Page 374 - Proceedings Collega2023

aspects that need to be followed and obeyed. This practice is closely related to the daily life beliefs of the
Batek people. If the construction of the house is done by taboos, then the members or household will
obtain abundant sustenance and always be in pleasure.
4.1.1 Form of Traditional Placement
Two types of settlement exist among the Batek Kuala Koh tribe. The placements are temporary
placements and permanent placements. Such a form of settlement has similarities with the community of
Semaq Beri (Ramle Abdullah, 2009), Semai (Juli, 2002) and Temuan (Siti Nadly, 1992). Patterns of economic
activity and environmental influences such as weather are identified as the main factors influencing the
construction of such settlements (Ramle Abdullah, 2008). The forms of settlement construction are also
used as a method to create a 'sense of place ' for group members.
a) Temporary Placement
The life of the Batek tribe is completely dependent on the natural environment around them.
Traditionally, the life pattern of the Batek tribe is nomadic ( Endicott, 1979), but now it has changed to
semi-nomadic (Ramle Abdullah, 2008). They carry out hunting and gathering forest products as the main
economic resource. Such a pattern of life also influenced the construction of their settlements. Usually,
during gathering activities carried out by one group, they will stay in the forest or the edge of the forest
and build a temporary settlement within three days to two weeks.
The climate also has a great influence in shaping the form of construction of temporary
settlements of the Batek tribe. Due to discomfort with hot weather conditions, temporary settlements are
often built in forested areas near permanent settlements. Haya’ while built under the shade of trees create
a cool and comfortable atmosphere and provides comfort to them, especially small children.
Such placement usually involves the entire group members. The houses are built close to each
other so that the view resembles a camp (Ramle Abdullah, 2009). According to Orang Batek Kuala Koh, the
temporary settlement houses built nearby are intended to ensure the safety of group members from the
disturbance of ghosts and the threat of wild animals.
The selection of the area is done carefully so as not to cause harm to all members of the group.
Things that are given attention during the selection of the settlement site have similarities with the Semaq
Beri tribe (Ramle Abdullah, 2009) and the Temuan tribe (Siti Nadly, 1992), namely; (i) getting the
permission of certain supernatural powers such as Karei and Goba. (ii) The surrounding area does not have
large trees or dead trees that may fall. (iii) Close to a river that can be used as a place to get water sources.
(iv) Based on recommendations from hala' / shaman or anyone skilled in choosing a house site. (v) Areas
that are not the abode of ghosts based on certain signs that are generally known by members of the group.

International Conference on Local Wisdom of the Malay Archipelago (COLLEGA 2023) Page - 361 -