Betang House, an icon of Dayak culture in Central Kalimantan, reflects a philosophy of life that is full of meaning and togetherness, enriching the unique and valuable traditional heritage.
Located in the middle of the vast expanse of the island of Borneo, Central Kalimantan not only holds natural charm, but also a diverse and meaningful cultural heritage.
One of the cultural symbols that is highly valued by the local community is their traditional house, the Rumah Betang, which is also an architectural icon of the Dayak tribe.
Each Rumah Betang has unique characteristics that reflect local wisdom, traditional values, and life philosophies that have been passed down from generation to generation. Let’s explore further the beauty and meaning behind this Rumah Betang.
Exploring the History and Philosophical Meaning of Betang House
Betang House or longhouse is not just a place to live, but a representation of the identity and values of the Dayak tribe.
The design of the building is elongated and parallel to the direction of the sun, from sunrise to sunset, symbolizing the journey of life full of enthusiasm and togetherness that is always maintained.
This Betang House is a place where all community activities take place, from gathering to holding village meetings. So, each Betang House holds a story and is a witness to the strong sense of togetherness of the Dayak people.
Function and Role of Betang House in Community Life
In addition to being a place to live, the betang house is also a center for cultural, social, and spiritual activities for the community. This building has many rooms or chambers that are inhabited by different families but still under the same roof.
It is in this house that various traditional events, religious rituals, and other social activities are carried out.
The existence of this betang house symbolizes solidarity and continuity of culture that has been passed down from generation to generation, emphasizing the importance of living together in one community.
Exploring Three Famous Types of Betang Houses in Central Kalimantan
Each betang house in Central Kalimantan has its own unique architecture and ornaments that reflect the richness of its culture. Here are some examples of famous betang houses that are often an attraction for tourists and cultural travelers:
1. House of Betang Toyoi bin Panji in Tumbang Malahoi
This betang house is located in Gunung Mas Regency and is one of the oldest and has high historical value.
With a length of 36 meters and a width of almost 10 meters, this building is supported by 5-meter-high ironwood pillars that strengthen the structure of the house.
This house is made of typical Kalimantan wood such as bangkirai and sungkai and is equipped with unique wooden ornaments. In addition to being a place to live, this betang house is also used as a location for traditional ceremonies.
The journey to the Toyoi bin Panji Betang House is an interesting experience, because visitors will explore the river and stunning tropical forest.
2. The Ojung Batu Longhouse in Lamandau Regency
This betang house is famous for its collection of tajau or ancient jars, which symbolize wealth and social status. Made of ironwood, this house stands 1.5 meters above the ground and is almost 200 meters long.
Each room is inhabited by a different family, each storing antiques such as ceramics, gongs, and ancient jewelry.
Dayak carved ornaments decorate all parts of the house, strengthening the artistic impression and strong local tradition.
Typical Dayak weapons, such as mandau and spears, also complement the decoration of this house, attracting the attention of tourists who want to see Dayak culture more closely.
3. The Tumbang Gagu Betang House in Katingan Regency
Known as one of the oldest betang houses, Rumah Betang Tumbang Gagu was built in 1870 and stands firmly on a 5-meter-high stage.
Using ironwood as the main material, this house is designed with a movable staircase for safety from wild animals.
In addition to preventing flooding, this tiered design also symbolizes the readiness of the Dayak people to face various natural challenges. Visiting this house provides visitors with an in-depth experience of the authentic life and culture of the Dayak tribe.
Philosophical Values Contained in Betang House
The betang house for the Dayak tribe is not just a building; it is a center of life that contains a philosophy of life. The Dayak people live side by side under one roof, which teaches them to appreciate and prioritize peace and togetherness.
Communal living like this also teaches noble values such as mutual cooperation, tolerance, and mutual respect. Each individual in the betang house is taught to balance personal and common interests, maintain harmony between members of society, and maintain inherited traditions.
With the betang house as the center of life, the social and cultural values of the Dayak community are maintained, making them a strong community in maintaining their cultural identity.
The betang house serves as a place for fostering social relationships that strengthen solidarity and as an effective means to strengthen intimacy between community members.
Preservation and the Role of Government in Maintaining the Sustainability of Betang Houses
The Central Kalimantan government views the betang house as a very valuable cultural asset. Through the cultural tourism preservation and promotion program, the government is trying to introduce the betang house to tourists.
With the cultural tourism package, visitors are not only invited to get to know the life of the Dayak people better, but also to understand the history and meaning contained in the betang house which is full of philosophical meaning.
The hundreds of years old betang house is now a cultural tourism destination that is not only interesting, but also educates visitors about the Dayak cultural heritage.
Seeing Betang House as a Representation of Local Beauty and Wisdom
The Betang house in Central Kalimantan holds noble values and is rich in meaning, symbolizing the unique and meaningful Dayak culture.
The architecture, ornaments, and design of this house convey a message about harmonious life and highly respected local wisdom.
This house not only functions as a place to live, but also becomes a witness to history and a center for various social, cultural, and spiritual activities.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of Dayak community life firsthand, Radakng House offers unforgettable beauty and cultural experiences for anyone interested in digging deeper.
