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Promote the incorporation of Batek architectural principles into modern sustainable design practices.
Architects and builders can draw inspiration from their techniques to develop eco-friendly, low-impact
designs that respect nature.
5.2.4 Cultural Exchange
Facilitate cultural exchange programs that allow the Orang Asli Batek to share their knowledge and
practices with other communities. Encourage dialogue and cross-cultural understanding.
5.2.5 Legal Protections
Advocate for legal protections of the Orang Asli Batek's cultural and intellectual property rights to prevent
exploitation of their architectural knowledge.
Summary
The architectural system of the Batek tribe can be conceptualized into two dimensions. The first
dimension is Haya’ as a physical structure that provides a physical framework for a person to grow up, a
place to carry out life activities, a personal life space, a place to carry out various individual activities with
the family such as eating, sleeping, recreation and so on.
The second dimension emphasizes the importance of life that takes place in the physical structure
of the 'Haya’. Therefore, it turns out that the housing of the Batek tribe can promote the existence of other
dimensions in life. Haya’ is a place to bond with family members, friends and relatives. Haya’ is also a place
to find peace that is free from external disturbances, a place where one feels safe, a place to form one's
identity as well as a place to form friendly and loving relationships.
Haya’ Orang Batek is the result of a very organized construction process that combines intellectual
skills with available resources. Every process that is implemented starts from the selection of the Haya’
site until the Haya’ can be inhabited, and designed according to their needs by understanding and
integrating the environment and natural movement.
From one angle to another, Haya’ has its rationale and is still relevant in the context of the
construction of settlements and their homes. Among other things because; (i) Haya’ is built taking into
account all aspects of beliefs, life systems and taboos that have been practiced since generations; (ii) the
built Haya’ can be modified according to the comfort of the household; (iii) Haya’ built with natural
materials allows the house to stay cool; (iv) no need to spend a lot of money for the construction process,
building materials are easy to obtain and can be taken for free in the environment. The Batek people have
a unique structure that allows them to build without using the latest technology.
REFERENCE
Endicott, K. 1974. Bateq Negrito Economy and Social Organization . Ph.D Thesis. Harvard University,
Cambridge.
Endicott, K. 1979 . Bateq Negrito Religion: The World View and Rituals of a Hunting and Ghatering People
of Peninsular Malaysia . Oxford: Clarendon Press.
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