a concrete step toward expanding cultural promotion to a broader national audience.
Beyond serving as an educational platform, the attraction is expected to become a new tourism highlight that sparks public interest in learning about the river-based lifestyle of South Kalimantan communities.
As awareness of Banjar culture continues to grow, regional authorities remain optimistic that the tourism sector will expand further and generate sustainable economic benefits for local communities.
FAQ
What is the Banjar Floating Market?
The Banjar Floating Market is a traditional trading activity conducted on boats or sampans along rivers, especially the Martapura River in South Kalimantan.
Where are the most famous floating markets in South Kalimantan?
Popular locations include the Lok Baintan Floating Market in Banjar Regency and the floating market area along the Martapura River promenade in Banjarmasin.
What is the purpose of building the floating market pier at TMII?
The main goal is to promote Banjar culture nationally, strengthen regional cultural identity, and support tourism development.
What economic benefits are expected from this development?
The project is expected to boost sales of local products such as Sasirangan textiles, traditional foods, and other creative economy goods.
When was the Floating Market Pier at TMII inaugurated?
The Floating Market Pier at TMII was officially inaugurated on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
