Longhouses of the Dayak People: An Intriguing and Meaningful Tourist Attraction
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The traditional longhouse, a settlement of the Dayak people, remains well-preserved in Sungai Utik, Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan. Photo credit: Masri Sareb. |
The cultural significance of longhouses
Longhouses are a fundamental element in the lives of the Dayak people, particularly the Iban tribe in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Longhouse is more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes a strong, close-knit community, and its distinctive design allows multiple families to live together under one roof, fostering unity, tradition, and a shared sense of identity.
Read The Front Appearance of the Dayak Longhouse in the Past
Each family has its own private room, providing a sense of individual space while still being part of a larger unit. This arrangement fosters an interdependent lifestyle within the community. It also encourages more intensive social interaction among the residents, strengthening their bonds and traditions.
Read Unpacking the Labeling of the Dayak in the Past
In Kalimantan, Indonesia, the tradition of the longhouse shares similarities with that of Sarawak. However, there are significant differences in how these structures are implemented.
In West Kalimantan, longhouses are locally known as "rumah betang." They are an essential part of the Dayak cultural heritage. Despite their cultural significance, the functions of these longhouses diverge markedly from those in Sarawak.
In Sarawak, longhouses serve as permanent residences and community hubs. In contrast, longhouses in Kalbar often function more as cultural symbols. They typically serve as gathering places for special events rather than as everyday living spaces.
Adapting tradition for modern needs
Given this backdrop, there’s an opportunity to explore how the concept of longhouses from Sarawak could be adapted in Indonesia.
To preserve their relevance and existence, an approach that combines traditional elements with modern needs could be applied. For instance, the interior of the Taman Kelempiau longhouse is managed by members of Credit Union Keling Kumang (CUKK). This longhouse predominantly uses selected wood for its structure, excluding the roof.
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This choice of materials showcases how the design of longhouses can be modernized. Importantly, it achieves this without losing their cultural essence. Such adaptations could ensure that longhouses remain relevant in contemporary society.
One solution could involve reworking the longhouse design to align with contemporary living standards. This approach would still retain essential cultural elements. For instance, using more durable materials could enhance the longevity of the structures.
Additionally, enhancing interior design for comfort would make these spaces more inviting. Adjusting lighting and ventilation systems is another important aspect to consider. It’s also crucial to raise awareness and interest in longhouses as viable everyday residences. Educational programs and promotional efforts could help communities appreciate the value of preserving this tradition in a modern context.
Reviving longhouse traditions
CUKK, particularly Munaldus, plans to replicate the design of Sarawak’s longhouses in West Borneo. This concept involves not only constructing longhouses that meet Sarawak's standards in terms of design and aesthetics but also offering attractive financial solutions.
By utilizing a financing system similar to home loans in Indonesia, potential residents can access longhouses more easily. This approach helps those who face financial barriers to overcome obstacles to homeownership.
A tangible example of this initiative is the longhouse built by members of Credit Union Keling Kumang (CUKK) in Tapang Sambas. This longhouse measures 63 meters in length and 21 meters in width, featuring a total of 20 rooms, mostly constructed from wood, with the exception of the roof. This illustrates a blend of traditional construction techniques with modern elements, marking an initial step toward preserving tradition while adapting to current local conditions.
In-depth research will be conducted to further understand the practices surrounding longhouses in Sarawak, including their design, functions, and accompanying social values.Through field studies and interviews with residents, we hope to gain comprehensive insights into how longhouses can be applied and adapted in West Kalimantan. If interest in longhouses proves to be substantial, this initiative could fulfill not only practical housing needs but also reinforce social and cultural bonds among the Dayak community.
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With the right approach, longhouses can become a successful model for preserving cultural heritage while integrating with modern lifestyles.
Considering the success of the longhouse initiative in Tapang Sambas and the existing interest, the next step is to design and construct longhouses that meet the needs and preferences of the Kalbar community.
Read Dayak: The Front Facade of the Traditional Longhouse in the Past
Innovations in design and construction techniques may be necessary to accommodate technological advancements and modern housing needs. These innovations should still preserve essential cultural elements.
By doing so, longhouses can continue to serve as symbols of community strength. They can also play a role in cultural preservation while addressing the evolving challenges of contemporary society.
-- Masri Sareb Putra