IPB University Students Explore the Role of the Bojong Koneng Village BPD in Preserving Bojong Koneng’s Raised Houses
A team from IPB University’s Social Humanities Student Research Creativity Program (PKM-RSH) conducted an interview with the Chairman of the Village Consultative Board (BPD) of Bojong Koneng Village, Acep Saripudin regarding the role of stakeholders in the preservation of Lamban Langgakh (Raised Houses or Rumah Panggung) in Bojong Koneng Village, not long ago.
The meeting provided a new perspective on the influence, interests, and the relationship of the BPD with other stakeholders in relation to Lamban Langgakh.
“The presence of raised houses in Bojong Koneng Village now remains at around one percent. Due to the impact of modern life, raised houses are becoming less popular. Yet, raised houses represent local wisdom in disaster mitigation,” said Acep Saripudin.
Acep also mentioned that many raised houses have been converted into modern houses due to the deteriorating condition of the raised houses, therefore when there are renovation assistance programs from the government or foundations, people prefer to build modern or concrete houses.
“However, when landslides occur, raised houses suffer less damage because only the soil shifts, and the house structure remains strong compared to concrete houses,” he added.
Because of this, Bojong Koneng Village has not yet become a tourist attraction, mainly because the local community does not consider raised houses as a tradition that needs to be preserved and maintained.
“BPD will support the preservation of Lamban Langgakh in Bojong Koneng Village if it is proven to have a positive impact on the village. However, before that, education from the government to the public about the function of raised houses is needed,” Acep stated.
He also mentioned that the Bojong Koneng Village BPD actually has a significant influence in supporting the sustainability and development of Lamban Langgakh. In addition, the BPD is a stakeholder that directly interacts with the community and has an influence on public opinion and culture that is ingrained in daily life. (*/Lp) (IAAS/DSR)
