Speakers of Siang, a Barito language spoken in the upper
Barito river, are referred by downriver speakers as Punan, because of their association with upriver forest-dwellers.
Delsmania (subgenus of Scleropages) Fowler, 1934: 243 (type species Osteoglossum formosum Muller & Schlegel 1844, type locality Borneo,
Barito River, by monotypy and original designation.
SDM is a contractor for PT Ambang Barito Persada (ABP), which has a dredging and operation rights over the
Barito river moth in South Kalimantan.
Chong quickly invites me to head to Puruk Cahu, a town of some two thousand people about three hours away, across the
Barito River. "Go and relax," he suggests.
The
Barito river flows in a north-south direction in close proximity to the Agreement Area and provides navigable water access to the Java Sea.
Historical sources indicate that the Bakumpai have been significant players in
Barito River trade for centuries (see Knapen 2001; Schwaner in Sjamsuddin 1989:46), particularly after 1894, when the "Great Peace of Tumbang Anoi" curtailed traditional practices of warfare and headhunting, allowing traders to pass through the area more frequently.
The coal stockpile of PT Adaro in Kelani is located on the bank of the
Barito river, which is 18 meters deep and 400 meters wide.