Huma Betang Sei Pasah

Architecture as a Symbol of Communal Life

Physically, Huma Betang Sei Pasah showcases authentic Dayak architectural characteristics. Built on stilts using ironwood (ulin wood) that can last for hundreds of years, this building has a striking length designed to accommodate many families. The presence of Sandung (ancestral bone repositories) and Sapundu statues in the front yard confirms that this place is both a sacred and social space.

The Betang philosophy, emphasizing togetherness, honesty, and deliberation, is reflected in its spatial layout. Its spacious main hall now functions as a center for cultural activities, where the polished wooden floor serves as a silent witness to the regeneration of ancestral values for the younger generation of Kapuas.

Preservation Programs for Performing Arts and Traditional Music

As a cultural center, Huma Betang Sei Pasah organizes regular performing arts practice programs. The main focus is the preservation of the Karungut Dance and Mandau Dance. Karungut, a vocal art form consisting of sung pantun (traditional poetry), is taught very specifically here. Cultural practitioners in Sei Pasah ensure that the moral messages within the Karungut lyrics remain relevant to current social issues.

Every weekend, the sounds of the Garantung (a distinctive Dayak gong) and the strumming of the Kecapi echo from within the Betang. These music training programs are open not only to local residents but also to tourists eager to delve into the magical rhythms of Kalimantan. The uniqueness of the programs here lies in their teaching method, which still uses oral tradition, where students learn to feel the vibrations of the music before memorizing the notes.

Crafts and Handicrafts: Weaving Identity

Huma Betang Sei Pasah also functions as a workshop for local artisans. One of its flagship programs is the development of rattan and pineapple fiber crafts. Visitors can witness firsthand the process of making Lanjung (back baskets) and Topi Caping (conical hats) with distinctive Dayak Ngaju motifs such as the Batang Garing (Tree of Life) motif.

In addition to rattan, this cultural center is reviving the art of wood carving. Village youths are trained to carve ornaments on shields (Talawang) and sword hilts (Mandau). The focus is not merely on aesthetic value but on a deep understanding of the symbolic meaning behind each carving, such as symbols of protection, courage, and the relationship between humans and the universe.

Cultural Education and Community Involvement

This cultural center plays an educational role through the "Betang Goes to School" program and integrated school visits. Students from various schools in Kapuas Regency regularly visit Sei Pasah to learn about Dayak etiquette and local history.

The community of Sei Pasah Village is actively involved in managing this place through the concept of Community-Based Tourism. Women in the vicinity of the Betang manage demonstrations of traditional cuisine, such as the preparation of Juhu Singkah (young rattan shoots) and grilled fish typical of the Kapuas River. This ensures that the presence of Huma Betang provides a direct economic impact for the surrounding residents, while also strengthening their sense of ownership over this cultural heritage.

Iconic Festivals and Celebrations

Huma Betang Sei Pasah serves as a central point for various annual cultural festivals. One of the most anticipated moments is the post-harvest celebration or thanksgiving rituals involving all elements of the community. During major events, this Betang becomes a stage for traditional sports competitions such as Manyumpit (blowgun shooting), Manggasing (a spinning top game), and Lomba Balogo (a traditional game involving throwing discs).

The presence of these festivals not only attracts domestic and international tourists but also serves as a platform for artists from various parts of Central Kalimantan to exchange ideas. Under the roof of Huma Betang, sub-ethnic differences dissolve in the inclusive spirit of Huma Betang.

Role in Local Culture and Environmental Development

Amidst the currents of modernization and the changing forest landscape of Kalimantan, Huma Betang Sei Pasah stands as a fortress of local wisdom. This cultural center actively campaigns for the importance of preserving rivers and forests, as Dayak culture cannot be separated from nature. Programs here often integrate environmental messages, teaching that damaging nature means damaging the very foundation of culture itself.

Furthermore, this cultural center collaborates with the local government to document oral traditions that are beginning to disappear. The digitization of ancient manuscripts and audio-visual recordings of customary rituals have been a priority in the last five years to ensure that this knowledge is not lost to time.

Looking to the Future: Innovation and Relevance

The biggest challenge for Huma Betang Sei Pasah is maintaining its relevance for Gen Z and Alpha. To address this, the cultural center has begun adopting technology in its content delivery. The use of social media to promote artistic activities and the provision of information via QR codes in exhibition areas are concrete steps towards a modern cultural center that remains firmly rooted in tradition.

Huma Betang Sei Pasah has proven that a traditional house is not just a frozen artifact of the past. It is a living organism that continues to breathe through the dances of children, the melodies of elders, and the hands of artisans. As a cultural beacon in Kapuas Regency, Huma Betang Sei Pasah will continue to radiate the light of Dayak wisdom, reminding everyone who visits that in togetherness and respect for ancestors lies great strength to face the future.

With all its activities and dedication, Huma Betang Sei Pasah belongs not only to the residents of Sei Pasah Village or the people of Kapuas but is a valuable heritage for the Indonesian nation, enriching the mosaic of Nusantara's diversity. Visiting this place is a spiritual and intellectual journey to understand the essence of humanity living in harmony with nature, fellow beings, and the Creator.