Bale-bale as a Space for Social Interaction

Social interaction which has been clear to be intensively decreased in urban society creates an impact on mutual assistance degradation and increase of individualism. For those who live in cities, social interaction is done in public areas which are limited in numbers. While for those who live in villages, social interaction can be done anywhere around the settlement and it is still well maintained. One of the most used areas of social interaction is bale-bale. Bale-Bale is a container which primary function as a seat that was placed outside the home, it is made of half-cut bamboo and designed like a bench. Rectangular in shape and have an even number of legs. Bale-bale has a simple design, easily moved, cheap, and easy to find. It can be located anywhere such as underneath the house (kolong), backyard, side road, and at open spaces. This study aims to explore the roles of bale-bale in anticipating social interaction of villagers in order to make their unity preserved. This research uses qualitative method in which all data are collected by directly focusing on conditions in the field and performing interviews to public figures, and village staffs. Results of study show that bale-bale is utilized as a place for social interaction from various ages and genders. Bale-bale is portable based because of its simple and light design so that it is easy to move from one to another place.