"Si Waluh Jabuh", Between Cultures and the Mystical

When we were entering the Karo Regency "simalem" several times ago, the rain kept flushed, the thick fog covering almost the entire horizon mountain chain stretching should be green. The wind was blowing and the weather was so cold. Even so, our goal to see first hand the historic old building "The Waluh Jabuh" in the village of Lingga not stop just because the weather is not so friendly at that time.

To explore the countryside of Karo regency, that also known as "Tanah Karo Simalem", was an interesting experience, especially for audiences who are familiar with the hurly-burly of modern urbanization today.

Indeed, modernization is not only capable of forming a pattern of human life that is too instant and fast, but also was able to affect the imagination. Imagination will be a village. Well, the village that was close millions of values even though the value was now contaminated. Starting from traditionalism or culture that values may no longer familiar in the ears of the city, that is mystical. Perhaps we caught that when visiting the village of Lingga last time.

Lingga village is a small village in Simpang Empat District, about 14 km from Berastagi. This village, actually no longer traditionally as we imagine. Most of the population now inhabit urban type house. Lingga village still keeps the value of cultural history from the past that tells the origin of Karo culture. The origin was can be seen from the old buildings still standing there. The age of the building estimated to reach 300 years now. That is "Si Waluh Jabuh", a unique architectural design, philosophical and even mystical.

”Si Waluh Jabuh”; “waluh” meant by eight, “jabuh” means home. Thus, the meaning of “waluh jabuh” occupied houses eight families who live in harmony and tolerance. That's exactly what the philosophical meaning that despite the naming of the house originally known as “rabung lima” ("ridge-five").

What is unique is the process of development, said that before the development is, first notified to the smart people who will decide today whether to conduct a search of wood to the forest. After that, the smart people will determine whether the wood is used or not feasible in a dream. "If a good dream, then the wood would be used but if a bad dream, it was a bad sign. This is very important to do for the next occupant survival," said Lik Tarigan an occupant.

Next is the determination of a good day to start construction. No wonder if the development process takes a long (2-3 years). Sometimes, the development followed by problem, for example is the scheduling of searching woods, which are not carelessly used. There are three types of wood that represent the meaning and the hope of the future residents. This is the philosophical meaning.

Wood of "ndarasi" used intertwined in harmony, or harmony between the families. Still, wood called “ambar tuah” which means hope to have many descendants. Then there were the wooden "sebernaik", for cheap sustenance. "Actually, the wood species are meranti, only through the search process had wood, so the shaman named it," explained Tarigan then.

Development begins with the establishment of the foundation. "Maybe people had been aware of the earthquake and the danger," he said Tarigan and explained the process of building the foundation construction. Initial foundation stone and iron is outdated or "iron Mersing" and "bulung simalem" mounted on the ground and the pole, called "Palas". Further, between pole and Palas installed fibers to avoid a wobble in the event of an earthquake.

In addition to that function, there is another meaning there. "Harmony between the pole and Palas also showed expectations for the harmony of the occupants. This is called “larubat” which means do not collapse. If the house gets “larubat”, the family will be too," said Tarigan.

(will be continued to part 2: "Si Waluh Jabuh", If Eight to One"). Don't miss it... enjoy your trip! Read More..

Stunned at the Kingdom of Pematang Purba, Simalungun

Until the development of civilization in which a community can probably be traced through it’s culture. At least this is what can be portrayed as exploring the house in the village of Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba, in Simalungun District. At once, it became a proof of the existence of the Kingdom of the Pematang Purba Simalungun, had stood since the 15th century.

Exploring the area of Simalungun was a nice experience. Each of the spots around on it can give the impression of him, moreover, entering the Pematang Purba Village, a small village in the district of Pematang Purba Simalungun.

The last king who led the Kingdom was King Mogang. People of Simalungun believes that said his body has yet to be found. He was allegedly killed when a social revolution took place in Simalungun in 1947.

The statue of the Kingdom of Pematang Purba Simalungun, occupies approximately around 140 kilometers from Medan city, after the Karo Regency (Berastagi - Kabanjahe - Brand). Then through the intersection toward Haranggaol and you came in the majority of villages inhabited by ethnic Simalungun it. However, you can also choose other access, by the Siantar City that only about 54 miles away.

It is said, once the Pematang Purba Village is known as one of the oldest royal government center in Simalungun, namely the Pematang Purba Kingdom, which until the end of their authority, as of 14 kings who have ever held the reins of power. So it is clear that this kingdom is not the only kingdom that ever existed in the region Simalungun.

History records, there are five major kingdoms, each controlled its own territory which of them scattered in several areas: Siantar, Panambean, Tanah Jawa, Pematang Raya and Purba. This area then inhabited by certain clans too, such as Saragih, Manik, and Purba.

Rumah Bolon Pematang Purba itself is the residence of the Pematang Purba Kings who first occupied King Pangultop-ultop (1624-1648), which is then passed from generation to generation with a tradition of local culture.

"It is known who did it and what is the motive," said Wanson. guards and tourist guides, the location of the old buildings that stood on the land area is 1 hectare.

Transfer of authority of tradition, Wanson explains there is a the tradition of compulsory transfer of power to do. When the king was about to inherit his power, people obliged to slaughter a buffalo, the horns and then stored for later become evidence for the king who will rules later. At least that historical evidence can still be seen where there are 14 buffalo horns hanging on the walls of the room Rumah Bolon.

So, what's the basic transfer of the power? As usual in the continuing tradition of royal power is the eldest child, then the principle is not absolute in the tradition of the Kingdom of Pematang Purba. "It must be the oldest, but who is the king's descendants have talent to be a leader, then was appointed as the successor to the kingdom," said Wanson.

