Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba

Tracing the Glorious Footsteps of the Purba Pak-Pak Dynasty: The History and Architecture of Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba

Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba is more than just an old wooden building standing strong on the highlands of Simalungun Regency; it is a physical manifesto of the Simalungun people's civilization that has endured through the centuries. Located in Pematang Purba Village, Purba District, North Sumatra Province, this site is the former palace or center of government of the Purba Kingdom, one of the seven kingdoms (Raja Marpitu) that once reigned in Simalungun.

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Historical Origins and Dynasty Establishment

The history of Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba is closely intertwined with the lineage of the Purba Pak-Pak Dynasty. The construction of this palace complex is estimated to have begun during the reign of King Pangultop-ultop, the first king of this dynasty, around the 16th or early 17th century. King Pangultop-ultop is known in oral tradition as a figure of extraordinary physical strength and wisdom in uniting the surrounding territories.

Pematang Purba was chosen as the center of government due to its strategically advantageous topographical location, situated on a hilltop that provided natural protection from enemy attacks. For over 200 years, this palace bore silent witness to the power transitions of 14 generations of Purba Kings, culminating during the reign of King Mogang Purba, which ended during the social revolution in East Sumatra around 1946.

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The Marvel of Simalungun Architecture Without Nails

One of the most captivating aspects of Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba is its structural integrity. The main building of this palace is constructed entirely using natural materials—high-quality forest wood, bamboo, and ijuk (palm fiber) roofing—without a single iron nail. All wooden joints utilize wooden pegs and very strong rattan ties, a testament to the advanced traditional civil engineering of that era.

This Rumah Bolon is a stilt house type with supporting pillars nearly two meters high. These pillars are not planted into the ground but are placed on foundation stones (umpak) to prevent wood rot from soil moisture and to provide flexibility during earthquakes.

The building's exterior is adorned with a distinctive Simalungun ornament called Pinar. The dominant colors used are red (symbolizing courage), white (symbolizing purity), and black (symbolizing authority). The most striking ornament is the buffalo head mounted on the roof peak. The buffalo horns attached there are not mere decorations but are actual horns from buffaloes sacrificed during construction ceremonies or royal celebrations, which also symbolize prosperity and protection for the palace inhabitants.

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Spatial Layout and Functional Significance

The interior of the Rumah Bolon is designed with a strict hierarchical division, reflecting the kingdom's social structure. The spacious main hall has no permanent partitions but is functionally divided according to custom. There are special areas for the king's sleeping quarters (Lopou), areas for the queen and concubines, and areas for distinguished guests.

In the center of the hall is the Tataring or fireplace. Uniquely, this fireplace is located inside the wooden house but is designed with a thick layer of clay so that the fire does not burn the wooden floor. The smoke from the fireplace acts as a natural preservative for the wood and ijuk roof, protecting it from termite attacks and fungal decay.

In addition to the main building (Rumah Bolon), the complex also includes supporting buildings such as:

1. Lopou: The king's private chamber and a place for secret meetings.

2. Bale: The venue for customary courts and formal gatherings.

3. Suhu: A storage for weapons and heirlooms.

4. Jabu Bolon: Houses for the king's wives.

5. Pattangan: A place for weaving hiou cloth for the royal women.

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Role of Key Figures and Important Events

The name of King Mogang Purba is recorded as the last king to functionally occupy this palace. During the Dutch colonial era, the Purba Kingdom maintained its internal autonomy through the Korte Verklaring agreement. However, significant changes occurred after the proclamation of Indonesian independence. The social revolution that swept through East Sumatra in 1946 led to the collapse of traditional kingdom systems. Fortunately, the people of Pematang Purba had a high awareness to preserve the physical structure of this building, preventing it from being burned down like many other palaces in North Sumatra at that time.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

For modern Simalungun people, Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba is a never-ending "Heritage Well." This site is a center of cultural identity. Religiously, before the arrival of Abrahamic religions, this building was filled with symbols of ancient beliefs that honored ancestors and nature spirits. The building's structure facing specific directions and the placement of animal ornaments like geckos and buffaloes were believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune to all the kingdom's subjects.

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Preservation Efforts and Current Status

The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Education and Culture, has designated Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba as a Cultural Heritage Site. Repairs and renovations have been carried out several times to replace decaying ijuk roofing and reinforce aging pillars. The biggest challenge in preserving this site is the availability of forest wood materials similar to the original and skilled artisans who understand ancient rattan tying techniques.

Currently, the site is managed as a historical tourist attraction. Visitors are not only treated to the sight of old buildings but also a serene atmosphere that transports them back to the glorious era of the Simalungun monarchy. The unique fact that this complex has stood in its original location (in situ) for centuries makes it one of the finest examples of vernacular architecture in Southeast Asia.

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Closing Unique Facts

One rarely known unique fact is the presence of small holes in the wooden floor in certain areas called telaga (wells). These holes are not due to damage but were intentionally made as communication channels or for disposing of betel quid remnants. Additionally, the number of steps leading to the Rumah Bolon is always odd, in line with local beliefs that odd numbers symbolize luck and unfinished growth, unlike even numbers which are considered static or dead.

Through the existence of Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba, we learn that the grandeur of a nation is not only measured by the extent of its power but by how strongly it upholds noble values and local wisdom embedded in every aspect of its structures.