Rumah Betang Saham

Architecture as a Cultural Vehicle

With a length of over 180 meters and dozens of doors (panto), the physical structure of Rumah Betang Saham itself is a history lesson. The building stands on sturdy ulin wood pillars, reflecting the communal philosophy of the Dayak people. Every inch of the building, from the samik (communal living room) to the bilik (private room), serves as an educational space for the younger generation to understand the social structure and customary laws that have been in place for centuries.

Cultural Activities and Programs

As a cultural center, Rumah Betang Saham organizes various routine programs aimed at transferring knowledge from customary elders to the youth. These programs include:

1. Informal Customary School: Every afternoon, the house's veranda often transforms into a learning space where children are taught family lineage history, guest etiquette, and an introduction to the refined Dayak Kanayatn language.

2. Oral Literacy Workshop: Given that Dayak traditions heavily rely on oral traditions, the management of Betang Saham regularly holds storytelling sessions (nyangahatn) containing customary prayers and local legends to prevent them from being lost to time.

Traditional Arts, Crafts, and Performances

Rumah Betang Saham is an open stage for artistic expression. Art here is not just for viewing, but an integral part of life rituals.

• Music and Dance Arts: At this cultural center, visitors can witness rehearsals of the Tari Ayun Pala or Tari Nimang Padi dances. Traditional musical instruments such as the Agukng (gong), Dau (Dayak gamelan), and Sape are the main instruments whose sounds often echo throughout the betang's corridors.
• Handicrafts: The women in Rumah Betang Saham are craft masters. Their flagship programs are the creation of Anyaman Bidai (traditional Landak rattan mats) and beadwork (Manik-manik). The uniqueness here lies in the use of natural dyes sourced from the surrounding forest, such as wood roots and specific leaves, which preserve the authenticity of traditional motifs.
• Wood Carving Art: The men in Betang Saham preserve the art of carving ulin wood and making Mandau (a traditional Dayak sword). Motifs like Pakis (fern) and Naga (dragon) are not just decorations but symbols of protection and strength taught generationally through apprenticeship programs for the village youth.

Educational Programs and Community Involvement

Community involvement is the key to the existence of Rumah Betang Saham. This cultural center serves as a social laboratory through:

• Traditional Agriculture Education: The community around Betang Saham provides education on sustainable and environmentally friendly Berhuma (swidden agriculture) systems. This includes introducing local rice varieties and planting rituals that respect nature.
• Cultural Information Center for Researchers: Betang Saham often serves as a reference for academics and anthropology researchers from both within and outside the country. Local communities are involved as cultural guides who can deeply explain the philosophy of Adat Istiadat (customary practices).

Cultural Events and Iconic Festivals

The cultural calendar at Rumah Betang Saham culminates in the Naik Dango celebration. This is a festival of thanksgiving to Panto Ayo (God Almighty) for the abundant rice harvest.

During this festival, Rumah Betang Saham becomes the central point where thousands of people gather. The series of events includes:

• Nyangahatn Ritual: A prayer procession led by customary elders (Panyangahatn).
• Traditional Competitions: Such as blowgun shooting, top spinning, and cooking traditional food in bamboo (Lemang).
• Gawai Dayak: A folk festival featuring a parade of traditional attire adorned with magnificent hornbill feathers.

Sustainable Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Preservation efforts at Rumah Betang Saham are carried out with a "Living Museum" approach. This means preservation is not only applied to the physical building but also to the living values within it.

This cultural center collaborates with the Landak Regency government to ensure that building renovations continue to use original materials and traditional carpentry techniques. Furthermore, there are efforts to digitize weaving motifs and folk tales so they can be accessed by millennials through social media, as a form of cultural adaptation in the digital era.

Role in Local Cultural Development

Rumah Betang Saham plays a crucial role as the "last fortress" of Dayak Kanayatn culture in Landak. It functions as:

1. Creative Economy Incubator: Through the sale of handicrafts and cultural tourism packages, the community can improve its economic welfare without abandoning its cultural identity.

2. Holder of Customary Authority: All social disputes or village development plans are often deliberated on the betang's veranda, indicating that traditional political and social functions are still very strong.

3. Collective Identity: Amidst the onslaught of pop culture, Betang Saham provides a sense of pride for the youth of Landak. They feel they have strong roots, making them less likely to lose their way in global interactions.

Conclusion: Philosophy of Living Together

One unique thing that can only be found at Rumah Betang Saham is the concept of Hehe (togetherness). Here, tolerance is not just a theory but a daily practice. Although its inhabitants now hold diverse religious beliefs, they remain united within the same customary framework.

Rumah Betang Saham is not just a tourist destination, but an institution of life education. It teaches that progress does not have to mean abandoning the past. By maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and ancestors, Rumah Betang Saham continues to stand tall as a cultural beacon in West Kalimantan, ensuring that the intellectual and spiritual wealth of the Dayak people will be passed down for centuries to come. Through every gong beat and every rattan weave, Rumah Betang Saham whispers to the world that identity is the most valuable treasure.