The people of South Kalimantan consist of two groups, native tribes and comer tribes. The biggest native tribe that lives in South Kalimantan is the Banjarese, comprising the Banjar Kuala, Banjar Pahuluan, and Banjar Batang Banyu.
The other native tribes are: Dayak Palangan, DayakLabuhan, Dayak Warukin, Dayak Bukit Hulu Banyu, Dayak Bukit Datar Laga, Bakumpai, Abol, Dayak Dusun, and Lawawungan.
The comer tribes who live mostly in South Kalimantan are: Javanese, Madurese, Bajaunese, Buginese, Chinese and Arabic. The daily language of these people is Indonesian. Meanwhile Banjarese language is very similar to Melayu, and is used within families. English and Arabic are often spoken by the more educated people.
Over the centuries, the traditional culture of South Kalimantan has evolved from a blend of Dayak, Melayu and Javanese. More recently, because of the Arabic and Persian traders who visited South Kalimantan, the culture was influenced by Islam. This influence is still very apparent in the daily life of the people, especially in art, dance, music, clothes, games, and traditional ceremonies. One example is "Batamat", this is a ceremony to celebrate the completion of the reading of the holy Alquran by a child who is growing up, For the occasion, the child is dressed in formal clothes and covered by a flower-painted fragrance. Meanwhile, the umbrella."Tasmiah" is a ceremony that is performed to give a baby its name.
There are also interesting and unique traditional Banjarese ceremonies, such as : Mappanretasi, and Aruh Ganal.
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