By: Taner Hikmet

Sade village, a small village located on the island of Lombok, is home to the Sasak community of Indonesia. The village, with its 150 houses and a population of 750 people, offers a glimpse into the Sasak culture, showcased through its distinctive culture and traditions.

One of the most remarkable features of the Sasak village is its architecture, characterized by triangle-shaped roofs on houses that add a distinctive charm to the village. The community’s commitment to maintaining its architectural heritage is shown by its dedication to maintaining the houses; the roofs, crafted meticulously from palm leaves, are replaced by a group of locals every seven weeks. Interestingly, the floors are made from clay and the residents uphold the traditional practice of polishing periodically with buffalo dung. As a result, these unique floors serve as a natural repellent against insects.

Moreover, a Sasak house carries symbolic significance, evident in the five stairs found in each house. The entrance has two stairs, while three additional stairs inside represent the five pillars of Islam. The low door ceilings in the village homes, requiring visitors to bow forward upon entering, serve as a symbolic gesture, signifying respect and the acknowledgement of entering a sacred space. This unique blend of cultural and religious symbolism highlights the unique traditions and faith within the Sasak community.

In the traditional Sasak community of the village, the custom of marriages between close relatives from the same village is practised. Surprisingly, locals state that the children do not have any health implications as a result of marriage within the family. Additionally, a captivating custom of bride kidnapping is still prevalent. The groom abducts the bride and flees the village until the bride’s parents grant consent. Once approved, which can take weeks or even months, the couple returns to the village and settles at the groom’s parent’s house, while the bride resides alone for two weeks in a separate room before joining her spouse.

The Sasak people are renowned for their skills in waving for generations’ long, producing vibrant and colourful traditional sarongs and accessories. Visitors can witness local women waving in front of their houses using traditional tools and methods, and also purchase these handmade items, providing them with an opportunity to support locals and learn more about the region’s cultural heritage at the same time.

The traditional Sasak tribe village stands as a living museum, offering a captivating journey into the heart of a culture that has thrived for centuries. From its unique architecture to its cultural practices, the village is a testament to the resilience of the Sasak people in preserving their identity. As visitors explore the narrow pathways and experience the warmth of the community, they are treated to a glimpse of a world where unique traditions are being upheld.