Exploring River Culture in the Musi Rawas Region

Sondang M. Siregar1*, Harry Octavianus Sofian1, Dian Pamularsih Anggraeni1, Erlinda Rosita1, Dian Susilastri1, Ari Mukti Wardoyo Adi2 and Taqyuddin3

The Musi Rawas community has adapted to the river since the Srivijaya era until today. This is evidenced by the discovery of ancient settlements on the riverbanks, Srivijaya shipwrecks in swamp sediments, and the remains of ancient docks on the banks of the Musi River. River culture in the Musi Rawas area is thought to still survive today. This study aims to understand river culture in the Musi Rawas region through material forms such as boats, docks, canals, and penanjakan (mountains) in the Musi Rawas region. This study also aims to identify factors that influence the desirability of rivers in the Musi Rawas region. The method used is qualitative, with data collection using literature, field observations, terrestrial descriptions, aerial photographs, and interviews. This study consists of eight locations: Bingin Jungut Village, Ulak Lebar Village, Lubuk Pauh Village, Semangus Village, Remayu Village, Muara Megang Village, Lakitan Village, and Gunung Kembang Lama Village. The results of the study show that the community still uses traditional boats called biduk and ketek, piers made of unglen wooden poles, rafts/lanting made of wood/bamboo, and penanjakan in the form of stairs made of wood and stone. Old villages are surrounded by canals. Factors for the continuity of river culture are that rivers still play a role as short-distance transportation, and rivers play a role as a place for the population's livelihood (fishing, river crossings, and transporting garden produce and boat wood materials from locations around the village).