kotamadya (municipality), capital of Central Kalimantan (Kalimantan Tengah) propinsi (province), south-central Borneo, Indonesia. Palangkaraya lies west of the Kahayan River. It was occupied by the Japanese during World War II and was the principal city of Great Dayak, an autonomous state (one of five) created in 1945 that became part of Indonesia in 1950. The population consists mainly of the native Dayaks together with Chinese and Japanese settlers. Most of the Dayaks have retained traditional religious beliefs, although some have been converted to Christianity. The city's household industries include wood carving, plaiting, weaving, and beadwork. Riverine transport connects the city with Kualakurun and Banjarmasin. An airport links it with Sampit, Balikpapan, and Pangkalangbuun. Palangkaraya University (founded 1963) is located in the city. Pop. (2005) 170,761.