Explore 5 Traditional Indonesian Villages for Unique Holiday Escapades

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Many villages in a lot of regions in Indonesia still maintain their own traditions and cultural heritage. There are several traditional villages in Indonesia, each with its own uniqueness, that you can visit as alternative tourist destinations for your holiday.

1. Deri Kambajawa, Central Sumba

The Deri Kambajawa indigenous residents have a nomadic culture around the Umbu Pabal indigenous territory. The houses in this traditional village are tower-like with heights of up to 30 meters. The main building is a symbol of both a place of worship and a residence. Meanwhile, the middle area is where daily activities occur as well as the kitchen or fireplace between the four main pillars. The lower part of the house is a place for pets and evil spirits. The front of the house has pig tusks and buffalo horns which are markers of social status.

2. Bondo Tera, Central Sumba

Still in Central Sumba, the Bondo Tera traditional village has megalithic graves inherited by their ancestors who fought in wars and prepared the penji, or the resting place. Umbu Reku Djawatana, a figurehead of Bondo Tera village, said the megalithic graves of Bondo Tera are a symbol of the greatness of Sumbanese nobles.

3. Trunyan, Bali

Trunyan Village is the oldest village on Bali Island, located on the edge of Lake Batur. The indigenous people of Trunyan have a unique tradition called Mepasah, where people who have passed are not cremated but are placed on shallow over-the-surface burial grounds. According to the Bali tourism office, only those married are buried in this overground cemetery, while children and unmarried people are buried underground at a separate site. Those who pass away in an accident or commit suicide are buried outside of Trunyan.

4. Cirendeu, West Java

Located in South Cimahi District, the village name Cireundeu is derived from "reundeu tree" as reundeu trees were abundant in this place. According to cimahikota.go.id, this village housed 50 families in 2019, most of whom made their living as cassava farmers. Some residents of Cireundeu adhere to the Sundanese Wiwitan belief with the principle "ngindung ka waktu, mibapa ka jaman", meaning to keep up with the times while still maintaining unique characteristics. 

5. Jalawastu, Central Java

Jalawastu Traditional Village in Ciseureuh Village, Ketanggungan District, Brebes Regency, Central Java has a unique tradition of Ngasa ceremony.  The traditional ceremony is held every Tuesday Kliwon of Mangsa Kesanga based on the Javanese calendar. Ngasta means an expression of gratitude to Batara Windu Buana as the creator of nature in their beliefs. The Jalawastu people have a unique characteristic of building houses without using cement, roof tiles, and ceramics. The living room is integrated with the family room and dining room, and the only room separated is the family bedroom. 

LINDA LESTARI

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