The History of Martapura, the Charm of South Kalimantan's Diamond City, Famous Throughout Indonesia
When discussing gemstones in Indonesia, the name Martapura almost always comes first. This town, located in Banjar Regency, South Kalimantan, has long been known as the Diamond City, a nickname born from the region's rich deposits of diamonds and precious stones.
Not only is it the largest gemstone trading center in Indonesia, but Martapura is also renowned as the home of skilled gemstone craftsmen whose expertise has been passed down from generation to generation.
For travelers visiting South Kalimantan, Martapura is a destination that almost always appears on the must-visit list.
In this town, visitors can witness firsthand the processes of stone cutting, diamond polishing, and gemstone crafting, while also shopping for a wide variety of precious stones and jewelry at different price ranges. For this reason, Martapura is often referred to as the gemstone paradise of Indonesia.
The Long History of Martapura Gemstones
The tradition of gemstone mining and trading in Martapura dates back to the Dutch colonial era. The rich mineral resources hidden beneath the land of Banjar made this region famous as one of Indonesia's finest diamond-producing areas.
Martapura gained even greater recognition in 1965 when a giant diamond weighing 166.75 carats was discovered in the Sungai Tiung area of Cempaka District.
The diamond was found by H. Madslam along with a group of traditional miners. Because of its exceptional size and quality, President Soekarno later named the diamond Intan Trisakti.
The discovery of Intan Trisakti became an important milestone in Indonesia's mining history. Even today, the story is frequently retold as evidence of the extraordinary natural wealth hidden within the land of Martapura.
Since the 1970s, the gemstone trade has continued to grow with the establishment of the Martapura Diamond Market, now known as Cahaya Bumi Selamat Market (CBS). This marketplace has become the largest gemstone trading center in Indonesia and attracts buyers from many countries around the world.
Why Is Martapura Called the Diamond City?
The nickname Diamond City is more than just a tourism slogan. It originates from the long history of the people of Martapura, who have lived alongside diamond and gemstone mining activities for generations.
In the Cempaka area and its surroundings, local residents have practiced traditional diamond mining through panning methods for decades. This activity can still be seen today and has become one of the region's most unique cultural attractions.
In addition to producing diamonds, Martapura has also developed into a major gemstone-processing center. Many local craftsmen possess exceptional skills in cutting, polishing, and transforming stones into high-value jewelry.
This combination of abundant natural resources and generations of craftsmanship is what makes Martapura different from other gemstone-producing regions.
Popular Types of Gemstones in Martapura
One of Martapura's greatest attractions is the wide variety of gemstones available in its markets. Visitors can find rough stones, polished gemstones, and finished jewelry ready to wear.
Some of the most popular gemstones found in Martapura include:
- Local diamonds
- Sapphire
- Emerald
- Ruby
- Yaqut (precious ruby varieties)
- Topaz
- Jade
- Amethyst
- Opal
- Turquoise
- Cat's Eye
- Spinel
- Alexandrite
- Bloodstone
- Grape Agate
In addition to these gemstones, visitors can also find a wide variety of agates and collectible stones that are highly sought after by gemstone enthusiasts from across Indonesia.
The Stunning Colors of Martapura Gemstones
One of the reasons Martapura gemstones are so highly valued is their remarkable range of colors.
Visitors can find elegant ruby-red stones, vivid Siam-red gems, warm yellow cempaka-colored stones, captivating emerald greens, luxurious sapphire blues, exotic purple amethysts, and even crystal-clear gemstones that resemble pure glass.
These color variations are influenced by the mineral composition found within each stone. In general, the rarer the color and the greater the clarity, the higher the gemstone's market value.
Cahaya Bumi Selamat Market, Indonesia's Largest Gemstone Trading Center
For anyone interested in shopping for gemstones in Martapura, the first destination to visit is the Cahaya Bumi Selamat Market, commonly known as CBS.
This market serves as the heart of the gemstone trade in South Kalimantan. Hundreds of merchants offer a wide selection of stones, ranging from simple agates to high-quality diamonds.
The market attracts not only local buyers but also collectors, traders, and jewelry enthusiasts from abroad.
The atmosphere is unique and vibrant. Visitors can browse gemstones displayed in small showcases, negotiate with experienced traders, and observe craftsmen examining stones with magnifying lenses to assess their quality and authenticity.
For tourists, a visit to CBS Market is more than just a shopping experience. It is an opportunity to learn about the gemstone-trading culture that has been an important part of Banjar society for decades.
Price Range of Martapura Gemstones
The prices of Martapura gemstones vary significantly depending on factors such as type, size, clarity, color, and cutting quality.
In general (prices may change according to market conditions), the approximate price ranges for gemstones in Martapura are as follows:
- Simple agates: IDR 5,000 – IDR 50,000
- Amethyst, jade, and topaz: IDR 50,000 – IDR 500,000
- Medium-quality sapphire, ruby, and emerald: IDR 100,000 – IDR 5 million
- High-quality collector gemstones: IDR 5 million – IDR 50 million
- Premium local diamonds: IDR 10 million to hundreds of millions of rupiah
For gemstones with large sizes, exceptional clarity, and official certification, prices can rise substantially higher. Buyers are therefore encouraged to understand gemstone characteristics and quality standards before making a purchase.
The Advantages of Martapura Gemstones Compared to Imported Stones
Martapura gemstones offer several advantages that continue to attract buyers despite the abundance of imported products on the market.
First, many of these gemstones originate directly from the mineral-rich land of South Kalimantan and are processed by experienced local craftsmen.
Second, they are often more affordable than imported gemstones of similar quality.
Third, each gemstone carries significant historical and cultural value because it is closely connected to the long-standing traditions of the Banjar people.
In addition, Martapura has earned an international reputation as a gemstone trading center. Products from the city have been marketed to countries such as the Netherlands, Russia, China, and several other Asian nations.
How to Get to Martapura
Martapura is located approximately 30 to 40 kilometers from Banjarmasin, the capital city of South Kalimantan Province.
The journey takes around 45 to 60 minutes by private vehicle. Visitors can also choose from several public transportation options, including intercity buses, local transportation services, taxis, and ride-hailing applications.
Its convenient road access makes Martapura one of the easiest tourist destinations in South Kalimantan to reach, whether for domestic or international travelers.
Martapura Gemstones: A Cultural Heritage That Continues to Shine
Martapura gemstones are more than just commercial products. Behind their brilliance lies a rich history, a tradition of community-based mining, the craftsmanship of local artisans, and the cultural identity of the Banjar people that has developed over centuries.
From the legendary story of the Trisakti Diamond and the traditional diamond panning activities in Cempaka to the bustling atmosphere of Cahaya Bumi Selamat Market, everything reflects Martapura's deep connection to the world of precious stones.
It is no surprise that Martapura remains widely recognized as Indonesia's Diamond City and one of Southeast Asia's most important gemstone trading centers. For anyone wishing to discover the cultural richness of South Kalimantan, a visit to Martapura is an experience that should not be missed.
