Sekadau Regency
Sekadau Regency is a regency of West Kalimantan province of Indonesia. It was created on 18 December 2003 from the eastern part of Sanggau Regency. It covers an area of 5,642.75 km2, and had a population of 181,634 at the 2010 Census and 211,559 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 222,510. The regency seat lies at the town of Sekadau in Sekadau Hilir District.
History
Historically, Sekadau was an indigenous kingdom, centred on the Lawang Kuwari Monument, located in the market and the heart of Sekadau town, located along the Kapuas River and 243 km from the provincial capital of Pontianak along the Trans-Kalimantan Highway Southern Route. It stands as a symbol of local pride and history, attracting both residents and visitors. The area around the monument is vibrant, often bustling with activities, making it a central spot for community gatherings and cultural events.Under the leadership of the Regent of Sekadau, there was a strong push to recognize Lawang Kuwari as a significant symbol in the development of the region. Everything associated with Lawang Kuwari has captured the spotlight.
Lawang Kuwari has become a powerful identity marker for Kabupaten Sekadau. This is reflected in various elements, including:
The name "Lawang Kuwari" derives from the local language, capturing both the historical significance and the beauty of the place. "Lawang" translates to door or gate, while "Kuwari" refers to a type of tree that once flourished around the mouth of the Sekadau River.
Lawang Kuwari boasts a rich history. It served as a hiding place and retreat for Prince Agong of the Sekadau Kingdom. A key figure in the kingdom's history, he left the capital in Kematu, feeling disheartened after not being appointed king. Prince Agong then journeyed to Lawang Kuwari, which is now a historical tourist site. In Lawang Kuwari, he engaged in meditation and seclusion amidst stunning natural beauty, located by the Kapuas River. Besides being a retreat, Lawang Kuwari also holds historical significance as a symbol of the bygone era of the Sekadau Kingdom.
Geography
Climate
Sekadau has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy to very heavy rainfall year-round.Governance
Administrative districts
Sekadau Regency consists of seven districts, tabulated below with their areas and their populations at the 2010 Census and the 2020 Census, together with the official estimates as at mid 2024. The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres, the number of villages in each district, and its post code.| Kode Wilayah | Name of District | Area in km2 | Pop'n 2010 Census | Pop'n 2020 Census | Pop'n mid 2024 Estimate | Admin centre | No. of villages | Post code |
| 61.09.04 | Nanga Mahap | 508.03 | 24,680 | 27,411 | 28,294 | Nanga Mahap | 13 | 79585 |
| 61.09.03 | Nanga Taman | 1,274.28 | 25,218 | 27,916 | 28,778 | Nanga Taman | 13 | 79584 |
| 61.09.02 | Sekadau Hulu | 853.02 | 24,968 | 29,685 | 31,460 | Rawak | 15 | 79583 |
| 61.09.01 | Sekadau Hilir | 911.27 | 55,897 | 67,659 | 72,204 | Sekadau | 17 | 78511 - 79516, 79582 |
| 61.09.05 | Belitang Hilir | 764.34 | 20,687 | 24,248 | 25,557 | Sungai Ayak | 9 | 79586 |
| 61.09.07 | Belitang | 178.53 | 11,531 | 13,634 | 14,418 | Nanga Belitang | 7 | 79588 |
| 61.09.06 | Belitang Hulu | 1,153.29 | 18,653 | 21,006 | 21,799 | Balai Sepuak | 13 | 79587 |
| Totals | 5,642.75 | 181,634 | 211,559 | 222,510 | Sekadau | 87 |
Local government
The regency is a second-level administrative division equivalent to a city. As a regency, it is headed by a regent who is elected democratically. Head of districts are appointed directly by the regent with the recommendation of the regency secretary. Executive power lies with the regent and vice regent, while legislative function is exercised by the regency's parliament.Infrastructure
Education
As of 2020, there are 35 kindergartens in the regency, 241 elementary schools, 67 junior high schools, and 23 senior high schools. In addition, the regency has six vocational high schools. It only has one higher educational institution, the Keling Kumang Institute, which is private but partially supported by the regency government. The institute campus is located in the town of Sekadau and focuses on technology-related programs such as agro-technology and computer science. The regency also has one public library maintained by the regency government, also located at its regency seat, the town of Sekadau.There are also four Islamic boarding schools in the regency as at 2020.