Kalimantan Culture

Rumah Betang (Betang Traditional House)

It is a traditional Kalimantan house inhabited by the Dayak tribe to this day, particularly by those living near river headwaters. Different parts of Kalimantan have different ways to call this traditional house.

The characteristics of Rumah Betang are its elongated shape and its use of wooden materials. Its length can range from 30 to 150 meters, with a width of approximately 10 to 30 meters, supported by pillars about 3 to 5 meters high.

This house typically accommodates 100-150 people and can be considered a tribal house because it accommodates an extended family and is led by a Pambakas Lewu (village leader). The interior of the Betang is divided into several rooms, each of which can be occupied by a family.

Picture: Bima/kalteng pos

rumah betang anjungan

Languages

Just like any other ethnic group in Indonesia, Dayak has its language depending on its location. Dayak people’s languages are separated into five language groups: Barito Raya, Dayak Darat, Borneo Utara, Sulawesi dan Dayak Melayik.

Among these five languages, Dayak Kenyah is the oldest language. However, the number of speakers is very limited. This is since the Dayak Kenyah people reside in East Kalimantan, which has many modern cities. As a result, the use of this regional language has gradually been abandoned.

samarinda city, east kalimantan

Telingaan Aruu

Telingaan Aru is a tradition of earlobe elongation. This tradition can be performed by both men and women. However, men are not allowed to elongate their earlobe past their shoulders, while women may elongate their ears up to chest level. This was also the symbol of beauty for women in the community, the longer their earlobe, the prettier they were.

Unfortunately, as time goes by, in today’s modern times, this tradition has been forgotten by many. This tradition can still be found in the rural area of Kalimantan, although most of those who practice it are elderly individuals.

Picture: PESONA INDONESIA

Tiwah

Tiwah, or called Rituall Tiwah, is the death ritual of the Dayak Ngaju tribe that can still be witnessed today. This ritual is performed for the deceased who is about to be placed in a Runi (coffin). In the Dayak Ngaju belief system, this ritual aims to ensure the smooth journey of the Salumpuk Liau (the soul) to the Lewu Tatau (the afterlife).

The Dayak Ngaju people generally follow the local belief called Kaharingan. For them, death is the beginning of the human journey to the eternal world, the world of spirits. The deceased transforms into a spirit, which they refer to as Liau or Liaw. This spirit must be guided to Lewu Liaw or Lewu Tatau, the spirit world, through the Tiwah ritual. Thus, the Tiwah ritual is a moral and social obligation for the Dayak Ngaju community.

Picture: baritorayapost