Sendawar Cultural Park

The Architectural Grandeur of Sendawar Cultural Park: A Symbol of Harmony Among Six Kutai Barat Ethnicities

Taman Budaya Sendawar (TBS) stands not merely as an administrative building complex or an ordinary arts center. Located in the heart of the capital of Kutai Barat Regency, East Kalimantan, this complex is a physical manifestation of the sociocultural diversity that shapes the region's identity. As an iconic structure, TBS embodies the philosophy of "Taan Purai Laya" (Building a Better Tomorrow) through its magnificent and integrated vernacular architectural approach.

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Design Philosophy: Integration of Six Ethnicities in One Space

The main characteristic that distinguishes Sendawar Cultural Park from other cultural centers in Indonesia is its spatial structure, which refers to the ethnic diversity of the local population. The architecture of TBS is designed to accommodate representations of the six major ethnic groups inhabiting Kutai Barat: Tunjung (Rethon), Benuaq, Bahau, Kenyah, Aoheng, and Melayu.

The primary design principle is "equality in diversity." This is realized through the construction of six traditional houses (Lamin/Luuq) standing side-by-side in a circle, surrounding a main stage or open arena. Each building is designed with high precision to reflect the specific details of ornaments, roof structures, and interior layouts according to the original customs of each tribe, while still maintaining a harmonious architectural thread as a unified complex.

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Building Structure and Local Materials

Structurally, Sendawar Cultural Park is dominated by the use of ulin wood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), a distinctive Kalimantan ironwood known for its resistance to extreme weather and termite attacks. The use of ulin wood is not just about functionality but also symbolizes the strength and eternity of Dayak culture.

The buildings at TBS adopt a stilt house system with large and sturdy supporting pillars (totems). This stilt structure is an intelligent adaptation to Kalimantan's forested and humid geographical conditions, while also serving as protection from environmental threats. Architectural innovation is evident in the combination of traditional carpentry techniques (wood joinery systems without excessive iron nails) with concrete structural reinforcement at the underground foundation level to ensure long-term building safety.

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Ornament Details and Vernacular Aesthetics

Every corner of Sendawar Cultural Park is filled with carvings and reliefs that hold high spiritual meaning. In the Lamin of the Tunjung and Benuaq Dayak tribes, visitors can see the Paku Kelakai and Kait motifs, symbolizing human interconnectedness. Meanwhile, on the roofs and walls of the Lamin of the Bahau and Kenyah Dayak tribes, dragon and hornbill motifs dominate as symbols of protection and glory.

Another uniqueness lies in the coloring. The use of distinctive Dayak colors—red, yellow, white, and black—is applied in detail to the wood carvings adorning the building facades. Red symbolizes bravery, yellow signifies glory/majesty, white represents purity, and black symbolizes the strength of the earth. These aesthetic details make TBS not just an architectural object, but a "visual history book" that can be read through its carvings.

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Historical Context and Development

The construction of Sendawar Cultural Park began during the leadership of Regent Ismail Thomas as an effort to strengthen the identity of Kutai Barat after its expansion from Kutai Regency. Its architectural vision was to create a "Great House" for all its people. The work involved local carving maestros and wood construction experts from the Mahakam hinterlands to ensure that every detail of the buildings adhered to customary values.

Unlike modern buildings that pursue minimalism, TBS instead pursues "symbolic maximalism." Every dimension of the building, from the number of steps to the height of the pillars, is often adjusted to numbers considered sacred or historically significant to the local community.

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Social Significance and Spatial Function

As a cultural center, TBS functions as a dynamic public space. In the center of the complex is an open stage (amphitheater) often used for major customary ceremonies such as Erau or annual art festivals. Sociologically, the circular layout of the buildings creates an inclusive interaction pattern. No single ethnic building is more prominent than the others; all face the same central point, symbolizing unity under the umbrella of the Kutai Barat Regency Government.

For visitors, the spatial experience at TBS offers a sensory journey. Walking along the ulin wood corridors connecting one Lamin to another provides a feel of being in a past Dayak village, but on a more monumental and urban-planned scale.

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Architectural Innovations and Uniqueness: Totems and Statues

One of the unique features that makes it a major attraction is the presence of wooden statues (Blontang) placed in the outdoor areas of the buildings. These Blontang are high-quality carvings that symbolize reverence for ancestors. In the context of modern architecture, the placement of these traditional elements functions as "sculptural landmarks" that give strong character to the TBS landscape.

Furthermore, the air circulation system within each Lamin is designed naturally without excessive use of air conditioning. High ceilings with ventilation openings under the roof (shingles) allow hot air to rise and escape, while gaps in the wooden floor channel cool air from under the building into the rooms. This is a form of local wisdom in sustainable architecture consistently applied at TBS.

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Conclusion: An Architectural Heritage for the Future

Sendawar Cultural Park now stands as a tourism icon and the pride of the people of East Kalimantan. Its success in combining the functions of a living museum, a cultural governance center, and an architectural tourist attraction makes it one of the best vernacular building complexes in Indonesia.

Through the grandeur of ulin wood and the intricacy of its carvings, TBS is not merely a pile of construction materials. It is a politico-cultural statement that amidst the currents of modernity, the roots of tradition can remain standing tall, magnificent, and functional. For architects and culture enthusiasts, Sendawar Cultural Park is a real-life laboratory for studying how ethnic identity can be translated into harmonious, inclusive, and timeless building forms.