Komering Cempaka Traditional House

Tracing the Traces of Civilization at the Komering Cempaka Traditional House

The Komering Traditional House in Cempaka Village, Cempaka District, Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Timur Regency, is not just a sturdy wooden building standing proudly on the banks of the Komering River. It is a living monument that represents the past glory of the Komering Tribe's civilization. As one of the most well-preserved historical sites in South Sumatra, the Cempaka Traditional House holds a long narrative about the social structure, local wisdom in architecture, and cultural resilience of the Uluan people.

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Historical Origins and Period of Establishment

Historically, the Komering Traditional House in Cempaka is closely linked to the migration of people of Lampung descent (Saibatin) who followed the river flow until they settled in the South Sumatra region. Cempaka Village itself is known as one of the oldest settlements along the Komering River. Most of the old houses still standing today are estimated to have been built between the 18th and early 20th centuries.

The construction of these houses was not done haphazardly. Their development was usually initiated by local nobles or community leaders with high social status (Penyimbang). The existence of these houses became a symbol of the prosperity of large families and often functioned as the center of customary governance at the hamlet or marga level during the Dutch East Indies colonial era.

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Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

The architecture of the Komering Cempaka Traditional House has distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from the Rumah Limas of Palembang. Adopting a stilt house concept, this building is designed to adapt to the riverbank environment prone to flooding and to protect its inhabitants from the threat of wild animals.

The main structure of the building uses first-class woods such as unglen, tembesu, and local teak wood, which are known for their resistance to weather and termites. One of its technical unique features is the knock-down system or joinery without iron nails. Carpenters of the past used wooden pegs and interlocking systems that allowed the building to remain flexible yet strong during earthquakes.

The roof is generally pyramid-shaped, but with a steeper slope to accelerate rainwater runoff. In the interior, the house has a very hierarchical division of space:

1. Main Floor (Balandas): A large open space without permanent partitions, used for customary meetings and wedding ceremonies.

2. Pangkeng: Bedrooms located on the sides or back to maintain family privacy.

3. Pawon: The rear section functions as a kitchen, usually placed slightly lower or separated by a small bridge to minimize fire risk.

The carved ornaments on the Cempaka House are also very specific. The motifs used are dominated by floral and geometric shapes, reflecting the influence of local cultural acculturation with an Islamic spirit. No complete animal motifs (fauna) are found, in accordance with the strong religious teachings adhered to by the Komering people.

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Historical Significance and Related Figures

The Cempaka Traditional House bears silent witness to the golden age of pepper and forest commodity trade along the Komering River. During the colonial period, the Cempaka region was an important point in the water transportation route. These houses often served as stopping points for Dutch officials and nobles from the Sultanate of Palembang Darussalam.

One unique historical fact is the use of these houses as coordination centers for local fighters during the physical revolution. Due to their elevated structure and strategic position facing the river, homeowners could monitor the movement of Dutch patrol boats from a distance. Several local customary leaders from the large Cempaka marga family have, for generations, upheld the trust not to alter the original form of the buildings as a form of respect to their ancestors.

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Cultural Value and Religious Function

For the Komering Tribe, a house is not just a dwelling (home), but also an identity (identity). The Komering Cempaka Traditional House is often used for the Adat Title Conferment ceremony (Adok). It is within these houses that deliberations among customary elders take place to determine appropriate titles for individuals based on their lineage and contributions to the community.

Religiously, the orientation of the building and the layout of the rooms also consider the direction of the Qibla. The strong Islamic influence is evident from the presence of a special room at the front or corner of the house, whose sanctity is always maintained for congregational prayer for family members and visiting guests.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, the Komering Cempaka Traditional House is recognized as a Historical Site and Cultural Heritage by the OKU Timur Regency Government. However, preservation challenges remain. The age of the wood and the high cost of maintenance are the main obstacles for private owners.

Several restoration efforts have been made, both independently by the owner families and through technical assistance from the South Sumatra Provincial Culture and Tourism Office. Restorations are carried out very carefully to maintain the authenticity of the materials. For example, if a wooden part is rotten, its replacement must be of the same type of wood with traditional joinery techniques so as not to damage the aesthetics and structural integrity of the original.

Functional transformations are also beginning to be seen. Some houses are now being opened to the public as historical and educational tourist destinations. Tourists can not only see the physical buildings but also learn about the Komering tribe's life philosophy through antique items still stored in the houses, such as ancient ceramics, traditional musical instruments like Kulintang, and textiles like Kain Angkinan.

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Conclusion

The Komering Cempaka Traditional House is an architectural gem that records the traces of ancestral intelligence in South Sumatra. Its existence on the banks of the Komering River serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and tradition. As a historical site in OKU Timur, this house is not just a relic of the past, but a bridge for future generations to understand their identity and cultural roots amidst the currents of modernization. Preserving this house means safeguarding an important chapter in the grand history of Nusantara's civilization.