Radakng House, the traditional house of the Dayak Tribe, is a cultural icon of West Kalimantan with its unique architecture and noble values.
Radakng House is one of the real proofs of the impressive cultural richness of Indonesia, especially from West Kalimantan.
This traditional Dayak house not only has magnificent architecture, but also holds a deep philosophy that reflects the values of unity, mutual cooperation, and harmony.
With a length of 300 meters, Radakng House is the center of social life for dozens of families in one building, making it a cultural icon of West Kalimantan that is rich in history and tradition.
History and Cultural Value of Radakng House
The Radakng House has been an important part of Dayak society for hundreds of years. Functioning as a communal dwelling for many families, this house is the center of social and cultural life of the Dayak tribe.
One of the historic Radakng Houses is located in Saham Hamlet, Saham Village, Landak Regency, which is about 200 km from Pontianak. Established in 1875, this house is a witness to the development and adaptation of Dayak culture.
However, in the 1960s, many traditional longhouses were destroyed by the government, because they were considered similar to the communist communal lifestyle.
Since then, longhouses that function as communal housing have begun to decrease, and the remaining Radakng House are now more often used for rituals or traditional ceremonies.
However, several Radakng House that are more than 140 years old still stand, providing an illustration of the resilience of Dayak culture and architecture.
Structure and Uniqueness of Radakng House Architecture
The architecture of the Radakng House is designed to support the social and cultural needs of the Dayak people.
This building can be up to 300 meters long, about 6–10 meters wide, and about 7 meters high from the ground.
This structure not only provides visual beauty, but also serves as protection from wild animals and the threat of inter-tribal attacks in the past, especially during the Ngayau era, or head hunting.
The supporting pillars of the Radakng House are made of sturdy and durable ironwood. This wood is not only resistant to extreme weather, but is also free from termite attacks.
This ironwood material helps the house survive for hundreds of years, making it a symbol of the toughness and amazing craftsmanship of Dayak architecture.
Philosophy and Characteristics of Radakng House
Radakng House is built with deep philosophy, reflecting the values of belief and customs of the Dayak Tribe. Here are some of the philosophies and uniqueness reflected in this house:
1. House Position Facing Sunrise
Radakng houses are always built facing the sunrise, which reflects hope, success and hard work. This position also allows the house to receive sunlight in the morning, making it more energy efficient and helping to maintain the health of its occupants.
2. Odd Number of Steps
The stairs in the Radakng House always have an odd number, believed to be a symbol of good luck and repelling evil.
These stairs are also designed to be wide, around 90–120 cm, to facilitate access for large families. According to local beliefs, odd numbers bring good fortune and protect the occupants from hardship.
3. High Floor for Protection
The floor height which reaches 7 meters not only provides visual beauty, but also functions as protection from wild animals and threats from the past. In addition, the high floor helps maintain the room temperature, so it stays cool in the summer and warm in the rainy season.
4. Typical Dayak Carvings and Motifs
The large pillars in the Radakng House are decorated with typical Dayak carvings, such as hornbill, dragon, shield and flower motifs.
These motifs have deep meanings; for example, the hornbill is considered to symbolize peace and nobility, while the dragon represents the power of nature and spirituality. Each carving has a strong symbolic message, strengthening Dayak identity and culture.
5. Natural and Sustainable Materials
Radakng houses are almost entirely made of ironwood, bamboo, or areca nut trunks. This choice of materials shows local wisdom in using natural resources wisely and sustainably. Ironwood is known for its durability, while bamboo provides flexibility in design and ventilation.
6. Radakng House as a Symbol of Harmony
With the capacity to accommodate dozens of families, the Radakng House is a symbol of unity and togetherness in the life of the Dayak Tribe.
For example, one longhouse in West Kalimantan can accommodate up to 60 families. This reflects the strong sense of togetherness and mutual cooperation in the life of the Dayak people, where all members of the tribe live side by side in harmony.
7. Radakng House as a Cultural Tourism Destination
Today, Radakng House is not only a place to live, but also a popular cultural tourism destination in West Kalimantan. One of the miniature Radakng Houses that can be seen in Pontianak City is located in the Cultural Village Complex, Jalan Sutan Syahrir, Pontianak New City.
This miniature was inaugurated in 2013 as an effort to preserve and promote Dayak culture to the wider community. The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, also visited Radakng House, adding to its popularity as a cultural tourism destination.
Tips for Visiting Radakng House
If you are interested in visiting Radakng House, here are some tips that can maximize your experience:
1. Hire a Local Guide
A local guide will help you explore the house in more depth, explaining the history, philosophy and meaning behind each motif and structure of the house.
2. Respect Local Rules
Radakng House is not just a tourist attraction, but also a traditional house that is respected by the Dayak people. Respect the applicable rules, such as removing shoes before entering and maintaining cleanliness and not damaging the carvings.
3. Enjoy Local Cuisine
After touring, don’t miss the chance to taste typical Dayak food that can be enjoyed in the tourist area. This experience will add to your cultural insight while in West Kalimantan.
4. Visit During Cultural Festival
The best time to visit is during the Dayak cultural festival, where you can witness traditional ceremonies, dances, and various unique attractions that are rarely seen on a daily basis.
Radakng Traditional House is a cultural heritage rich in historical and philosophical values from West Kalimantan. This house is not only a place to live, but also a symbol of identity, unity, and strength of the Dayak people.
Visiting the Radakng House will take you deeper into the wisdom of Dayak culture, enriching your knowledge of traditional architecture that is full of meaning. The Betang House is proof that tradition can coexist with the development of the times, without losing the noble values it has.
