Berau Regency, known as Bumi Batiwakkal, possesses a special historical richness with two active sultanates: the Sambaliung Sultanate and the Gunung Tabur Sultanate. These two customary institutions are directly led by descendants of previous sultans, making them a rare cultural heritage in Indonesia.
The Regent of Berau, Sri Juniarsih Mas, stated the local government's serious commitment to maintaining the physical condition of the royal palaces as well as the noble values embedded within them. To her, the two sultanates are not merely symbols of the past, but the foundation of civilization shaping the identity of the Berau community today.
Sri Juniarsih emphasized that this preservation effort requires the involvement of all elements of society. She hopes historical values can continue to be passed down to the younger generation so that the region's identity is not eroded by rapid modern developments.
To increase the exposure of this tourist destination, the Regent of Berau also urged the East Kalimantan Provincial Government to synergize more aggressively in promoting the two sultanates. She suggested using various official media and digital platforms so that Berau's unique history can become more widely known, both nationally and internationally.
Through collaboration among the government, the sultanates, and the community, Sri Juniarsih is optimistic that Berau can strengthen its position as a world-recognized historical tourism destination, while ensuring local traditions and wisdom remain preserved in the future.
