KUCHING: The Sarawak government has pledged its support to conserve ‘Rumah Batu’ as a heritage landmark of both family legacy and state history.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the historical building at Jalan Ajibah Abol here holds deep significance, not only for family but also in the context for Sarawak’s early administrative history.
“‘Rumah Batu’ is not only a symbol of family history, but also a key site in the early governance of Sarawak.
“If we unite our efforts, I am confident the house can be restored and recognised as a respected heritage site,” he said.
He was speaking during the Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri gathering hosted by the Management Committee of the Waris 8 Batu Representatives (JKWW8) Datu Bandar Abang Muhammad Kassim Datu Bandar Abang Bolhassan (DBAK) at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre on Saturday night.
He added that the Sarawak government is ready to assist in the restoration process from both technical and legal aspects, including through waqaf and heritage laws currently being reviewed by the Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts MInistry.
“I believe this property should be managed with integrity and in accordance with Islamic principles.
“We have the waqaf law in place, and with the support of the Islamic Council and Religious Department, we can develop a management model that will benefit future generations,” he said.
Abang Johari shared that ‘Rumah Batu’ was once a venue for leadership discussions and served as a repository for important historical documents, which strengthened its case to be gazetted as a state heritage site.
In addition, he also praised the commitment and unity of the eight DBAK heirs in the effort to redevelop ‘Rumah Batu’, as well as acknowledging their professional backgrounds, who are able to plan the conservation process systematically.
“I leave it to you all to manage ‘Rumah Batu’.
“I will help as much as I can so that we can all restore the glory of the historic building,” he said.
As a sign of support, the eight heirs have received allocations from the Rumah Batu Fund, which will be used to plan and implement conservation works and activities related to the historical and cultural heritage of the residence.
‘Rumah Batu’ is the first and largest Malay house built in 1863, using bricks and concrete, unlike the traditional wooden houses at that time.
Meanwhile, JKWW8 are representatives appointed to represent the eight heirs to manage or administer the ‘Rumah Batu’ DBAK waqaf and are appointed through a General Meeting held every two years.
