Floating Raft House (Rumah Rakit) is a traditional house of the Bangka Belitung Province, characterized by its unique design as a floating house on water. This house is built on a large raft made of bamboo or buoyant wood like gelam wood, designed to float and follow the flow of rivers or the sea. The Floating Raft House reflects the lifestyle of coastal communities who rely heavily on water as their primary source of livelihood.
This house not only serves as a residence but also as a storage place for fishing equipment and marine harvests. It symbolizes the adaptation and creativity of the Bangka Belitung people in dealing with a geography dominated by water.
Distinctive Features
Structure:
- The house is built on a large raft made of bamboo or gelam wood, enabling it to float on water.
- The walls and roof are usually made of local wood or bamboo, while the roof is often covered with nipa leaves or zinc.
- Standing on water, the Floating Raft House can be moved as needed, following the current or changes in water location.
Room Layout:
- Main Room: Functions as a family room, sleeping area, and storage space for marine harvests.
- Open Area: Typically located at the front or side of the house, used for activities such as fishing or drying marine products.
Ornaments:
Floating Raft Houses generally have a simple design without many decorations. However, some houses are painted with bright colors to enhance their appearance and reflect the vibrant spirit of coastal communities.
Philosophical Meaning
The Floating Raft House embodies philosophical values that reflect the culture of the Bangka Belitung people:
- Dependence on Nature: The house represents the close relationship between the community and water, their primary source of life.
- Flexibility and Adaptation: Its ability to move reflects the flexible and adaptive nature of the Bangka Belitung people in facing changing conditions.
- Simplicity: The house's simple design reflects the practical lifestyle of coastal communities, prioritizing function and efficiency.
Functions of the Floating Raft House in Daily Life
- Residence: Serves as a comfortable and safe home for coastal communities.
- Storage: Used for storing fishing tools, marine harvests, and other equipment.
- Work Area: The open space of the house is used for activities such as fishing, drying fish, or repairing fishing tools.
- Social Hub: The Floating Raft House often becomes a gathering place for the coastal community to interact and work together.
- Cultural Identity Symbol: The house reflects the cultural identity of the Bangka Belitung coastal community, living in harmony with the water environment."
