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Learn How to Pronounce Kalimantan | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Kalimantan

Quick Answer: In Indonesian, the name Kalimantan is pronounced [kalimanˈtan].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Kalimantan, encompassing the southern three-quarters of the island of Borneo, constitutes the sovereign territory of Indonesia and stands as one of the world's largest and most ecologically significant landmasses. Administratively, it is divided into five provinces: West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, and the newer North Kalimantan, established in 2012. The region is globally renowned for its vast and biodiverse tropical rainforests, which are critical habitats for endangered species like the Bornean orangutan, and its substantial deposits of natural resources including coal, gold, and petroleum. This immense wealth in timber and minerals has historically driven the Kalimantan economy but also presents ongoing challenges in balancing sustainable development with crucial conservation efforts for its fragile ecosystems and the cultures of indigenous Dayak communities. Ecotourism in Kalimantan, particularly centered around river systems like the Kapuas and Mahakam and national parks such as Tanjung Puting, offers a glimpse into its unparalleled natural heritage.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The term "Kalimantan" is consistently spelled with a 'K' in English, reflecting the Indonesian orthography, and is the standard and correct form. A common misspelling replaces the initial 'K' with a 'C', resulting in "Calimantan," likely due to phonetic interpretation or confusion with other geographical names. Other frequent errors include misspellings such as "Kalimatan" (omitting the 'n'), "Kalimantán" (adding an unnecessary accent), or "Kalamantan" (swapping the 'i' for an 'a'). It is also important to distinguish "Kalimantan" from "Borneo"; while Kalimantan refers specifically to the Indonesian portion, Borneo is the name for the entire island, which also includes the nations of Malaysia and Brunei. In historical contexts, the term "Indonesian Borneo" is sometimes used synonymously with Kalimantan.

Example Sentences

Adventurous travelers often journey to Kalimantan to witness its dense rainforests and unique wildlife firsthand.

The provincial government of East Kalimantan has implemented new policies to manage its extensive coal mining operations more sustainably.

Researchers studying peatland ecosystems frequently conduct fieldwork in the swamp forests of Central Kalimantan.

The cultural traditions of the Dayak people, including elaborate woodcarving and traditional longhouses, remain integral to Kalimantan's identity.

Logging and palm oil plantation expansion continue to be pressing environmental issues across much of Kalimantan.

To reach the remote interior villages, one must often travel for days by boat along Kalimantan's extensive network of rivers.

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