Self-support stilt-houses at the coastal area have environment characteristics that are different from inland houses, and
they have the disaster potentiality such as hurricanes, tidal waves, abrasion, earthquakes, and even tsunami. The stilt houses
are very adaptable to climatic conditions and coastal disasters. The shape of the stilt houses at the coastal area must comply
with aspects of safety, security, comfort, and health. This paper examines the characteristics of the stilt houses at the coastal
area of Cambaya, Makassar, especially in terms of safety and security aspects. The aspects of safety and security include the
resistance of the building construction towards disasters. Along with the development of the urban area, the demanding needs
and limited financial-abilities, the owners of the houses at the Cambaya coastal area develop their houses by utilizing the
empty space at the coastal area and the space under floor of the stilt house. The change of the building shape gives an effect
on the poor quality of the building, building safety, and security. However, there are several stilt houses at Cambaya which
could reduce the impacts of disasters on the safety of the residents through their local wisdom.