Rumah Betang Kobot

Architectural Philosophy and Meeting Spaces

Physically, Rumah Betang Kobot represents the concept of Kobat or Kobot, which in the local language refers to a bond or unity. The elongated building structure with its sturdy ironwood pillars reflects the resilience of the Melawi people. Each part of this building has a specific function; from the spacious veranda (pante) used for public discussions, to the inner rooms functioning as galleries and training centers. The presence of Betang Kobot in Melawi symbolizes that riverine civilization still has a home amidst the progress of Nanga Pinoh city.

Performing Arts Preservation Programs

One of the main pillars of Rumah Betang Kobot is the revival of traditional performing arts that are becoming rare. This cultural center regularly organizes Dayak dance workshops, especially characteristic Melawi dances like the War Dance and the Guest Welcome Dance.

The uniqueness of the programs here lies in teaching the Sape musical instrument. Young people are taught not only how to pluck the Sape strings but also the philosophy behind each note produced. In addition, traditional percussion instruments such as Agukng (gong) and Tuma (long drum) are mandatory curricula in weekly music classes. The main focus of this program is to transfer the distinctive Melawi "beat" technique, which has a different rhythm from other regions of West Kalimantan.

Handicraft Workshops and Creative Economy

Rumah Betang Kobot functions as a workshop for local artisans. Here, rattan and bamboo weaving arts are developed with innovative touches without abandoning the traditional motifs. Visitors can witness the process of making Tanggui (traditional hats) and various types of woven bags using natural dyes from forest roots.

Another flagship program is the development of characteristic Melawi ikat weaving motifs. Through this center, mothers from surrounding villages are given space to market their products while training young girls in weaving techniques. This not only preserves the craft but also drives a culture-based creative economy for the people of Melawi.

Cultural Education and Community Engagement

As an educational center, Rumah Betang Kobot actively collaborates with schools in Melawi Regency. The "Cultural Saturday" program is a regular agenda where students come to Betang to learn about oral history, family lineage (turus), and customary law.

Community involvement is not limited to the Dayak ethnic group. Rumah Betang Kobot positions itself as a space for inter-ethnic dialogue in Melawi. Considering the diverse population composition of Melawi, this cultural center often holds cross-cultural discussions involving the Malay community and other ethnic groups, to strengthen the social fabric in West Kalimantan. A digital archiving program is also being pioneered to document old spells, folk tales, and traditional medicinal knowledge from the customary elders (Temenggung).

Festival Celebrations and Customary Ceremonies

Rumah Betang Kobot hosts various major events. One of the most prominent is the post-harvest celebration or district-level Gawai Dayak. During this festival, Betang Kobot transforms into a giant stage showcasing blowpipe competitions, wood carving, and traditional food cooking contests in bamboo (Lemang).

In addition to major rituals, this cultural center also facilitates life ceremonies such as house blessings or welcoming distinguished guests with the Potong Pantan tradition. The existence of this center ensures that every customary procedure is carried out with precision according to the established practices inherited from the ancestors in the land of Melawi.

Role in Regional Cultural Development

Under the auspices of the local government and with the support of customary leaders, Rumah Betang Kobot acts as an advisor in cultural preservation policies. This center serves as a data hub for anthropological and sociological research in the Melawi region. Its existence helps map out cultural tourism potential that can be integrated with the natural beauty of the Melawi River and its surrounding hills.

Rumah Betang Kobot is also active in cultural literacy movements. They publish pamphlets and pocketbooks on customary etiquette so that the younger generation living in urban areas do not lose the moral compass that characterizes the people of inland Kalimantan.

Challenges and the Future of Preservation

Despite facing challenges such as limited infrastructure and the influence of digitalization, Rumah Betang Kobot continues to adapt. The management has started utilizing social media to promote cultural activities, making Betang an "instagrammable" spot that is still rich in meaning.

In the future, Rumah Betang Kobot is projected to become a Living Museum. This means visitors will not only see inanimate objects but can directly interact with ongoing cultural processes. With this vision, Rumah Betang Kobot is expected to remain a beacon of civilization in Melawi; a place where the past is honored, the present is celebrated, and the future is planned without losing the identity of being a Kalimantan human.

With all the activities pulsating within it, Rumah Betang Kobot proves that culture is not a burden of the past, but an asset for the future. Through the music, dances, weavings, and discussions that echo under its shingle roof, the identity of the Melawi people will continue to be strong, as strong as the wooden pillars supporting this grand building.