The Kayan River rises on Mount Ukeng, passing Tanjung Selor city, and discharges into the Sulawesi Sea, with a total length of about 576 km (358 mi) and a basin size of 33,005 km2 (12,743 sq mi), forming a wide area at the upstream and narrower in the center until downstream.[6]
Uses
Transportation
For ages, the Kayan River served as the main transportation route for the inhabitants of Malinau and Bulungan Regency to reach the inland region of Malinau Regency using traditional boats or out of the Bulungan Regency using speed boats, while downstream there are some river ports for passengers and goods, such as Port of Kayan and Port of Pesawan.[7]
Fishery and agriculture
The people along the Kayan River utilize the water for agriculture and fishery, either by traditional fishing or netting, especially in the upstream area, whereas about 30,000 hectares of land of the Delta Kayan is used as a Food Estate area, for fish ponds and farmlands.[8]
Hydroelectricity
The Kayan River is used to produce hydroelectricity using some power plants, such as the Diesel-powered one in the village of Long Nawang, Kayan Hulu subdistrict.[9] The river can produce around 900 megawatts (MW).[10] There is also a dam for the hydroelectric power plant in the village of Desa Long Peso, Peso sub-district, Bulungan Regency.[11]
Villages along the Kayan River
Antutan
Antutan village (Bahasa Indonesia – Desa Antutan) is one of the many villages situated along the Kayan River. The population of the village consists of Dayak sub-tribes: the Kenyah and the Kayan as well as the Tidung and the Bulungan. There are several main sources of income in this village, such as paddy plantation, farming, fishing, and crafts selling. The majority of the villagers heavily depended on the paddy rice plantation to make a living. However, some are also public servants, for example, teachers, nurses, soldiers, and police personnel.