Revisiting Jalepang in Sasak Alang Houses: structural significance, traditional techniques and cultural preservation

Vernacular architecture in Indonesia integrates indigenous engineering, ecological adaptation, and symbolic meaning, with the Sasak community’s Rumah Alang in Lombok exemplifying this synthesis. This study examines the jalepang, a structural and symbolic component, to analyze its craftsmanship, cultural role, and sustainability relevance as a nexus of material practice and identity. A qualitative descriptive design within architectural ethnography was employed, combining field observation, semi-structured interviews, participatory documentation, and comparative analysis. Data were thematically analyzed to identify recurring patterns of craftsmanship, symbolic narratives, and ecological strategies. The findings reveal that the jalepang serves dual functions: structurally, it redistributes vertical loads and enhances resilience to seismic activity through mortise–tenon joinery without industrial fasteners; ecologically, it provides passive pest control by deterring rodents, thereby reducing dependence on chemicals; symbolically, it represents cosmological dualism, agrarian prosperity, and communal pride. Although ritual meanings are waning, contemporary reinterpretations preserve its relevance within heritage branding and tourism. The study concludes that the jalepang is not a marginal detail but a multidimensional element integrating engineering ingenuity, ecological pragmatism, and cultural symbolism. As a living prototype, it offers methodological insights for sustainable design, eco-heritage preservation, and disaster-resilient architecture, underscoring the ongoing value of indigenous knowledge.