Lampung: Sumatra’s Southern Gate of Culture, Resources, and Resilience
Location and Geographic Profile
Lampung is a province situated at the southern tip of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, bordered by Bengkulu to the northwest, South Sumatra to the north, and maritime boundaries with Banten and Jakarta across the Sunda Strait. Covering approximately 33,575 km², Lampung is the 26th-largest province in Indonesia, with varied geography that includes coastal plains, offshore islands such as Enggano and the volcanic Krakatoa, and the Bukit Barisan mountain range featuring Mount Pesagi—the province’s highest point at around 2,262 meters.
Population and Ethnic Composition
As of mid-2023, Lampung had an estimated population of over 9.3 million, ranking eighth in the nation by size. The demographic profile is shaped by significant transmigration from Java, Madura, and Bali, resulting in approximately three-quarters of the population from these ethnic groups. Native Lampungese constitute about 13–14%, with Javanese comprising the majority. Islam is the predominant religion (over 96%), alongside small communities of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and traditional beliefs.
History and Colonial Legacy
Lampung’s history dates back to the era of Srivijaya, evolving through the 16th-century influence of the Banten Sultanate and becoming a key pepper-producing region under Dutch control in the 17th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Dutch-led transmigration program brought waves of migrants. Bandung Lampung includes the short-lived site of the British foothold at Bencoolen, establishing Fort Marlborough in 1714. The province was officially formed on 18 March 1964, following separation from South Sumatra.
Administration and Infrastructure
Lampung is divided into 13 regencies and two cities—Bandar Lampung (its capital) and Metro. Bandar Lampung, founded as Tanjungkarang–Telukbetung and renamed in 1983, covers approximately 184 km² and had over 1.1 million residents by mid-2023. The provincial government is headed by a governor and a regional council, with strong human development indices in its urban centers. Infrastructure includes Radin Inten II International Airport, the Bakauheni–Terbanggi Besar and Terbanggi Besar–Pematang Panggang toll roads (part of the Trans-Sumatra network), a railway link to Palembang, seaports at Panjang and Bakauheni, and public transit services.
Language and Cultural Heritage
The capital’s name, Bandar Lampung, reflects local identity through institutions like the city’s nickname “City of Tapis,” referencing traditional textiles. Lampung is home to the Lampung language and script—an Austronesian language with two main dialects (Api and Nyo), written in both Latin and traditional Rencong-derived Lampung script. Once dominant, the Lampung language now faces competition from Indonesian in urban areas, prompting provincial efforts to integrate it into education. Cultural traditions include two adat customs, Saibatin and Pepadun, traditional architecture (such as Nuwou Sesat houses), textiles like Palepai, tatibin, and tampan cloths, and traditional clothing styles featuring ornate outfits and keris daggers.
Natural Resources and Economy
Lampung’s economy is driven by diverse natural resources, including robusta coffee, cocoa, coconuts, cloves, rubber, palm oil, shrimp, and especially pepper—which once accounted for a large share of the world’s supply. The province also hosts coal, gold, fisheries, and growing geothermal potential. The Way Kambas National Park is a key ecological site dedicated to Sumatran elephant conservation.
Tourism and Environment
Lampung’s tourism sector features coastal attractions like Tanjung Setia (a renowned surfing destination), Pahawang Island, and Sari Ringgung Beach, alongside significant natural reserves like Way Kambas. The province attracts both domestic and international visitors, though tourism remains secondary to its natural-resource-based economy. Bandar Lampung’s moderate climate and cultural lifestyle, supported by accessible transport systems, also enhance its appeal.
Education, Media, and Culture
Lampung University, established in 1965 in Bandar Lampung, serves as the province’s primary center of higher education. Local media includes newspapers (such as Rakyat Lampung), television networks (RBTV, BETV), and branches of national broadcasters. The province also preserves historic sites like the Tomb of National Hero Raden Intan II and recognizes over 400 cultural heritage objects. The annual Tabot ceremony, originating from Shi’a Muslim traditions, and vibrant textile craftsmanship enrich the region’s cultural landscape.