Sejarah Rumah Melayu Atap Lontik, Kampar Riau. Tugas Mahasiswa Sejarah Universitas Riau

Summary

This script describes the traditional Malay lontik house, primarily found in the Riau region of Indonesia. These houses, also known as rumah Lancang, are built on stilts to protect from floods and wild animal attacks, reflecting the Malay people's adaptation to their environment. The structure features unique design elements such as curved roofs and distinctive wall patterns, symbolizing spiritual beliefs. The architecture of the house emphasizes communal living, with older family members living in the front and younger members at the back. Various architectural details, including the shape of the columns and windows, are rich in symbolism tied to Islamic teachings and local traditions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The *rumah lontik* (or *rumah lancang*) is a traditional Malay house commonly found in Riau, Indonesia, built to withstand floods and wild animal attacks.
• 😀 The house is typically elevated on stilts, with a design that reflects the environment, such as proximity to rivers for water navigation and flood protection.
• 😀 The roof of the *rumah lontik* is curved at both ends, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, where life begins and ends with God.
• 😀 The house features unique wall structures: the outer walls are slanted, while the inner walls are vertical, with the roof curves aligning with the upper walls.
• 😀 Architectural elements, such as the shape of the posts, are deeply symbolic in Malay culture. For example, square posts represent the four cardinal directions, while hexagonal posts symbolize the pillars of Islam.
• 😀 *Rumah lontik* houses are constructed using timber and bamboo, with additional materials like boards used to form the floor, walls, and support beams.
• 😀 The arrangement of the house within the village follows a cultural rule where older families reside at the front, and younger families live at the back.
• 😀 The Malay village, or *Koto*, is a communal space composed of houses, a mosque, and a large hall (Balai Adat), surrounded by bamboo fencing.
• 😀 The house's elevated design helps protect against flooding, wild animals, and serves to store goods in a safe, dry environment.
• 😀 The house's architecture includes specific features, such as doors that open inward and windows that come in two forms: large ones or two-door style windows.
• 😀 The *rumah lontik*'s unique form, both in shape and symbolic significance, highlights the cultural and spiritual values of the Malay people in the Riau region.

Q & A

What is the significance of the 'rumah lontik' in the Malay culture?

The 'rumah lontik' is a traditional house of the Malay people, specifically found in the Lima Koto region of Riau, Indonesia. Its design is symbolic, with architectural elements reflecting the values and practices of the Malay community, such as its elevated structure to avoid flooding and animal attacks, and the curved roof symbolizing the cyclical nature of life.

Why is the house referred to as 'rumah lancang' or 'perancang'?

The house is called 'rumah lancang' or 'perancang' due to the decorative design of its wall bases, which resemble boats ('lancang' means boat in Malay) or a traditional design ('perancang'). This reflects the strong connection to river life in the region.

How does the geographical location influence the construction of the rumah lontik?

The rumah lontik is typically constructed near rivers or along the banks, as the community originally lived close to water sources. The elevated platform design helps protect the house from floods and wild animal attacks, showcasing how the environment shapes architectural decisions.

What is the structure of a traditional Malay village in the Lima Koto area?

A traditional Malay village in the Lima Koto region consists of a group of houses, a mosque, and a Balai adat or Balai Godang, which is a large hall used for adat (customary law) purposes. These structures are enclosed by a bamboo fence, and each family home is positioned based on seniority and adherence to traditional customs.

What does the term 'Koto' refer to in the context of the Lima Koto village?

In this context, 'Koto' refers to a traditional village or community in the Malay culture. The term implies a settlement that includes not only houses but also communal spaces like the mosque and Balai adat. The presence of all these elements is necessary for the village to be called a 'Koto'.

How did the physical location of the Lima Koto village evolve over time?

Originally, the Lima Koto village was located at the foot of the Bukit (hill). However, over time, due to changes in the river's flow and the coastal growth of the Kampar River, the village gradually moved to the riverbanks, adjusting to the new geographical conditions.

What is the symbolic meaning behind the shape of the roof of the rumah lontik?

The roof of the rumah lontik is curved upwards at both ends, which symbolizes the cycle of human life, representing the belief that life begins and ends with God. This design reflects spiritual and cultural significance in Malay architecture.

How do the columns or pillars of the rumah lontik convey cultural meanings?

The columns or pillars of the rumah lontik are designed in different shapes, each carrying symbolic meanings. For example, a square pillar represents the four cardinal directions, a six-sided pillar symbolizes the six pillars of faith in Islam, and a seven-sided pillar represents the seven levels of heaven and hell. These designs integrate cultural and religious values into the architecture.

What are the materials used in the construction of the rumah lontik?

The rumah lontik is primarily constructed from wood, with bamboo used for fences. The house features intricate woodwork for both structural support and decoration. The roof, walls, and floor are made to be sturdy and resistant to environmental conditions, particularly flooding.

What role do the doors and windows play in the design of the rumah lontik?

The doors and windows of the rumah lontik are designed with functional and symbolic purposes. The double doors open inward, and windows are either door-shaped or long and narrow. These features are part of the traditional design and contribute to ventilation and light, ensuring a comfortable living environment while maintaining cultural aesthetics.