'Batang' as a Domestic Space – The Manifestation of Sustainability in the Riverside Settlement Culture in Banjarmasin

Abstract

Riverside settlement is the start of the development of river cities in Indonesia. At this time the cities’ growth has shifted from river-based to land-based. This condition raises the question of whether riverside settlements still have connectedness to the river for daily activities as the manifestation of a riverside culture. This research used a qualitative method with case studies on riverside settlements in Banjarmasin, such as Panglima Batur and Kampung Kenanga settlements. The focus of the observations was on the daily activities carried out by residents on some elements of the settlements, namely batang and its connection with the dwellings. Based on this research, riverside functioned not only as a "looked-on space" but also a "used space"; there was an active relationship between the river, settlement, and dwellers that materialized from domestic activities. Daily activities conducted by the inhabitants were the most specific forms of culture that could be seen in the built environment. In this case, the riverside culture was visible through the existence of batang and its use. Through this batang, the sustainability of the riverside culture in riverside settlements can be maintained.