In 1920 the village of Bontang was established as a sub-district town, which at that time was called the Onder of the Van Bontang District. Bontang was still a sub-district under the leadership of a assistant who was a "kiai" (cleric) in the government of Sultan Aji Muhammad Parikesit, the 19th Sultan of Kutai Kartanegara (1921-1960). Since 1954, a subdistrict head has taken office. After the enactment of Law Number 27 of 1959 concerning the establishment of the Regional Level (Dati) II in East Kalimantan it removed the status of self-government.