Bontang, Indonesia

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Bontang, Indonesia

Region: East Kalimantan

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Geographic Coordinates: 0.133300, 117.500000

Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year in Bontang, Indonesia.

Population: 161413

Language: Indonesian

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Bontang is a city located in the East Kalimantan province of Indonesia. It is situated on the eastern coast of Borneo Island and serves as an important industrial hub for the region. The city has a population of around 150, 000 people and is known for its strategic location, Natural resources, And economic potential. The city was established in 1999 as part of the Indonesian government’s efforts to develop new cities across the country. Since then, It has become one of Indonesia’s most important industrial centers.

The economy is primarily based on natural gas production and processing which accounts for over 90% of its GDP. One unique feature that sets Bontang apart from other cities is its location near major oil and gas fields in East Kalimantan. As such, It serves as a major transportation hub for these resources with pipelines connecting offshore platforms and processing facilities throughout the region. Aside from energy production, Bontang also boasts a thriving manufacturing sector with several large factories producing textiles to automotive parts creating jobs and boosting economic growth in the area.

Despite being an industrial center, Bontang offers plenty of recreational activities such as Bukit Bangkirai National Park featuring stunning rainforest scenery along with hiking trails high above forest floors. Another highlight includes rich cultural heritage where visitors can explore local museums or attend traditional festivals like Pesta Budaya Dayak to learn more about fascinating history. Overall, Bontang offers visitors an intriguing mix of industry, Nature & culture making it one-of-a-kind destination worth exploring further!

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• Bontang is a city in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province, known for its natural beauty and rich culture.
• Some of the top tourist attractions in Bontang include:
• Sangkima Nature Reserve
• Kayan Mentarang National Park
• Bontang LNG Plant
• Bukit Bangkirai nature reserve
• Taman Wisata Alam Kutai National Park
• Beras Basah Island
• Monument Perjuangan Rakyat Kalimantan Timur dedicated to the struggles of the people of East Kalimantan during Indonesia’s fight for independence
• Additionally, there are three beautiful beaches near Bontang City Centre:
• Pantai Melawai Indah Beach
• Teluk Pandan Beach
• Pantai Tanjung Laut

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Primary Industries

1. Oil and Gas Industry: Bontang has a large natural gas processing plant that produces liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export.
2. Petrochemical Industry: There are several petrochemical companies operating in Bontang, producing chemicals such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and butadiene.
3. Mining Industry: Coal mining is an important industry in the surrounding areas of Bontang.
4. Agriculture: The fertile land around Bontang allows for the cultivation of crops such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, and cocoa.
5. Fishing Industry: With its location near the coast of the Makassar Strait, fishing is also an important industry in Bontang.
6. Manufacturing Industry: There are various manufacturing industries present in Bontang including cement production plants and steel fabrication factories.
7. Service Sector: The service sector including retail stores, hotels and restaurants also plays a significant role in the economy of Bontang due to its growing population and increasing tourism activities.

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Noteable History

1. PT Badak NGL was established in 1974 and has become one of the largest producers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Indonesia. The company has played a significant role in the economic development of Bontang.
2. In 1977, PT Badak NGL partnered with international oil companies to construct the Bontang LNG plant.
3. The Bontang Industrial Estate was inaugurated in 1982, attracting numerous industries to establish their operations within the area.
4. Former Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Bontang in 2010 to inaugurate a new power plant.
5. Siti Nurhaliza, a renowned Malaysian singer who grew up in Bontang, and Hatta Rajasa, an Indonesian politician who served as Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono from 2009-2014 are notable individuals associated with the city.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Bontang Museum showcases the history and culture of Bontang, including traditional clothing, crafts, and artifacts.
2. Kayu Agung Monument is dedicated to the pioneers who founded Bontang in 1899.
3. Taman Bukit Pelangi offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities.
4. Pantai Berkat is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
5. Islamic Center Baiturrahim mosque is one of the largest in Bontang with beautiful architecture and intricate decorations.
6. Pasar Malam (Night Market) offers a variety of local street food, souvenirs, clothes, accessories, etc.
7. Lapangan Merdeka (Independence Square) hosts various cultural events throughout the year located in the heart of the city.
8. Taman Kota (City Park) offers a peaceful retreat from busy city life with its lush greenery, ponds, fountains & walking trails.
9. Kebun Raya Balikpapan-Samarinda (Botanical Garden) located just outside Bontang has an extensive collection of plants from all over Indonesia.
10. Bekantan Conservation Area houses Bekantan monkeys which are endemic to Kalimantan island including East Kalimantan province where Bontang belongs.

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Sports Teams

1. Bontang FC: A professional football club founded in 1999 that plays home matches at Mulawarman Stadium and competes in Liga 3.
2. Persiba Balikpapan: A professional football club from Balikpapan that has strong support from fans throughout East Kalimantan province, including those living in Bontang.
3. PBVSI Kota Bontang: An organization dedicated to promoting aquatic sports such as diving volleyball, swimming, and scuba diving among local communities.
4. PSHT Kota Bontang: A martial arts academy that teaches traditional Indonesian martial arts known as Pencak Silat.
5. There are many other sporting organizations within the city limits of Bontang waiting for discovery!

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Cultural Events

1. Bontang International Fishing Tournament: This annual event held in Bontang attracts fishing enthusiasts from around the world.
2. Bontang City Anniversary: Every year on December 18th, the city of Bontang celebrates its anniversary with various cultural events and performances.
3. HUT RI (Indonesian Independence Day): On August 17th, the people of Bontang celebrate Indonesia’s independence day with parades, traditional dances, and other cultural activities.
4. Islamic Holidays: As a predominantly Muslim city, Bontang also celebrates Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with prayer services, feasts, and other festivities.
5. Cultural Performances: Visitors to Bontang can enjoy traditional dance performances featuring the local Dayak culture or other regional dances from around Indonesia throughout the year.
6. Local Festivals: Throughout the year, there are several smaller festivals taking place in different parts of town including food festivals, art exhibitions, and music events showcasing local talent.

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Cuisine

• Soto Bontang: a traditional soup made with chicken or beef broth, rice noodles, vegetables, and spices.
• Bakso Pak Joko: a famous meatball restaurant that serves various types of meatballs with different toppings and sauces.
• Nasi Goreng Kampung: a fried rice dish cooked with local herbs and spices, served with chicken or shrimp.
• Warung Sate Madura: a street food stall that serves grilled skewered meats (chicken, beef or lamb) marinated in traditional Madurese spices.
• Seafood Restaurants: Bontang is known for its fresh seafood dishes such as grilled fish, prawns, crabs and lobsters which can be found at many local seafood restaurants like Rumah Makan Kepiting Cak Gundul.
• Kue Lumpur Khas Bontang: A traditional snack made from glutinous rice flour filled with palm sugar syrup and coconut milk then steamed until thoroughly cooked.
• Es Kelapa Muda Pak Haji Romin : A popular dessert stall selling young coconut ice cream served in the shell of the coconut itself.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Taman Kota Bontang (Bontang City Park)
2. Taman Wisata Alam Kutai (Kutai Nature Tourism Park)
3. Pantai Berkat (Berkat Beach)
4. Pantai Api-Api (Api-Api Beach)
5. Lapangan Merdeka Bontang (Merdeka Field Bontang)
6. Perkampungan Budaya Kutai (Kutai Cultural Village)
7. Danau Singkawang (Singkawang Lake)
8. Taman Kota Baru Bontang (New City Park of Bontang)

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Experience Life

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