Traditional Acehnese Houses: Names, Characteristics, Philosophy, and Functions of Each Part

 

The Acehnese are one of the ethnic groups in Indonesia that have extraordinary cultural richness. The tribe that inhabits Aceh Province has its own regional language, traditional clothing, traditional weapons, and even its own traditional house. The traditional house of the Acehnese tribe has characteristics that are different from the traditional houses of other tribes in Indonesia.

Name of Traditional Acehnese House

The Acehnese people call their traditional house Rumoh Aceh.

Like the traditional houses of the tribes on the island of Sumatra, Rumoh Aceh is also a stilt house that has three parts. The stage in Rumoh Aceh is quite high, which is around 2.5 to 3 meters. Each of these houses always has a rambat or main room. The other rooms generally depend on the abilities and needs of the community. Later, the number of rooms will affect the length of the house and the pillars that support it. Like a rumoh that has three rooms, for example, it must be supported by at least 16 pillars. While five rooms will be supported by 24 pillars. 

History of Rumoh Aceh

It is said that Rumoh Aceh was designed in such a way because it is related to the beliefs of the Acehnese people in ancient times. For the Acehnese people, Rumoh Aceh is not just an ordinary residence. Rumoh Aceh also represents the people's beliefs in God and the universe. The expression of this belief is manifested in the materials of Rumoh Aceh, all of which are taken from nature. Such as pillars made of selected wood, walls made of wooden planks, or from sago palm, and so on. Even parts of Rumoh Aceh are not nailed with iron, but with pegs or ropes made of rattan. So, Rumoh Aceh can be said to also function as a form of gratitude from the community for the natural wealth given by God. 

Characteristics of Acehnese Rumoh

Rumoh Aceh has its own characteristics so that people can easily recognize it. Among the characteristics of Rumoh Aceh is the number of stairs leading to the main room which is always made odd. The odd number of steps is considered a form of religiousness of the Acehnese people. In terms of shape, 

Rumoh Aceh can be recognized by its rectangular shape. The position of the house is always made lengthwise from west to east. At the front of Rumoh Aceh, a large water jug ​​is always provided. Its function is to wash the feet before entering the house.

Judging from the motif, Rumoh Aceh generally has decorative ornaments of flora and fauna. This also shows the love of the Acehnese people for nature.

Parts of Aceh House and Their Functions

Rumoh Aceh has at least three main parts, namely Seuramoe Keue (front porch), Seuramoe Teungoh (middle porch), and Seuramoe Likot (back porch). 

1. Front Porch 

The front porch or Seuramoe Keue is a plain room without any bedrooms. The function of the front porch is as a living room for men, a study room for boys to study the Koran, and a bedroom for men. When there is an event such as a wedding ceremony, the front porch functions as a place for a communal meal. 

2. Central Veranda

Seuramoe Teungoh can be said to be the core part of Rumoh Aceh. This central veranda is also called rumoh inong or the main house of Rumoh Aceh. The central veranda usually has two rooms or rooms facing each other. Both rooms function as family bedrooms. Newly married daughters will occupy one of these rooms.

3. Back Porch

Seuramoe Likot or the back porch is a plain room without a bedroom. If the front porch is for male guests, then the back porch is intended for female guests. The area of ​​the front and back porches is made the same. In addition to female guests, this room is also for girls to study the Koran and for female guests to sleep. Thus, in Rumoh Aceh all male and female activities will be separated and not mixed.