Visit Raja Prailiu Village, Minister of Culture Emphasizes Protection of East Sumba Traditions and Customs

SUMBA TIMUR - The Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, emphasized the country's commitment to protecting the customs and intellectual property of the communal community of East Sumba. This was revealed when he visited Raja Prailiu Village, Waingapu, East Nusa Tenggara, Saturday, December 27.

Fadli Zon menyebut Kampung Raja Prailiu sebagai pusat budaya yang hidup. Di tempat ini, tradisi diturunkan lintas generasi dan menjadi penopang identitas sekaligus ekonomi lokal. Menurutnya, keberadaan kampung adat memperkuat ekosistem budaya berkelanjutan di tengah arus globalisasi.

"Prailiu Custom Village is a center of cultural activities, including the making of ikat and songket woven fabrics. This is a living tradition," Fadli said in an official statement.

He also emphasized that Kampung Raja Prailiu is a living heritage. In addition to being a cultural destination, this area has megalithic heritage in the form of stone tombs that are still used in customary rituals, such as funerals and weddings, by Marapu adherents.

During the visit, Fadli reviewed the residence of King Prailiu and the Tenun Ikat Praikamaru Gallery. Residents showed various woven fabrics with motifs and colors typical of East Sumba which to date have become a source of livelihood based on local wisdom.

The Prailiu customary elder, Remi, emphasized that the East Sumba woven cloth was not just a fashion. "The cloth is made for customary affairs. We also keep the megalithic tradition, including stone graves and traditional houses," he said.

Kampung Raja Prailiu is known as an icon of Waingapu culture. In this area stands a towering thatched traditional house, a megalithic stone tomb, and an authentic ikat weaving center that is full of historical value.

The visit was accompanied by the ranks of the Ministry of Culture and the East Sumba regional government. The government emphasized that central-regional coordination would continue to be strengthened so that the protection of ikat weaving and the megalithic tradition of Marapu would not stop as a symbol, but as a living identity that drives the creative economy of the community.