Indonesia is rich in cultural diversity, including various unique traditional houses from various provinces that reflect local wisdom and traditional values.
Indonesia is a country known for its cultural diversity. One real manifestation of this cultural richness is the existence of traditional houses spread throughout the archipelago.
Each traditional house has unique characteristics that reflect the identity, values, and philosophy of each tribe. Here are ten traditional Indonesian houses that are full of historical value and amazing architecture.
1. Gadang House
Rumah Gadang is the traditional house of the Minangkabau tribe in West Sumatra. The distinctive roof, which is shaped like a buffalo horn, is called “gonjong,” and is a symbol of status and identity for the Minangkabau people.
This house is not only a place to live, but is also used for traditional ceremonies and large family gatherings. Decorated with carvings with root and plant motifs, this house implies the philosophy of nature and the social life of the Minangkabau people.
2. Joglo House
Joglo house is a traditional Javanese house that is spread across Central Java, East Java, and parts of West Java. The design stands out with its towering roof that resembles a mountain, a symbol of respect for nature.
The Joglo house is divided into several parts, such as the pendopo (living room), pringgitan (multipurpose room), and senthong (storage room).
Joglo houses are also often transformed into modern residences while maintaining traditional aesthetic and philosophical values.
3. Betang House
Betang House is a stilt house inhabited by the Dayak people in Central Kalimantan, especially around river basins. These buildings are usually long, reaching up to 150 meters, with high supporting pillars.
Betang Houses are built facing the sunrise and sunset, symbolizing the cycle of life. Apart from functioning as a residence, this house is also the center of social and cultural activities for the Dayak community.
4. Sasadu House
The Sasadu traditional house originates from North Maluku and is unique in that its pillars are made from sago tree trunks and its roof is made from woven sago leaves. Without doors and walls, this house allows good air circulation.
Sasadu is built using a wooden peg technique without nails. Sasadu reflects the values of openness and togetherness of the Maluku people who often gather to deliberate in this large house.
5. The House of the Heretic Nuwo
Nuwo Sesat House is a traditional house from Lampung which is built on stilts and decorated with distinctive carvings. Unlike other houses, Nuwo Sesat is more often used as a place for deliberations or traditional events rather than as a residence.
This house reflects the democratic system that has long been practiced by the Lampung people, where every member of the tribe has a voice in decision-making.
6. Limas House
The Limas House from South Sumatra has a design that features a pyramid-shaped roof and tiered floors, called “bengkilas.” This stilt house reflects the philosophy of social strata in society.
The area of this house varies from 400 to 1000 m² and is usually used for traditional events. Tembesu wood is used for the walls and floors, while water-resistant unglen wood is used for the supporting pillars, making it a strong building that will last a long time.
7. Souraja House
Rumah Souraja or also known as “Rumah Raja” is a traditional house in Central Sulawesi. This house has three main rooms: a front room to receive guests, a central room as a family gathering place, and a secret room for special rituals.
This house is not only architecturally beautiful, but also full of meaning for the local community, who use its space to interact and strengthen relationships.
8. Radakng House
Radakng House or Long House is a traditional house of the Dayak tribe in West Kalimantan, with a length of up to 180 meters and a width of up to 30 meters.
Built high above the ground with a grand staircase, this house can accommodate many families, making it a symbol of unity and tolerance. The large pillars of Radakng House are decorated with carvings of hornbills, a symbol of the strength of the Dayak people.
9. Musalaki House
Musalaki House is the residence of tribal chiefs or traditional leaders in East Nusa Tenggara, as well as a place for deliberations and traditional rituals.
Standing on a large rock, this house has a solid foundation to withstand earthquakes, reflecting the community’s adaptation to the surrounding environment.
The existence of this house emphasizes the important value of tradition and leadership in the lives of the local community.
10. Kariwari House
Kariwari House is a traditional house of the Tobati-Enggros people in Papua, octagonal in shape with three floors. The building is built of wood and designed to withstand the extreme weather of Papua.
The first floor is usually used to train young boys, the second floor for meetings of traditional leaders, and the third floor as a place of worship. This house is an important symbol for the Papuan people in maintaining their traditional values.
Indonesia has an infinite cultural richness, and traditional houses are one of the most striking heritages. Through these 10 traditional houses, we can see how the cultural, spiritual and philosophical values of the local community are implied in the architectural design.
These traditional houses not only function as residences, but also store stories, customs and values that continue to be preserved to this day.
