Komunitas Ren

Komunitas Ren is a term used to describe predominately Rén communities in Slokais Islands. Although historically used in a negative connotation in recent decade's the term has been used by Rén people as a form of cultural pride.

Etymology

The term Komunitas Ren is a Slokaisan word which means "Ren-Community Area". The word is directly taken from the Ambonar language with the word describing a specific area of the city of Xulin. The term also exists in English as "Ren Settlement" and in Spanish as "área de ren".

History

The first settlement of Slokais by Ren people occurred in 789 when they arrived in Janghara. Due to cultural differences and to prevent conflict, Ren where only allowed to own businesses in the Lower City, which existed on a small natural barrier island. Eventually after the creation of the Pindai State and a Ren-led government, this area became the center of all trade with the region. The system of trade area's was soon adopted across the region by the Pindai State in Kaijan City, Tedaya and elsewhere. Ren people would remain in these districts where they could be easily "managed" and the Pindai State would have an established center of power with the city in question. Over decades these area's became established mini-city's with there own local authorities, school and police force. In contrast to this, Ren established mountain communities in many area's seeking protection, rice farming and isolation. Often these communities has defensive fortification's.

When the Pindai State reached it's peak many of the laws around settlement where removed allowing for free movement. Despite this, many remained in there districts as there families had lived there for generations. The one group to take advantage of these new found land rights was indentured servants who moved to rural farming areas. However even in these solutions, communities where created.

Characteristics

A typical Komunitas Ren is centered around a market-street as the sale of goods and merchandise was the largest economic sector. These market-streets are usually wider to accommodate street-side stalls and communal seating. In the Kendiao district of New Liverpool, a more contemporary Komunitas Ren, multi-story indoor malls have replaced the market side experience with luxury brands establishing locations to sell to wealthy Ren. At the heart of many is the Minjian temple, due to 65% of Ren being Minjian as of 2020. The same principle applies in area's without a large Minjian devout population such as Kaijan City's Jiangui District, where a community meeting hall is located along with both a Masjid and a Temple.

Notable Examples

Kendiao

Kendiao itself predates New Liverpool by over a hundred years being founded in the 1650s, however when New Liverpool was founded housing policy within the city limits meant that businesses could not be opened in other parts of the city. The Kendiao Temple was built in 1878 and attracted more businesses to the area. By 1900, there where around 4,500 people living in the Kendiao District. By 1930, Kendiao had become the Ren-alternative to the central city with a thriving night market and restaurant scene. In the 1950s, the Costa administration heavily monitored activity, shutting down the Kendiao Daily Newspaper in 1957 over "anti-state propaganda". Businesses suffered due to Anti-Minjian sentiment as the area saw multiple incidents of violence. In the post-war period there was initial movement to the suburbs as much of the area has been damaged during the Battle of New Liverpool. However in the 1980s, developers began building high-rise developments and housing to encourage a economic re-birth. This was encouraged by the construction of Kendiao NLRTA station which allowed for the Ren population of New Liverpool to make weekly shopping trips. Today, Kendiao is officially a ward of New Liverpool, home to 110,230 people of which 60% are classified as Ren with a significant Haesanite population. Kendiao has become well-known for it's nightclubs and leisure attractions and is one of the centers of the S-Pop music genre.

Kingsway

When San Fernando was established, the area near the port became the de-facto center of where local Ren merchants would trade grounds to colonial soldiers and officials. By 1700, resident's where officially living in what had become the central business district of San Fernando. Although there where no housing restrictions at the time, discrimination in other part's of the city as a well as the centralization of industries such as trade and commerce meant most Ren remained in the area. This pattern continued through the centuries even as the area went through cycle of re-development. By 1920, around 10,000 people where living in the Kingsway District which had become a primarily banking district with San Fernando Kingsway Station being completed in 1931. In the 1950s, Juan Costa called Kingsway the "center of all-greed" and began demolishing homes in favor of the Plaza of Reform, a riverside park inspired by the ideals of National Reformism. During the early 60s, Kingsway became the center of anti-Costa sentiment with multiple strikes and rallies eventually leading to the San Fernando's, Revolution of 64. City Hall was captured by an alliance of Ren self-defense forces and leftist forces who elected a new mayor for the city. After the Great War, Kingsway was re-developed with traditional residential housing being replaced with new apartment and business towers. However an alliance of activists called the "Kingsway Alliance" saved the heart of the district from re-development. Today, Kingsway is classified as a historic district with restrictions on new buildings. It's considered a hub for art's and food with Wong Ka Market having several top-rated restaurants.