About Balikpapan

Balikpapan, with a population of 757,000 as of 2023, stands as the largest city in East Kalimantan Province on the Indonesian portion of Borneo Island, positioned strategically on the island's east coast facing the Makassar Strait. The city's identity has been inextricably linked to the petroleum industry since the historic first oil drilling on February 10, 1897—a date still celebrated as the city's anniversary. This pioneering extraction marked the beginning of Indonesia's modern oil industry, earning Balikpapan its enduring nickname "The Oil City." The establishment of Indonesia's oldest operational oil refinery in 1922, spanning 2.5 square kilometers, further cemented the city's status as the nation's petroleum capital. Today, Balikpapan functions not only as an energy hub but as Kalimantan's financial center, hosting major international oil service companies including Baker Hughes, Chevron, Halliburton, Pertamina, Schlumberger, Total, and Weatherford.

The oil and gas industry's prosperity has transformed Balikpapan from a small coastal settlement into a modern, cosmopolitan city featuring sophisticated infrastructure, international-standard hotels, shopping centers, and a growing expatriate community. Beyond its industrial character, Balikpapan offers surprising natural beauty with pristine beaches along Balikpapan Bay, tropical rainforest remnants in nearby conservation areas, and opportunities for eco-tourism exploring Borneo's unique biodiversity. The city serves as a gateway to East Kalimantan's remarkable attractions, including orangutan rehabilitation centers, traditional Dayak villages, and vast rainforest expanses. Balikpapan's strategic seaport handles significant cargo volumes supporting Kalimantan's resource extraction industries, including coal, palm oil, and timber, making it a crucial logistics node for eastern Indonesia. The city's relatively high standard of living, modern amenities, and economic opportunities continue attracting migrants from across the archipelago, creating a diverse urban population in the heart of Borneo.