THE TRANSFORMATION OF SETTLEMENT PATTERNS OF SENTANI INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF KHANI HE KLA HE CULTURAL

Abstract

This research aims to explore the changes and shifts in settlement patterns of the Sentani indigenous community based on the Khani He Kla He culture. It employs a qualitative research approach using the Diachronic Reading methodology, supported by the Global Positioning System (GPS).  The findings indicate that the Sentani indigenous community possesses local wisdom in the arrangement of settlement patterns influenced by the Khani He Kla He culture, which has existed since ancient times. The cultural principle of Khani He Kla He prioritizes environmental and natural preservation, prohibiting the construction of villages or settlements on land believed to still support life. Besides allocating land for settlements, the Khani He Kla He culture designates sacred areas such as forests, hunting grounds, and gathering places. However, current urban development trends show a shift in these cultural values, eroding the local wisdom that defines indigenous settlement patterns. Consequently, the distinctive settlement patterns that characterize the indigenous culture are gradually diminishing and facing extinction over time. This research aims to understand the changes in the settlement patterns of the Sentani indigenous community based on the Khani He Kla He cultural concept and the factors influencing them.