The dominant element of Banjarmasin is water. It comprises various type of rivers and
canals which form an organic pattern on.the structure of Banjarmasin City. The recent
discussion on urbanism focuses on water urbanism. The water space and management
are consider as an important feature which is needed to be integrated in to regulation of
the city development. This paper discuss the river-based urbanity transformation in
Banjarmasin City using historical records. It focuses on conectivity between political and
economic transformation of Banjarmasin in every era, changing in development orientation
and reaming distance among cities and the existance of river urbanism. Analysis and
description are the reflection of urbanity which is derived from the results of observations
and interviews with various local community figures. The concern on the importance of
waters space is weaken so quickly. This condition is prooved by the numerous numbers of
peat moss areas, canals, and rivers which are cultivated into building ground. Eventhough
public concern on rivers in Banjarmasin is getting bigger but it has not reached the
regional areas which are connected to Banjarmasin life. Therefore, urban strategic
planning and long term development which are comprehensive and cover all areas are
needed in order to avoid disasters caused by waters problems.