KBRN, Banjarmasin: The floating market is one of the distinctive cultural icons in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan Province. Trading activities on boats floating on the river reflect people's lives that are connected to the water.

As reported by rri.co.id, two famous floating markets in this area are Muara Kuin Floating Market and Lok Baintan Floating Market. The first one is the Muara Kuin Floating Market on the Barito River and is considered the first and oldest floating market in Indonesia, reaching around 400 years old.

Goods sold include agricultural products, plantations, fisheries and handicrafts. The interesting thing about the market is that it still applies the barter system or 'bapanduk' in the local (Banjar) language.

Although the floating market is starting to disappear, the city administration of Banjarmasin revives it by holding a regular floating market in the Siring area on Piere Tendean Street every weekend.

While Lok Baintan Floating Market is located on the Martapura River, where traders and buyers use boats called 'jukung'. The market located on at Sungai Pinang Lama Village, Sungai Tabuk Subdistrict, Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan Province is a significant driver of the village economy and a tourist attraction.

Market activities begin in the morning, with a unique atmosphere illuminated by flickering lights, and reach their peak at sunrise. The merchandise offered is similar to Muara Kuin Market, and the market also still adopts the barter system.

Along with the development of road infrastructure, some floating markets have experienced a decline in activities. In Kuin Village, for example, the floating market began to disappear as traders switched to using bicycles or motorbikes to trade to the villages. The waves generated by ferry boats have also made traders afraid to use canoes to trade.

To preserve the floating market culture, the local administration organizes the Floating Market Festival as an annual event. The festival is aimed at attracting tourists and keeping this unique cultural heritage alive.

Some floating markets are now equipped with jetties that allow vendors to dock their boats on the riverbank, making it easier for shoppers who do not prefer to take a boat to do their shopping.

The floating market is not just a place for economic transactions, but also a reflection of the community's adaptation to the river environment and a symbol of Indonesia's cultural wealth that should be preserved. ***