Chinese Kongsi as living heritage: Cultural identity construction and institutional transformation of Hok Tek Tong in Padang

Abstract

This study examines the historical transformation of Hok Tek Tong (HTT), a Chinese kongsi located in Kampung Pondok, Padang, as a form of living cultural heritage that integrates both tangible and intangible dimensions. While existing scholarship on diaspora institutions has predominantly emphasized their social or spatial functions, limited attention has been given to Chinese kongsi as hybrid heritage institutions that simultaneously mediate cultural preservation and identity construction. Addressing this gap, this research employs a qualitative historical approach grounded in an interpretive paradigm, drawing on archival records, field observations, and in-depth interviews with community members and organizational leaders. The findings reveal that over more than 160 years, HTT has evolved from a funeral association into a complex sociocultural institution that continuously adapts to shifting political regimes and socioeconomic conditions while maintaining its core cultural functions. This transformation demonstrates that HTT is not merely a historical artifact but an adaptive institution capable of negotiating continuity and change. The study further shows that HTT operates as a form of living heritage in which architectural space, ritual practices, and organizational structures interact dynamically to sustain collective memory and reinforce cultural identity. In addition, the symbolic and spatial configuration of the HTT building reflects a cosmological system that embeds cultural values within the built environment, illustrating how architecture functions as a medium for cultural representation. Theoretically, this study contributes by conceptualizing Chinese kongsi as hybrid and adaptive heritage institutions that function not only as sites of preservation but also as active mechanisms of identity negotiation in diaspora contexts. Practically, it highlights the importance of sustaining community engagement and cultural practices in heritage conservation strategies. Overall, the study offers a novel analytical framework for understanding how local institutions maintain cultural continuity while simultaneously responding to modern transformations.