Gov’t Revitalizes Saribu Rumah Gadang Cultural Heritage

Revitalization process of Saribu Rumah Gadang cultural heritage, in South Solok Regency, West Sumatra Province. (Photo by: Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing)

The Government through Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing carries on the revitalization of Saribu Rumah Gadang Area (SRG), a famous cultural heritage in South Solok Regency, West Sumatra Province.

Revitalization process to preserve rumah gadang (traditional Minangkabau houses) is a follow-up of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s instruction during the Commemoration of National Press Day held in Padang City in 2018.

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said that spatial planning projects of the area consists of restoration of rumah gadang by involving tukang tuo (master builder of rumah gadang) who have expertise in building rumah gadang and making its ornaments.

The expertise must be passed down so that the local can preserve this unique tradition and mastery.

The Ministry through West Sumatra settlement agency has included the revitalization of that area in a program. Based on the master plan, the works cover restoration of 33 rumah gadang, landscape management projects, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works, construction of Songket Tower as the landmark, and construction of other facilities for tourist such as information center, souvenir store, and open space.

The 26.3 hectare Saribu Rumah Gadang area has remarkable cultural assets including cultural properties such as rumah gadang, mosque, surau (prayer room), and tombs from hundreds years ago which are located close to each other.

To date, the restoration is carried out to 28 out of 33 rumah gadang. The project which is funded by the State Budget Year 2019-2020 amounting Rp69.7 billion is expected to complete by the end of 2020.

The revitalization of the area is started from identification and inventory of the damage of rumah gadang, as well as planning process that involves Architecture Documentation Center (PDA), Johny Wongso, and a team from Bung Hatta University specializing in rumah gadang architecture. In addition, spatial planning projects also involve Indonesian Architect Association (IAI), contractor PT. Wisana Matra, and consultant PT. Jakarta Konsultindo.

The project is conducted by strictly following the health protocols such as maintaining safe distance, wearing masks, and avoiding crowds that are based on Instruction of the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Number 02/IN/M/2020 on Protocols to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 in Construction Works.

For the record, Saribu Rumah Gadang Area is located 147 km or 3.5-4 hours ride from the center of Padang City. Besides cultural heritage, South Solok also has picturesque landscape of mountain view, namely Mount Kerinci which is the highest active volcano in Southeast Asia.

The revitalization is expected to improve tourism sector, along with its infrastructures and facilities that will attract more tourists and eventually contribute to the growth of local economy, particularly in South Solok. (Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana