Kayan River


Kayan River is a river of Borneo island, flowing in the North Kalimantan province of Indonesia, about 1600 km northeast of the capital Jakarta. Tributaries include the Bahau River.

Hydrology

Kayan River rises on Mount Ukeng, passing Tanjung Selor city and discharges into Sulawesi Sea with the total length about 576 km, and the basin size of 36.993,71 km2 forming a wide area at the upstream and narrower in the center until downstream.

Uses

Transportation

For ages Kayan River is a main transportation route for the inhabitants of Malinau and Bulungan Regency to reach the inland region of Malinau Regency using traditional boats or out of the Bulungan Regency using speed boats, while at the downstream there are some river ports for passengers and goods, such as Port of Kayan and Port of Pesawan.

Fishery and agriculture

The people along Kayan River utilize the water for agriculture and fishery, either by traditional fishing or netting, especially in the upstream area, whereas about 30,000 hectare land of the Delta Kayan is used as Food Estate area, for fish ponds and farmlands.

Hydroelectricity

Kayan River is used to produce hydroelectricity using some power plants, such as the Diesel-powered one in village of Long Nawang, Kayan Hulu subdistrict. The river can produce around 900 Megwatts. There is also a dam for Hydroelectric Power Plant in the village of Desa Long Peso, Peso subdistrict, Bulungan Regency.

Villages Along Kayan River

Antutan

Antutan village is one of the many villages situated along Kayan River. The population of the village compromises of Dayak sub-tribes: the Kenyah and the Kayan, also the Tidung and the Bulungan. There are several main sources of income in this village, such as paddy plantation, farming, fishing and crafts selling. Majority of the villagers heavily depended on the paddy rice plantation to make a living. However, some are also public servants, for example, teachers, nurses, armies and police.