Lombok | Sasak Village Sade

The only cultural touch.

And I am contented.

Sasak Village Sade.

Curious. I google to see what they have instore for me.

“Looks interesting… hemmm…” So I said to myself. Still having doubt.

You see, I have a very high expectation when I visited Somba Opu late last year and got a tad disappointed upon reaching there. If the place was properly maintained, it would have been better enjoyed, better appreciated.

The verdict?

Ecstatic!

It was done right, in every way (if I were to have it my way, I would have stayed there longer but that wouldn’t be fair to the rest and the Trip of Wonders objective). 

Being the largest tribe in Lombok and consisting approximately 3 million inhabitants living here; their traditions, customs, worship and culture evolve around life. Farming and weaving leads and generate income for this village economy and well-being.

Gendang Beleq Dance

The coordination was immaculate (I have to say so myself), we were taken to the Sasak Village, we were greeted by their welcoming beat of Gendang Beleq Dance of Sasak tribe of Lombok Island. It is usually being showcased when officiating an event, wedding function, upon welcoming guests to their village or an event, or even during circumcision ceremony. This is one of the most popular dance in Sasak tribe, centering on 2 big gendang or drum players trying to outdo each other when performing. A mesmerizing, intense and energetic performance indeed. I secretly wish it was longer. And I was flattered to be valued and welcomed is such a grand manner. And that is not all, there are also 3 other traditional dance showcases performed by the local villagers, the head chief also briefed us on the background and history of each dance.

Amaq Tempengus Dance

The other dance that caught our attention and loved by all (kid you not!) is the Amaq Tempengus Dance; about an amaq or father with full make-up mimicking and dancing in a funny way like a Sasak court jester or clown; pantomime-like. Occasionally approaching and teasing visitors for a photo. The photo op session was like by everyone, we were caught off guard when the amaq approaches us but once we recovered (from our momentarily shock), we kept hoping and wishing he come back so that we can get a closely picture of him. A truly dance extraordinaire. 

Petuk Dance

The third dance was Petuk dance, where the dancer dance in a funny style to entertain the audience. It is said that it is performed during circumcision ceremony. It is not known why the kids look happy before circumcision but we suspect that they embrace it as it is the natural course of being a man here. So the locals say *wink/smile*.

Presean Dance

The last dance was a combination of their fighting games to a music, using Penjalin; a rattan sticks in, and an armored buffalo skin thick and hard called Ende, where else the 2 fighters are called pepadu. Presean is the game name and when paired with their traditional music, this dance is called Beleganjur. At times. We noticed the commentator giving spirit to the fighters. This aggressive dance is usually performed during Indonesia Independent day in Lombok, on cultural event such as Bulan Apresiasi Budaya and Senggigi Festival in July.

Nensek (weaving)

Sasak tribe of the Sasak Traditional Village Sade is the largest tribal community that inhabits the Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara. The traditions, customs, worship and ordinances are pretty much related to animism, and their livelihood is focus on farming and weaving. The women in Sasak tribe is famous for weaving (tenun) cloth know as nensek. According to the Sasak custom, women are required to learn and know the art of weaving at young age, else they are not allowed to get married. The techniques, patterns and motifs are handed down by their elders and is also one of the ways to earn money for their families. 

Lumbung

The other unique characteristic in Sasak tribe is their home, it is uniquely differentiated by the grass-roofed-houses with bamboo-walls. It has a single room function; catering for both sleeping and kitchen. The famous and iconic Lumbung is a bonnet/curve-like structure or building use to store rice (rice barn). And what is unique here is the flooring of Sasak home is made of combinations of clay and cow faeces, and the result is as strong as cement.

I guess, Lombok is not all about the beach and the sea.
Do drop by Sasak Village Sade if you are ever in Lombok.

#TripOfWonders – Indonesia Social Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Indonesia.