Betang Damang Batu

Historical Origins and Establishment

Betang Damang Batu was founded by a charismatic figure and great Dayak leader named Damang Batu. The construction of this betang house is estimated to have occurred in the mid-19th century. Damang Batu himself was a tribal chief with a vision that extended far beyond his time. He realized that inter-tribal conflicts (asang) and the prevalent headhunting tradition (mengayau) would only lead to the extinction of the Dayak population.

The chosen location in Tumbang Anoi, situated upstream of the Kahayan River, was not without reason. This area was considered a neutral and sacred meeting point. It was here that Damang Batu built his residence, which later transformed into a center for diplomacy among various Dayak sub-tribes from all corners of Borneo, including those from regions that are now Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

Traditional Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Betang Damang Batu represents the grandeur of the typical Dayak Ngaju Longhouse structure on a massive scale. The building is elevated on stilts, with pillar heights reaching 3 to 5 meters above the ground. This functional design served to ward off attacks from wild animals and enemies, as well as to anticipate river floods.

The main construction utilizes ulin wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), also known as ironwood, renowned for its resistance to extreme weather and termites for hundreds of years. The main supporting pillars (saka guru) are deeply embedded in the ground with very large diameters. The walls are made of neatly arranged ulin wood planks, while the roof traditionally uses ulin wood shingles.

The uniqueness of Betang Damang Batu lies in its intricate carvings. The Batang Garing (Tree of Life) motif dominates several parts of the pillars, symbolizing the balance between the upper and lower worlds. At the front, there is a single Hejan (staircase) made from a whole tree trunk with notches, which could be pulled up at night or during security threats according to custom.

Historical Significance: The Tumbang Anoi Agreement of 1894

The most phenomenal event associated with this site is the Tumbang Anoi Meeting (Tumbang Anoi Peace Conference) held in 1894. This grand gathering was initiated by Damang Batu in collaboration with the Dutch colonial government (through the Dutch controller) to put an end to the traditions of "Mengayau" and "Hapunu" (mutual killing).

For months, over 1,000 delegates from various Dayak tribes gathered around Betang Damang Batu. The outcome of this meeting was 96 articles of customary law that were jointly agreed upon, known as the Tumbang Anoi Customary Law. This agreement officially abolished slavery and headhunting traditions, replacing them with a system of customary fines (jipen). This event marked a historical milestone where Dayak identity transformed from a fragmented society into a unified nation that upheld peace.

Important Figures and Leadership Legacy

The name Damang Batu itself has become legendary. He is depicted as a skilled diplomat capable of calming the egos of powerful tribal chiefs (Panglima) who possessed high supernatural abilities. His success in gathering leaders who were previously at war under one Betang roof was an extraordinary socio-political achievement for that era.

Besides Damang Batu, this site is also closely linked to his successors who maintained the stability of the upper Kahayan region. This Betang served as a life school for the adat leaders of Central Kalimantan in learning conflict resolution without bloodshed.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As a Cultural Heritage Site, Betang Damang Batu has undergone several renovations to maintain its integrity. Given its age of over a century, many wooden parts have begun to show signs of decay. The Gunung Mas Regency Government, along with the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government, periodically carries out repairs without altering the original form of the building.

The last major restoration focused on strengthening the lower structure and replacing the roof shingles. Although some modern elements like iron nails have been used to reinforce the structure in recent repairs, the essence of this traditional wooden house has been preserved. The surrounding environment has also been developed into an educational historical tourist area, complete with a monument commemorating the Tumbang Anoi Agreement.

Cultural and Religious Significance

For the Dayak people today, Betang Damang Batu is a "Holy Land" of peace. Religiously, this place often serves as a location for traditional ceremonies like Mamapas Lewu (village cleansing) or other thanksgiving rituals. The community believes that the spirits of their ancestors still guard this place, thus every visitor is required to adhere to local customs and customary laws.

The philosophical value of "Rumah Betang" (Betang House), which emphasizes togetherness, tolerance, and deliberation, is strongly felt at this site. Within its grand hall, differences in sub-tribe, language, and beliefs merge into a single spirit of "Huma Betang" (Great House), which continues to be the fundamental philosophy of development in Central Kalimantan.

Conclusion and Uniqueness

A rarely known unique fact is that Betang Damang Batu is one of the few original betang houses that has never moved from its original location since its establishment, unlike many other betang houses that often relocated following farmlands or due to avoiding disasters. Its static existence for over 130 years makes the land beneath it possess high archaeological value.

Betang Damang Batu in Gunung Mas is not just a tourist attraction. It is a monument to humanity that proves that through deliberation and local wisdom, centuries of bloody conflict can be ended. Visiting this site means tracing the footsteps of the birth of peace on Borneo land, a cultural heritage whose value is timeless for the Indonesian nation.