Si Pitung’s House Struggles Against Tidal Floods and Ticket Price Hurdles

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Standing resiliently since the 1880s, the historic Rumah Si Pitung (Si Pitung's House) in Marunda, North Jakarta, serves as far more than an ancient wooden structure. This coastal cultural heritage site stands as a silent witness to Jakarta's history while continually battling intensifying natural threats and the shifting economic realities of its coastal community.

The traditional stilt house underwent a major transformation from a private residence into an officially protected cultural heritage site in 1972. Local lore firmly holds that the dwelling once served as a critical hideout for Si Pitung, the legendary Betawi folk hero, during his evasion of the Dutch colonial administration.

Positioned on the vulnerable northern coastline, Si Pitung's House faces the dual threats of land subsidence and rising tidal floods. To guarantee its long-term preservation, site managers executed a massive structural overhaul between 2009 and 2010 to significantly elevate the main terrace and the primary building framework.

Museum manager and guide Darma Utama detailed the structural alterations that were required to protect the integrity of the landmark from the encroaching sea.

"Originally, the stage of this building was directly touching the ground. It was only raised around 2009-2010 to anticipate tidal flooding," Darma Utama said to RRI on Monday, June 1, 2026.

Despite these extensive engineering efforts, severe flooding still breaches the museum grounds on occasion. Darma noted that in December of last year, a major tidal flood managed to inundate the house, with water levels rising to ankle height.

Adding to its environmental challenges, the heritage site is navigating an economic hurdle following a mandatory ticket price adjustment enforced since late 2024. While entry was previously flat-rated at a modest IDR 5,000, (USD 0.31) visitors are now charged IDR 10,000 on weekdays and IDR 15,000 on weekends.

This price hike has triggered a noticeable drop in public attendance, particularly hitting local families who frequent the site. Darma acknowledged the tangible impact of the policy on the surrounding neighborhood and the community's access to local history.

"The impact is really noticeable. While it used to be affordable to raise three or four children, now it's noticeable for residents too," he remarked.

The drop in visitors comes despite proactive efforts by management to integrate modern educational amenities to attract the younger generation. Beyond viewing the traditional Betawi architecture, visiting families can access historical film screenings, interactive drawing sessions, and complimentary traditional music workshops tailored for children.

While the current foot traffic remains subdued compared to the bustling post-pandemic era, management remains optimistic about the future, holding out hope for a formal policy evaluation of the ticketing fees to restore the museum's role as a bustling, accessible educational hub. For local communities and history enthusiasts alike, the site remains a cherished destination for nostalgia and cultural pride. (Naura Sofia/EN)