Tuan Kadi's Transit House

Traces of Civilization on the Banks of the Siak River: The Complete History of Tuan Kadi's Transit House

Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi stands as one of the most authentic silent witnesses to the long journey of Pekanbaru City, Riau. Majestically located in Kampung Bandar, Senapelan District, this building is not merely an old wooden structure, but a representation of the golden age of trade and Islamic propagation along the Siak River. As an integral part of the history of the Siak Sri Indrapura Sultanate, this site holds collective memories of how a small village developed into a center of government and economy in the Malay land.

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Origins and Historical Context

Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi was built around 1895 by Haji Nurdin Putih, who was the father-in-law of Tuan Kadi H. Zakaria. Genetically and functionally, this house is closely related to the role of "Tuan Kadi," an important position in the administrative structure of the Siak Sultanate responsible for Islamic affairs, Sharia law, and marriage.

The construction of this house on the banks of the Siak River was not without reason. At that time, the Siak River was the main artery of transportation connecting the interior of Riau with the Strait of Malacca. The existence of this house in the Senapelan area marked a strategic point where the influence of the Siak Sultanate began to take root in the region formerly known as "Payung Sekaki," the precursor to Pekanbaru City.

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Uniqueness of Riau Malay Architecture

Visually, Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi is a masterpiece of traditional Malay architecture. The building is a stilt house with primary materials of teak and local hardwoods that are resistant to tropical weather and river humidity. The stilt structure serves a dual purpose: as protection from the Siak River's water surges (tides) and as natural air circulation that cools the interior of the house.

The most prominent characteristic is its "Limas" shaped roof with "Selembayung" ornamentation at the roof's edges. Selembayung is a wood carving resembling horns or bamboo shoots, a symbol of the relationship between humans and the Creator, as well as fellow living beings.

The dominant colors of this building are yellow and green, which in Malay tradition have deep philosophical meanings. Yellow symbolizes the glory, nobility, and authority of the sultanate, while green symbolizes fertility and adherence to Islamic teachings. The large windows surrounding the building are designed to catch the river breeze, demonstrating local wisdom in responding to the local climate.

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Sultan of Siak's Transit Point

One of the most significant historical facts that led to it being called "Rumah Singgah" (Transit House) is its function as a resting place for the 12th Sultan of Siak Sri Indrapura, Sultan Syarif Kasim II. On every visit from the royal capital in Siak Sri Indrapura to Senapelan (old Pekanbaru), the Sultan always stopped at this house.

The Sultan's presence at this house was not just for rest, but also for important meetings with community leaders and religious scholars. It was here that coordination regarding the development of the Senapelan area as a new trading center took place. This confirms that Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi held political and strategic value, where important policies that influenced the future of Riau were once discussed under its roof.

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Religious and Social Significance

As the residence of a Kadi, this house served as a center for religious consultation for the people of Senapelan. In the past, the terrace of this house was often used as a place for deliberation and to decide civil matters based on Islamic law. The position of Tuan Kadi as a religious scholar and a sultanate official made this house highly respected.

Socially, this house became a symbol of intellectual and religious establishment. Its existence in the midst of the residential area indicated the closeness between religious leaders and their people. The house's spatial layout with a spacious living room reflects the openness and hospitality of the Malay community in receiving guests, regardless of social strata.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As time went by, the challenges of preserving wooden buildings on the riverbank became immense. Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi experienced periods where its condition was concerning due to wood decay and the threat of river erosion. However, realizing its invaluable historical significance, the Pekanbaru City Government through the Department of Culture and Tourism, with the support of the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation (BPCB), has designated this building as a Cultural Heritage Site.

The restoration process was carried out meticulously, maintaining the originality of its materials and form. Decayed wood was replaced with similar types of wood, and the joinery techniques followed traditional methods without much use of modern nails. Currently, the area around the house has been developed into a city park and a neat waterfront, making it a premier historical tourist destination in Pekanbaru.

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Transit House in the Modern Era

Today, Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi functions as a mini-museum housing old photographs of Pekanbaru City's development and the genealogy of the Tuan Kadi family. Every year, this house becomes the center of attention during the "Petang Megang" celebration, a tradition of the Pekanbaru community to welcome the holy month of Ramadan with communal bathing in the Siak River.

The existence of this house serves as a reminder to younger generations that Pekanbaru is not a city born out of historical emptiness. This city grew from strong river traditions, deep religious devotion, and intelligent diplomacy between rulers and their people. As a historical site, Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi successfully bridges the past of the Siak Sultanate with the modern reality of the current "City of Knowledge."

By visiting this site, visitors are not only treated to beautiful architectural views but are also invited to delve back into the grand narrative of how the Riau Malay identity was shaped and preserved amidst the currents of changing times. Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi stands firm, looking towards the Siak River, as if continuously guarding the unforgettable flow of history.