NTU History (HH3009)
LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Finding a Place to Stay
When the Boyanese first arrived in Singapore, they lived in Kampong Boyan (current day Little India). For those that were able to attain employment in wealthy households or with the colonial government, accommodation was readily available in the servants quarters on the premises. For those who could not find lodging or a job, the Pondoks served as a place of refuge for new Boyanese migrants. The presence of Pondoks became more prominent in the 20th Century as more Boyanese migrants moved to Singapore. The function and the layout of the Pondoks were similar. However, the experience of individuals in the Pondoks varied.
(Below) Map of Little India Area
Photo Courtesy of thegettosingapore
THE PONDOKS
Purpose of Communal Logging
Pondoks or Punthuks literally translates to hut in Malay but in the context of the Boyanese community in Singapore, it refers to temporary housing or lodging. By the 1950s, there were 150 Pondoks around Singapore, in areas such as Minto Road, Dixon Road Sophie Road, Club street, Killiney Road, Somerset Road, Sophia Road and Genting Road.
The 1900s colonial map (above) , of what is today known as Little India, highlights some of the locations of the Pondoks. Similar to the function of Chinese Huaykwan, these Pondoks served not only as shelters for the new immigrants but also as institutions of communal support and welfare for the Boyanese community.
The Pondoks were organised according to the Desa (village) from which the migrants originated from. This ensured close kinship ties between the members of the Pondok. The environment in the Pondok emulates that of their Desas back home, giving them a sense of comfort by easing the process of migration.
Photo courtesy of Roots SG
The inner workings of Communal Lodging
FUNCTIONS OF PONDOK
Most Pondoks were housed in shophouses or landed property. The type of housing depended on the number of residents. Members had to pay a monthly fees which varied from Pondok to Pondok. With membership, you were given lodging, food and communal support. Each Pondok was run by a Chief administrator or Pak Lurah who was in-charge of daily affairs (eg. collecting rental, settling disputes, weddings, births etc.) of the Pondok.
The benefits of living in communal lodging could be broken down into two segments: economic and social benefits. Living together meant that rental cost was shared among a large group of people. Each family only had to pay approximately $4.50 which was much cheaper than renting an entire house for themselves, especially if they were new migrants. The shelter was readily available to both individuals who were unemployed and prospective migrants. Even if the new migrants did not have money, they could obtain a loan from the Pak Lurah which could be paid back at a later time. Jobs were also much easier to come by as fellow residents of the Pondok had connections and links through the various migrant networks.
Since every one of the same desa lived together, individuals originating from the same village on the island of Bawean fostered a close relationship with one another, strengthening community bonds within the Pondok. Residents could rely on one another for anything, even if it was personal. Everyone helped each other out. This communal spirit was otherwise known as gotong-royong and remains a defining feature of the Boyanese community even till today. Knowing that you have a collective group of people that you can rely on eased the stresses of migration.
More importantly, living in a Pondok allowed for the retention of culture as residents were in close proximity to each other. Living with fellow kinsman promoted the usage of language, cultural practices and allowed residents to keep in touch with happenings back home through the constant flow of information brought in by the wave of new migrants. Residents were not far removed or detached from their heritage or culture.
Click on the circles below to take a peek inside the Pondoks
Photo Courtesy of the National Archives of Singapore
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