Indonesia is a country consisting of various islands and each island has natural and cultural wealth. One of the islands that still has natural and cultural wealth is Sumba Island. One of the cultural treasures of this island is Tarung Village which is thick with culture.
In this article, we will discuss further how the thick customary wealth that exists in the village. Let’s look at the information below.
Sumba Island is one of the islands that still holds the old beliefs and is still practiced obediently to this day. One of the villages that still carries out this old belief is Tarung Village, located in West Sumba, where the people still practice the “Merapu” belief.
Unlike other tribes where traditions are carried out in a remote place, this village is located within the city of Waikabubak which is the capital of West Sumba Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Because of its location in the middle of the city, it is difficult for the people there to maintain their traditions, culture, and beliefs and maintain their purity.
Despite having unique rituals, the adherents of the Merapu belief do not want to call this belief a religion. The leader of this village is called ‘Rato’, and every visitor or tourist who wants to visit this tourist spot must ask permission from Rato.
The uniqueness that can be seen directly when visiting this village is the architecture and layout of the village. Every aspect of the arrangement in this village has a philosophy behind the building. The original house design does not use iron pegs or nails, is built simply, and is always divided into three vertical parts.
The top three are used for the spirits of the ancestors and food storage, the middle section is for humans or the people who still live there, and the bottom is used as a livestock house.
Community Trust System The community
belief system in this village is the Marapu belief. This belief is still firmly held even though some residents have embraced other religions such as Christianity and Islam.
Marapu can be explained as a community belief system that believes that the spirits of their deceased ancestors or ancestors are still alive in the midst of their existence.
The essence of the Marapu belief is the belief in a divine being called “Mawolu Marawi” or “the Creator of all things” who has power over human life and death and the entire universe and faith or ancestors.
Megalithic Objects in Kampung Tarung Village
Megalithic objects that are historical relics in other villages are stone tombs, stone graves with dolmens, menhirs and statues.
There are 31 stone graves in this village which were made when there was a traditional burial ceremony. The gravestones are made of limestone or andesite taken from a hill near this village. The stone that has been obtained is then cut and carved according to the social status of the community to be buried.
Where is this village located?
This village is located in Wailiang, Waikabubak City, West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
What facilities are still available?
In this village, there are several public facilities such as toilets and a weaving area for local residents. Visitors can learn to weave with local residents and still comply with existing customary regulations.
That’s some information regarding Tarung Village located in West Sumba, Indonesia. Hopefully this information can be useful. Happy holidays!
