Understanding the Banjar: Sabah's Overlooked Community
Nestled quietly within Sabah's diverse cultural tapestry is the Banjar community, a people whose roots trace back to South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Numbering around 300,000 in the state, the Banjar have long contributed to Sabah's economic, social, and cultural life
- yet their distinct identity often goes unnoticed. Blending seamlessly with the broader Malay and Muslim communities, many Malaysians are unaware of the Banjar's unique language, traditions, and history. From bustling towns to rural villages, the Banjar maintain a rich heritage shaped by migration, adaptation, and resilience
- a story of a people who are both integral to Sabah yet surprisingly invisible in public consciousness.
Origins and Migration
The Banjar first arrived in Sabah during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, drawn by opportunities in trade, agriculture, and the timber industry. Settling mainly in Tawau, Sandakan, and other eastern regions, they brought with them a distinct language, culinary traditions, and strong community values. Over generations, many Banjar families integrated into the broader Malaysian society, contributing to commerce, politics, education, and local governance, while quietly preserving cultural rituals such as traditional weddings, dances, and festivals. Yet despite their visible contributions, the Banjar remain underrepresented in public narratives about Sabah's multicultural identity, often overshadowed by larger or more widely recognized groups.
Language and Culture: A Window into Banjar Life
The Banjar language is rich in history and expression, yet it remains largely confined to home and community use. Like many small tribes around the world, traditional Banjar vocabulary was developed for local life
- farming, fishing, family interactions - and not for modern commerce, technology, or global affairs. This can make it difficult for older generations, in particular, to navigate broader social, educational, or professional contexts outside their communities. Many Banjar people learn Malay or English to communicate more widely, but the nuanced meanings and emotions embedded in their native language are often lost. Beyond words, this language barrier reflects a deeper challenge: preserving cultural identity while participating fully in the modern world.
Banjar culture is equally rich, with unique traditions in music, dance, and cuisine. Traditional weddings are elaborate affairs blending Islamic and ancestral customs, while dishes such as ketupat Banjar and sambal tempoyak highlight flavors distinct from other Malaysian cuisines. Community gatherings, storytelling, and oral histories continue to transmit values of respect, solidarity, and resilience from one generation to the next.
Contributions and Successes
Despite their relative invisibility, the Banjar have made significant contributions to Sabah's development. They are active in commerce, agriculture, and urban enterprises, often pioneering small businesses that sustain local economies. In education, many Banjar individuals have risen to become respected teachers, administrators, and scholars, while others hold important roles in local politics and community organizations. Their adaptability
- balancing traditional values with modern demands - has allowed them to succeed economically and socially, even as their cultural identity faces external pressures.
Challenges and Identity
Yet challenges remain. Cultural assimilation, intermarriage, and the dominance of Malay and English in education and media have led to a decline in Banjar language use among younger generations. Many young Banjar grow up more comfortable in Malay or English, understanding only fragments of their ancestral tongue. This language shift makes it harder for them to fully connect with traditional songs, stories, and rituals, creating a subtle but real risk of cultural erosion. Socially and politically, the Banjar also struggle for recognition; they are often seen simply as
"Malay" by outsiders, which overlooks their unique history and contributions.
Illustration: Hand-drawn black-and-white depiction of Putri Junjung Buih, created by ChatGPT
The Story of Putri Junjung Buih
Long ago, before villages and towns filled the lands of South Kalimantan, there was only the wide river and the forests that stretched to the horizon. From the river's gentle waves rose a strange and beautiful sight: a shimmering foam that glowed under the sun. From this foam, a child appeared
- a princess, radiant and serene, whom the river spirits had sent to the world. They called her Putri Junjung Buih, the Princess of the Rising Foam.
The people say that wherever she walked, flowers bloomed, and streams sparkled clearer. She had a presence that inspired awe, yet she spoke to all creatures
- birds, fish, and even the winds - as if they were friends. Villagers and wanderers who saw her knew they were in the presence of something extraordinary.
Putri Junjung Buih grew not only in beauty but in wisdom. She taught the people how to live in harmony with nature, respecting the rivers, forests, and sky. She showed them that water was sacred, for it gave life, carried stories, and connected the living to the spirits of ancestors.
Legends say that when she finally returned to the river, she did not disappear entirely. On quiet mornings, some claim to see her figure in the river foam, smiling softly, reminding the Banjar people of their origins, their connection to nature, and the courage to lead with purity of heart.
To this day, her story lives on in traditional dances, songs, and ceremonies, a reminder that even the most mysterious beginnings can carry lessons for generations. Putri Junjung Buih is more than a legend
- she is a symbol of life, harmony, and the enduring spirit of the Banjar people.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, the Banjar community is taking steps to safeguard its heritage. Cultural organizations, local festivals, and community schools are helping to teach the language, traditional arts, and customs to younger generations. Digital platforms and social media are also providing new ways to share Banjar culture beyond Sabah, reaching audiences across Malaysia and Indonesia. The future of the Banjar people depends on this delicate balance: preserving identity while embracing opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
In telling their story, we gain a deeper understanding of Sabah's rich cultural mosaic. The Banjar may be
"overlooked" in public discourse, but their resilience, contributions, and heritage deserve recognition. Understanding the Banjar is not just about knowing a people
- it is about appreciating the layers of history, culture, and human endeavor that make Borneo's communities unique.