Bukit Batu Kasongan

Bukit Batu Kasongan: Traces of Spirituality and Tjilik Riwut's Struggle in Katingan Land

Bukit Batu Kasongan is more than just a prominent geological formation in the landscape of Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. Located on the edge of the Trans Kalimantan route, this site is a unique blend of natural phenomena, a spiritual center for the Dayak people, and a silent witness to the Indonesian independence struggle. As a historical site, Bukit Batu plays a central role in the identity narrative of the people of Central Kalimantan, especially in its close connection with the National Hero, First Marshal TNI (Ret.) Tjilik Riwut.

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Origin and Geology of the Site

Physically, Bukit Batu is a collection of giant granite rocks that emerged naturally in the middle of a low-lying area dominated by peat soil and tropical forests. Unlike typical hills covered in thick soil, this site is dominated by large, black rock boulders piled randomly yet aesthetically. The local community believes that the existence of these rocks has mystical origins, but geologically, this site is an outcrop of ancient plutonic rocks formed millions of years ago.

The site consists of several main points known by specific names, such as Batu Banama (a rock resembling a ship), Batu Keramat (Sacred Rock), and Batu Keberuntungan (Lucky Rock). These natural structures create narrow passages and crevices that were later used by humans as places for meditation and secret meetings for centuries.

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Architecture and Site Layout

Although it is a natural site, the development of Bukit Batu as a cultural heritage site follows the traditional architectural patterns of the Dayak Ngaju. Around the rock area, there are supporting buildings in the form of Sandung (a place for storing ancestral bones) and wooden statues called Sapundu. The construction of buildings around the site uses ulin wood (ironwood), which is resistant to Kalimantan's extreme weather.

One of the prominent construction elements is the arrangement of footpaths connecting one rock to another. Visitors can see traces of footprints or areas that have been manually smoothed, indicating that the site has been intervened by human activity since ancient times. The garden arrangement around the hill has now been modernized, but it still maintains the integrity of the giant rocks as the main focal point.

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Historical Significance and the Figure of Tjilik Riwut

Bukit Batu Kasongan is intrinsically linked to the life story of Tjilik Riwut, a son of Katingan who became the first Governor of Central Kalimantan. According to local historical records, Bukit Batu was the place where Tjilik Riwut performed tapa brata or deep meditation before and during the independence struggle.

During the Dutch colonial era, this location served as a strategic hiding place. Due to its hidden location yet offering a wide view of the river and footpaths, Dayak fighters used the rock crevices as observation posts. Tjilik Riwut is believed to have gained spiritual inspiration and mental strength at this place to unite the Dayak tribes in supporting the Republic of Indonesia. In one corner of the hill, there is a rock specifically known as the hero's meditation seat, which is now a major attraction for historical pilgrims.

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Historical Events: Oaths and Unification

One of the unique facts about Bukit Batu is its role as a place for consolidating local strength. It was here that customary meetings involving important Dayak figures were often held to discuss strategies against the invaders. This site became a symbol of resistance against colonialism through the strengthening of cultural identity. The spiritual influence of Bukit Batu provided moral legitimacy for Tjilik Riwut when he led the first airborne operation in Sambi Village in 1947, which was the first aerial operation in the history of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).

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Cultural and Religious Dimensions: Kaharingan Beliefs

For the Dayak people who adhere to the Kaharingan belief system, Bukit Batu is considered a sacred (keramat) place. The existence of these rocks is believed to possess supernatural powers that protect the Katingan region. To this day, customary rituals such as offering sacrifices or communal prayers are still often performed at this location, especially on major holidays or when someone has a specific vow.

One unique phenomenon is the ritual of touching or rubbing certain parts of the rocks, which is believed to bring inner peace or good fortune. The syncretism between the historical values of nationalism and the local Kaharingan belief creates a unique atmosphere rarely found at other historical sites in Indonesia.

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Preservation and Restoration Status

The Katingan Regency Government, along with the Central Kalimantan Provincial Government, has designated Bukit Batu as a Cultural Heritage Site. Preservation efforts are focused on protecting the authenticity of the rock formations from vandalism and managing the environment to prevent erosion by residential development.

Restoration efforts so far have been supportive, such as the construction of safety fences, information centers, and small museums displaying photos and historical artifacts related to Tjilik Riwut. Although it has become a popular historical tourist destination, access to the sacred areas within the hill remains restricted and supervised by caretakers to maintain the sanctity and physical preservation of the rocks.

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Unique Facts and Heritage

Bukit Batu has several unique facts that always attract researchers:

1. Natural Echoes: In some rock crevices, there is an acoustic phenomenon where sounds can be heard very clearly from a distance, which was reportedly used by fighters as a secret communication tool.

2. Endemic Flora: In the crevices of the arid granite rocks, tropical forest plant species grow that can survive with only a little soil, creating a unique micro-ecosystem.

3. Center of Inspiration: Many writers and artists from Central Kalimantan draw inspiration from Bukit Batu for their works, considering it the "heart" of the Dayak philosophy of life, as strong as stone yet harmoniously integrated with nature.

In conclusion, Bukit Batu Kasongan is a living monument that encapsulates the long journey of Central Kalimantan. From a place of mystical meditation, it transformed into a stronghold for the independence struggle, and now stands tall as a symbol of cultural pride. Preserving Bukit Batu means preserving the collective memory of Tjilik Riwut's courage and the timeless local wisdom of the Dayak people.