Rumah Dua Negara

Rumah Dua Negara: Tracing the Footprints of Diplomacy and Borders in Nunukan

Rumah Dua Negara is one of the most iconic and unique historical sites located in Aji Kuning Village, Sebatik Tengah District, Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. As its name suggests, this building stands precisely on the national border line between the Republic of Indonesia and Malaysia. Its existence is not merely as a residence, but a tangible symbol of border complexities, kinship of the same ethnicity, and a long history of territorial disputes and agreements on Sebatik Island.

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Origin and Period of Establishment

The history of Rumah Dua Negara is inseparable from the division of Sebatik Island based on the London Convention of 1891 between Britain and the Netherlands. This convention stipulated that Sebatik Island be divided precisely at the latitude of 4 degrees 10 minutes North. The northern part was ceded to Britain (now part of Sabah, Malaysia) and the southern part to the Netherlands (now part of Indonesia).

This house was originally built by a local resident named Mapangara in 1977. At that time, the border demarcation in the area was not as clear as it is now. Over time, and with the re-surveying by the Technical Committee on the Demarcation and Survey of the International Boundary between Indonesia and Malaysia, it was discovered that Mapangara's house stood precisely straddling the border line. The living room of this house is in Indonesian territory, while the kitchen and back rooms fall within Malaysian territory.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Rumah Dua Negara adopts the traditional stilt house style typical of the Bugis community that dominates the coastal areas of North Kalimantan. The main material is ulin wood (ironwood), known for its exceptional strength and resistance to extreme tropical weather. This stilt structure was initially designed to adapt to soil conditions and as a measure of protection from wild animals.

The main uniqueness of this building lies in its "divided" interior layout. The homeowner creatively provided visual markers within the rooms. On the floor, there are clear dividing lines or differences in ornamentation indicating the position of the border marker (Marker 3). On the Indonesian side (living room), the walls are often adorned with portraits of the President and Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Red and White flag. Conversely, stepping a few meters towards the kitchen area, which is in Malaysian territory (Kampung Wallace Bay, Tawau), the atmosphere changes with displays of portraits of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Jalur Gemilang flag.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

Rumah Dua Negara bears silent witness to the dynamics of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia at the grassroots level. This site proves that political and administrative borders do not necessarily sever social and community ties. The communities in Aji Kuning Village and Wallace Bay have long practiced "table diplomacy," where they interact across borders daily without significant friction.

Historically, this house is also related to the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation (Dwikora) period in the 1960s. Although this house was built after the confrontation, its location was in a zone that was once a heavily guarded military area. The presence of this house in peacetime stands in stark contrast to the history of military tension in the past, transforming into a symbol of peace and coexistence.

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Connected Figures and Periods

The name Mapangara and his family are central figures in the narrative of Rumah Dua Negara. Their courage and consistency in maintaining the house amidst the uncertainty of border land status have attracted international attention. Furthermore, this site is often associated with the leadership period of the first Governor of North Kalimantan to the present, who has made this house a primary historical tourist attraction on Indonesia's front porch.

This site is also frequently visited by high-ranking state officials from both sides, including ministers and military commanders, to directly inspect border conditions. This confirms that Rumah Dua Negara is not just an ordinary wooden house, but an important coordinate point in national sovereignty.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Given its age of several decades, Rumah Dua Negara had experienced damage to some parts of its wooden structure due to weathering. The Nunukan Regency Government, along with the North Kalimantan Provincial Government, has designated this site as a historical and cultural tourist destination.

Restoration efforts are carried out very carefully to preserve the authenticity of its form and materials. Due to its status of being in two countries, maintenance processes often involve cross-border coordination. Currently, the house no longer functions fully as a private residence in the conventional sense, but rather as a living museum. Tourists are allowed to enter to experience the sensation of crossing countries simply by stepping from the living room to the kitchen.

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Cultural and Social Meaning

For the local community, Rumah Dua Negara is a manifestation of the concept of "Sebatik Spirit." Here, citizenship identity is upheld high without having to abandon the sense of brotherhood as fellow island residents. Culturally, this house reflects the strong Bugis-Melayu cultural assimilation at the border.

The existence of this house also has an economic impact on the surrounding residents through the tourism sector. Small stalls around the location sell commodities from two countries simultaneously, creating a unique border economic ecosystem. The use of two currencies (Rupiah and Ringgit) in daily transactions around this site adds to the unique experience for visitors.

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Unique Facts and Conclusion

One of the most unique facts is the position of the Border Marker (Marker 3) which is actually located directly under the house. This makes Rumah Dua Negara the only building in the world legally and physically recognized as standing on two sovereignties without causing diplomatic conflict. Furthermore, this house often becomes the location for the commemoration ceremony of Indonesia's Independence Day, where the flag is raised in the front yard (Indonesian side) while guests often rest in the back (Malaysian side).

As a historical site, Rumah Dua Negara teaches that national sovereignty borders must be maintained administratively, but humanity and kinship can still stand tall beyond these lines. It continues to stand strong in Nunukan as an invaluable monument of people's diplomacy.