The Saham Longhouse: A Living Heritage of Dayak Culture in West Kalimantan

Image source: https://kebudayaan.kemdikbud.go.id/dpk

JAKARTA, BORNEOTRAVEL — The longhouse is a traditional communal dwelling and a cultural symbol of the Dayak people, who have inhabited Borneo since ancient times. 

Known by different names across regions: lamin, rumah panyae, betang, ladakng, or radakng; these houses reflect the diversity and resilience of Dayak communities.

One of the most iconic and still-inhabited examples is the Saham Longhouse (Rumah Betang Panjang Saham), located in the village of Saham, Sengah Temila District, Landak Regency, West Kalimantan.

Built in 1875: A Monument of Strength and Endurance

Constructed in 1875, the Saham Longhouse stands as a powerful testament to Dayak craftsmanship and communal life. Measuring 180.5 meters in length and 16.2 meters in width, this longhouse is built on sturdy ironwood stilts (kayu ulin), with some pillars reaching up to 4 meters high. The elevation follows the hilly contours of nearby Samahukng Hill, ensuring stability on uneven ground.

Initially, the house had only one family room (bilik), but as the community grew, so did the structure. By 1993, the longhouse had expanded to 33 rooms, added symmetrically on both sides of the main bilik. Each unit varies in size, tailored to the needs and capacity of each household.

Cultural and Social Functions of the Longhouse

Beyond its function as a residence, the longhouse serves as a cultural and social hub for the community.

1. The pante (front terrace) is used to dry harvested rice and to hold community gatherings.

2. The sami (veranda) welcomes guests, serves as a play area for children, and offers a space for rest and overnight visitors.

3. The jungkar (kitchen) and shared walkways connect all areas, while 35 doors and stairs of varying heights provide accessible entry points throughout the structure.

Historically, the house had only one staircase, which could be pulled up to protect residents from wild animals or enemy attacks. This detail highlights the role of defense and safety in traditional Dayak architecture.

A Living Center for the Dayak Kanayatn Community

Unlike many longhouses that now serve merely as tourist attractions or heritage relics, the Saham Longhouse continues to function as a vibrant, communal residence for the Dayak Kanayatn people. This living tradition fosters close interpersonal relationships, cooperation, and a strong sense of identity.

Traditional laws and customs are actively practiced here, governing everything from land use (huma betang) to interpersonal relations and conflict resolution. The structure maintains a careful balance between private and communal life.

1. Private areas, like family rooms, offer intimacy.

2. Public spaces, such as the los and soa, are used for social interaction, decision-making, and collective ceremonies.

Preserving Culture in the Modern Era

The Saham Longhouse is more than an architectural marvel—it is a living symbol of Dayak heritage. It embodies communal values, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and the ongoing relevance of indigenous wisdom.

Here, culture is not simply remembered but lived. This is where traditions are shaped, laws are upheld, and identity is nurtured under one roof. Through the preservation of this longhouse, the Dayak people demonstrate that it is possible to evolve with time while staying rooted in ancestral values. *)