The word "mahakam" is spelled with five letters in English, but its pronunciation varies greatly from what one might expect based on the spelling alone. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced as /mɑhaˈkɑm/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound, followed by a sharp, guttural "h" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a hard "k" sound, and finally with a soft "m" sound at the end. Despite the unusual spelling and pronunciation, "mahakam" is a word used to refer to a river in Indonesia.
Mahakam is a noun that refers to an important river in the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo. The term "mahakam" is derived from the local indigenous language, where "ma" means water and "kam" means large or wide. Thus, "mahakam" can be roughly translated to mean "large river" or "great river."
The Mahakam River is one of the longest and most significant rivers in Indonesia, stretching over 900 kilometers in length. It flows through various diverse landscapes such as forests, swamps, and heavy rainforest regions. The river is known for its rich biodiversity and serves as a vital ecosystem for numerous species of plants and animals.
Additionally, the Mahakam River plays a significant role in the socio-economic development of the region. It acts as a crucial transportation route, connecting numerous towns and villages along its banks. Many settlements rely on the river for their livelihoods, as it supports various economic activities including fishing, agriculture, and transportation of goods.
The Mahakam River is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world. Tourists can explore the river on traditional boats, witnessing the stunning natural beauty, and experiencing the local culture of the communities residing along its banks.
Overall, "mahakam" refers to a large and important river in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, known for its ecological significance, role in the regional economy, and allure as a tourist attraction.
The word mahakam has its origins in the Malay language. Mahakam is actually the name of a river located in the East Kalimantan province of Indonesia. The name Mahakam comes from the combination of two Malay words, maha meaning great or grand, and kam meaning river. Therefore, mahakam can be interpreted as the great river or the grand river.