Visiting the Iconic Sade Sasak Tourism Village in Lombok
Visiting the Iconic Sade Sasak Tourism Village in Lombok
By: Sujaya, S.Pd., Gr. (Live Report by ASWINNEWS.COM Editorial Team)
Sade Village is a traditional village located in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. It is renowned as one of the tourism villages that preserves the culture and traditions of the Sasak tribe, the indigenous people of Lombok Island. Sade Village is a popular tourist destination due to its unique traditional house architecture, traditional lifestyle, and distinctive Sasak weaving crafts.
Unique Features of Sade Village
1. Bale Tani Traditional Houses The traditional houses in Sade Village are built using natural materials such as bamboo, thatch, and clay. Their roofs are made of alang-alang grass, and the floors are coated with buffalo dung, believed to repel insects.
2. Weaving Tradition Women in Sade Village are skilled in weaving songket fabric. This craft is a significant symbol for Sasak women, as they are required to learn weaving before marriage.
3. Sasak Ceremonies and Traditions The village still practices Sasak traditions such as traditional weddings, religious rituals, and other customary ceremonies.
4. Simple Lifestyle The residents of Sade Village live simply, minimally influenced by modernity. Their way of life reflects harmony with nature and their ancestral heritage.
Tourism Activities
Village Tours Visitors can stroll through the village while listening to stories about Sasak history and culture from local guides.
Learning to Weave Tourists can try weaving traditional fabric alongside the villagers.
Shopping for Souvenirs Traditional woven fabrics, jewelry, and unique Sasak souvenirs are available for purchase as mementos.
Sade Village is one of the best places to explore Lombok’s culture, making it a must-visit destination for culture and tradition enthusiasts.
Traditional Buildings in Sade Village
The village houses approximately 150 traditional buildings, mostly consisting of Bale Tani houses used as residences. Other special-purpose buildings include:
1. Bale Bonter Used for traditional meetings or important community activities.
2. Bale Lumbung A uniquely shaped structure for storing harvests, especially rice.
3. Bale Kodong A small house typically for elderly couples.
All buildings are made using natural materials such as bamboo, wood, alang-alang grass, and clay, reflecting the local wisdom of the Sasak tribe. The authenticity of the architecture and village layout is preserved to maintain cultural heritage and attract visitors eager to experience traditional life.
Understanding Sasak Culture
The Sasak people are the indigenous ethnic group of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. They make up about 85–90% of the island’s population and have unique cultural, linguistic, and traditional characteristics shaped by their local environment and history.
Origin of the Sasak Tribe
Various theories suggest that the Sasak ancestors are a mix of Austronesian settlers and native Nusantara people. The name “Sasak” is believed to derive from the local word “sa’-saq,” meaning one or unity.
Characteristics of the Sasak Tribe
1. Language The Sasak people have their own language, Bahasa Sasak, with various regional dialects. Indonesian is also spoken as the official language.
2. Religion The majority of Sasak people are Muslim, with a unique form known as Islam Wetu Telu, blending Islamic practices with local traditions. A small number still practice animism.
3. Culture and Traditions
Gendang Beleq: Traditional music featuring large drums played at ceremonies.
Peresean: A traditional martial arts performance using rattan sticks and shields.
Ikat and Songket Weaving: Handwoven fabrics often used in traditional attire.
Nyongkolan Marriage Custom: A Sasak wedding procession accompanied by traditional music.
4. Architecture Traditional Sasak houses, such as Bale Tani and Bale Lumbung, are simple yet functional, designed in harmony with the surrounding environment.
5. Social System The Sasak people still practice a traditional social system based on customs, with community leaders playing significant roles in daily life.
Way of Life of the Sasak Tribe
Known for their simple, nature-centered lifestyle, the Sasak people rely on agriculture, primarily rice farming, as their main livelihood, although many are now involved in the tourism industry.
The Sasak tribe remains one of the main cultural attractions in Lombok, with traditional villages like Sade and Ende maintaining their authenticity and traditions.