In the heart of Pontianak, West Kalimantan, lies a historical treasure that offers a glimpse into the authentic soul of the city: Kampung Beting. More than just a residential area, it is a living museum of Malay culture, perched at the confluence of the Kapuas and Landak rivers. The locals often say, "Belum sampai ke Kote Pontianak, kalau belum sampai ke Beting nye" (You haven't really been to Pontianak if you haven't been to Beting), a testament to its iconic status in the region's identity .
Kampung Beting's history is deeply intertwined with the establishment of the Pontianak Sultanate. According to local lore, it was here that Sultan Syarif Abdurrahman Alkadrie was famously disturbed by a mysterious long-haired spirit, an event that gave the city its name, derived from kuntilanak. After overcoming this, the Sultan established the Kadriah Palace and the surrounding settlement for court officials and nobles, which became known as Kampung Beting . Today, this area is home to significant cultural heritage sites, including the Keraton Kesultanan Kadariyah and the Jami Mosque, which stand as proud symbols of the city's royal past .
What truly sets Kampung Beting apart is its unique riverside architecture and lifestyle. The village is a classic example of a traditional water settlement, with houses built on stilts and wooden bridges connecting them over the water. These structures are categorized into three types: rumah potong godang, potong kawat, and potong limas, with the latter often belonging to those with ties to the sultanate . Life here revolves around the river; residents use speedboats or traditional sampans for transport, and daily activities like washing and bathing are done on the riverbanks, making it a vibrant, living ecosystem .
In recent years, Kampung Bet has undergone a significant transformation. Previously known for its negative image and dubbed the "Texas from Pontianak" due to high crime rates and poverty, the government initiated a major revitalization program starting in 2016 . This program not only improved physical infrastructure—making houses face the river and providing better sanitation—but also aimed to boost the local economy through skills training, crafts, and culinary development . The goal is to develop it into a cultural and religious tourism destination, similar to the Arab Quarter in Singapore, leveraging its rich history and newfound vibrancy to create a better future for its 3,000 residents .
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