Kalimantan Barat is a province on the island of Borneo in Indonesia. This province has a rich culture, one of which is the traditional house or what is called the rumah adat. The rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat is unique and has its own characteristics.
What is Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat?
Rumah adat Kalimantan Barat is a traditional house that is usually built on stilts and made of wood. The roof of the house is shaped like a boat, which is curved upwards at each end. This shape is to protect the house from heavy rain and to facilitate air circulation inside the house. The rumah adat is a symbol of the culture and identity of the people of Kalimantan Barat.
Types of Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat
There are several types of rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat, each with its own unique characteristics. One of them is the rumah betang, which is a longhouse that can accommodate up to 100 families. The rumah betang has a length of up to 150 meters and is divided into several rooms. Another type of rumah adat is the rumah panggung, which is a house built on stilts with a floor that is higher than the ground. This type of house is commonly found in coastal areas.
The Function of Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat
The rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat has various functions, both as a place to live and as a place for traditional ceremonies. In the past, the rumah adat was a communal dwelling where all members of a family or clan lived together. Nowadays, the rumah adat is more often used as a place for traditional ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and other cultural events.
Architecture of Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat
The architecture of rumah adat Kalimantan Barat is unique and has its own characteristics. The house is built on stilts and has a floor that is higher than the ground. The roof is made of wood and shaped like a boat. The walls of the house are made of woven bamboo and are decorated with traditional motifs. The rumah adat is also equipped with a balcony or veranda that surrounds the entire house.
The Philosophy Behind Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat
The rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat is not only a place to live, but also has a philosophical meaning. The shape of the house, which is curved upwards at each end, represents the belief of the people of Kalimantan Barat that life is a journey that has a beginning and an end. The longhouse or rumah betang, which can accommodate up to 100 families, represents the spirit of togetherness and solidarity among the people of Kalimantan Barat.
The Traditional Ceremony in Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat
There are several traditional ceremonies that are held in the rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat. One of them is the gawai adat, which is a thanksgiving ceremony held after the harvest season. This ceremony is usually held in May or June and is attended by all members of the family or clan. During the ceremony, offerings are made to the ancestors and traditional dances are performed.
The Preservation of Rumah Adat Kalimantan Barat
The rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat is a cultural heritage that needs to be preserved. However, the preservation of the rumah adat is faced with various challenges, including the difficulty of finding skilled craftsmen and the high cost of renovation. To preserve the rumah adat, the government of Kalimantan Barat has launched various programs, including the training of skilled craftsmen and the provision of funds for the renovation of rumah adat.
Tourist Attraction
The rumah adat in Kalimantan Barat has become a tourist attraction, especially for foreign tourists who are interested in Indonesian culture. Many tourists come to Kalimantan Barat to see the rumah adat and learn about the culture of the people of Kalimantan Barat. In addition, the rumah adat is also often used as a location for filming traditional Indonesian movies.
Conclusion
The rumah adat Kalimantan Barat is a cultural heritage that has its own uniqueness and characteristics. The shape and architecture of the house, as well as the traditional ceremonies held in it, represent the culture and identity of the people of Kalimantan Barat. However, the preservation of the rumah adat is faced with various challenges and needs the support of all parties to ensure that it can continue to be preserved for future generations.
