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|---|---|
 A Bakatan(?) man inSarawak | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Indonesia | |
| Located in the administrative regions | |
 East Kalimantan | 570 (2000)[1] |
 West Kalimantan | 290 (2000)[2] |
 Sarawak | 289 (2000)[3] |
| Languages | |
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| Religion | |
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| Related ethnic groups | |
Bukitan (alsoBaketan orBakatan) are the indigenous people native to the Nanga Palin in Embaloh Hilir ofKapuas Hulu Regency,[4] Indonesia. Nowadays, the Bukitan diaspora can be found in the neighbouring Nanga Palin as well; including the district ofBintulu inSarawak.[5]
The origin of the Bukitan is from the Nanga Palin in Embaloh Hilir ofKapuas Hulu Regency inWest Kalimantan. Due to the tribal conflict with its neighbouring tribe (Iban people), some of Bukitans have to migrate out of their homeland.[6][7] However, significant population of Bukitan people can still be found in their ancestral territory.
Some of the Bukitan fled toSaribas which is what is now in theBetong Division. There, they settled and built their community. During those years, they co-existed with another diaspora of Ibans there, after a peace sealed by the marriage of the daughter of their leaderEntinggi to the son of the Iban chiefTindin.[8] Some of them also moved intoSarawak viaLubok Antu and settled there in the 19th century.[9]
After many years, due to some misunderstandings, war broke out with the Ibans and they lost. They again fled to various places before settling inMerit River, a tributary of Batang Tatau river inBintulu division and its vicinity until today.[10]
Evidence of Bukitan existence can be found in areas such as the Saribas (Paku,Layar andRimbas)[11] andLubok Antu in the form ofburial grounds, name of places and ancientorchards.
