Alabio Duck Market

Germplasm Heritage: Alabio Ducks as Cultural Symbols

The core of this cultural center is the preservation of the Alabio Duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), a superior variety named after this region by Dr. Saleh Puspo in the 1950s. The existence of this market is a manifestation of the unique "Swamp Culture." The Alabio community has developed an intensive farming system integrated with the swamp's water cycle. At this cultural center, visitors can learn about the local ethno-zoology, where ducks are not merely commodities but part of a social order that fosters a strong work ethic and meticulousness.

Cultural Activities and Traditional Rituals

Alabio Duck Market serves as a stage for various organic cultural activities. One prominent program is the "Matur Itik" ritual, an oral tradition and practical field activity where senior breeders (local experts) share knowledge about selecting breeding stock based on physical characteristics linked to life philosophies.

Every market day, especially on Wednesdays, a unique "Banjar Bargaining Art" performance takes place. The negotiation process here involves sign language and the distinct Alabio dialect, creating a symphony of communication not found elsewhere. This is a form of social theater that showcases honesty and brotherhood among traders.

Traditional Arts and Swamp Handicrafts

As a cultural center, the Alabio Duck Market area is also a meeting point for artisans of purun (tupih) and water hyacinth weaving. Local wisdom in processing swamp plants into high artistic value products is an integral part of this market's ecosystem.

1. Alabio *Purun* Weaving: Women around the market often showcase their weaving skills directly. The motifs produced reflect the swamp's flora and fauna.

2. Madihin Art: On certain occasions or cultural festivals, the stage in the market area often features Madihin, a Banjar poetic storytelling art that is humorous and educational, often recounting the history of the Alabio Duck's excellence.

3. Traditional Culinary: This cultural center is also a gastronomic laboratory. The preparation of Alabio Ducks into dishes like Itik Panggang Alabio (Grilled Alabio Duck) and Itik Masak Habang (Alabio Duck Cooked in Red Sauce) is a culinary heritage whose original spice blends are strictly guarded.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

Alabio Duck Market plays an educational role through the "Swamp Nature School" program. This program involves the younger generation in understanding the wetland ecosystem. The education provided includes:

• Traditional Hatching Techniques: Teaching how to hatch eggs using rice husks and oil lamps (now transitioning to electricity) that require instinct and temperature sensitivity.
• Environmental Conservation: Educating the community on the importance of maintaining swamp cleanliness as a source of natural duck feed.
• Handicraft Workshops: Training local youth to innovate woven products to remain relevant to modern market tastes without abandoning traditional patterns.

Cultural Festivals and Annual Events

One of the peak events that makes Alabio Duck Market a cultural magnet is the Alabio Duck Festival. This festival is not just a livestock exhibition but a cultural celebration that includes:

• Duck Beauty Contest: Judging based on body proportion and duck health, aiming to maintain the original Alabio genetic quality.
• Traditional Boat Rowing Competition: Given the location surrounded by water, this competition revives the community's collective memory of past river transportation.
• Swamp Culture Carnival: A parade showcasing creative costumes made from swamp waste and duck feathers, demonstrating the boundless creativity of the Hulu Sungai Utara community.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Role for the Region

This cultural center plays a vital role in preserving intangible cultural heritage. Amidst the wave of modernization, Alabio Duck Market remains steadfast in maintaining a system of social value exchange. The management of the cultural center collaborates with the Hulu Sungai Utara Regency Government to document traditional farming and handicraft techniques in the form of digital literacy and a living museum.

The role of Alabio Duck Market in local cultural development is highly significant. It serves as a collective identity (brand identity) for Alabio people living abroad. Sociologically, the market functions as a "Third Space"—a place where various social strata meet to interact without barriers, strengthening the social solidarity of the Banjar community.

Architecture and Spatial Planning Based on Local Wisdom

Physically, this cultural center maintains stilt house architecture that is adaptive to the ebb and flow of swamp water. The use of ulin wood as the primary material for small docks around the market demonstrates the community's understanding of local material durability against water. The market's spatial layout, divided into clusters (breeding stock, laying ducks, and processed products), reflects a social order that has been mutually agreed upon for decades.

Cultural Uniqueness: "Ma-itik" as a Way of Life

The most unique aspect of Alabio Duck Market is the concept of Ma-itik. This is not just a job but a life philosophy. Ma-itik teaches patience, meticulousness, and adherence to time (ducks are known to be very disciplined animals). At this cultural center, visitors do not just see objects but experience living cultural subjects. The interaction between humans and ducks has given rise to special vocabulary in the local dialect, enriching the linguistic treasury of South Kalimantan.

Conclusion: The Future of the Alabio Cultural Center

Alabio Duck Market in Hulu Sungai Utara is tangible proof that a cultural center does not always have to be a rigid theater building or a silent museum. Culture is something that moves, pulses, and provides sustenance. By integrating economic, educational, and conservation aspects, Alabio Duck Market successfully keeps the flame of swamp community civilization burning.

Through continuous efforts in developing culture-based tourism, this center is expected to continue inspiring other regions in managing local potential. Alabio Duck Market's success in maintaining its originality amidst changing times is the highest tribute to the ancestors who laid the foundations of wisdom in the watery lands of Hulu Sungai Utara. For anyone who visits, Alabio Duck Market offers more than just a sight; it offers a spiritual experience of how humans should live in harmony with nature and their traditions.