Political power

In fact, the king who ruled early in the Kingdom of Pematang Purba was not the King Pangultop-ultop, but King Dasuha. Mr. Pangultop-ultop itself at first only migrants who come from areas supposedly Dolok Sanggul, who was allegedly having contact with area, now called Pakpak Bharat.

So, why did he later became king? This was based on the Wanson narrative, which is also the tourism department officials who assigned by Simalungun District to oversee the old building. He explained, King Pangultop-arrival to the area early ultop initially due to his penchant for catching birds and then delivered to the early region.

Actually, if reviewed, Pangultop-ultop thus have practiced power politics.

It is said that one time in the wilderness area early, he managed to catch a bird which then Nanggordaha from bird gizzards (there are seeds of rice and corn), he got his own food. When he saw that the Pematang Purba as a fertile land, so he appealed to the King of Ancient Dasuha plot of land to be given. Land that he later planted with rice and corn seeds that he can from the bird's craw.

Pangultop-ultop also likely to deliver the people to glory. An abundant harvest from the plot of land for the good king, he kept in a large barn.

A time came the lean years which resulted in overwhelming population in search of food. Knowing Pangultop-ultop has many stores of rice and corn in the barn, they were then asked to provide rice and maize during which he collected.

Only, he did not want to give if they just called himself as "oppung" (grandfather or a respected person), but called as the king. "Do not call me ‘oppung’ if you want to get rice and corn from me, but call me king," he said, as Wanson explained.

So, they called him “King” so, which then was known by the Dasuha. Recognition of his feeling threatened not recognized anymore, so any Dasuha early meeting with Pangultop-ultop. "If you are a king, then prove," he said, as he imitated Wanson.

This was then followed by Pangultop-ultop comply with the regulations set Dasuha Purba. "Marbijah" (vowed) is the procession which was proof step. Handful of soil, water and "appang-appang" (buffalo skin) is the medium. So, Pangultop-ultop return to his native land to get all the three.

Handful of land and sown, covered appang-appang and placed beside the water contained in “tatabu” (a type of water jug made of leather pumpkin). Witnessed by the people, then Pangultop-ultop sweared before the Dasuha and “ulubalang”, he said, "if the land and water that I occupy is not mine, so now I die." Pangultop-ultop even then drank water.

Time then replied that oath. Though already past days, weeks, months and years, but Pangultop-ultop not dead-as typically containing an oath of death was a lie then return. And time, too, who determines the transition of power. "I admit, now you're the king who deserves to lead the Kingdom of Pematang Purba, because oaths not works," said the Dasuha later.

Since then Pangultop-ultop became king, precisely in 1624, which then lead up to 1648. The previous king-Ancient-Dasuha was still regarded as the king, only he was no longer govern.

Then, after turning back to the story, is it true there is a political element in there? Once again this is a disclosure of the facts of Wanson Purba, which is also a descendant of Kuraha (commander of the king), Pangultop-ultop, during his leadership. He alone knows the story from his father, during the early who has kept the 43-years Rumah Bolon.

Wanson did not dismiss it. "Actually, if reviewed, Pangultop-ultop thus have practiced power politics," he said. "The reason, soil and water and appang-appang used as a medium itself oath taken by him from his native land, making it possible he survived the death."


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Tomok, the Gate of Samosir Tourism

Many Batak cultural heritage which are now partly stored in Batak Cultural Museum located in Tomok. Tomok itself, many inhabited by people surnamed Sidabutar. It is characterized by persistence of the tomb of heritage and legacy of King Sidabutar Batak traditional houses and unique sculpture Sigale-gale.

Some of these relics that are Hobbung (Sidabutar king bed which both serve as storage property of the king), Panaluan Single Sticks, Laklak (who recorded the history books and calendars Batak ancient calendar), rudang, ulos, appang na bolon, parhokkom, pangir. One of the efforts to preserve the legacy of the many stores the value of art and the Batak culture, celebrated each year by organizing the ceremony called Horja Bios.

However, although known as a tourist location mainstay of North Sumatra, the majority of the population still rely on agriculture as the main livelihood, especially rice fields. From extensive throughout the region, of which 8424 hectares are paddy fields with a production area of production of 43,823 tons in 2004. Rice field centers scattered around the district, but the largest centers in the district are Sianjur First, Palipi, and Pangururan.

Even so, the whole area can not be fully used as agricultural production due to land soil and slope conditions are hilly. These lands later partly used as a horticulture farm locations such as peanuts, onions and corn. Of the total area there are 83,075 dry land.

Meanwhile in the plantation sector, coffee is a commodity in addition to other commodities such as walnut, clove and ginger. There is an area of 300 hectares of productive land with the amount of 584 tons of production. Approximately 75 hectares of productive land with pecan plantation production of 200 tons and about 20 hectares of productive land with pecan plantation production of 32 tons. In addition, in the farm sector, buffaloes and pigs to cattle mainstay.

This is not a new thing that lagged consumption levels of pork and buffalo on Samosir regency high enough. So no wonder if this sector is also quite influential in encouraging livelihood populated district was 130,078 inhabitants.

Other livestock types are cattle, horses, goats and sheep. In the year 2004 there were as many as 12,948 pigs as livestock there are 33,160 buffalo population.

The presence of Lake Toba, in addition to a blessing for the tourism business world as well also be the life habitat of various freshwater fish. On Samosir approximately 320 households to work as fishermen fish. Tardisional fishing is still maintained. The use of wooden boats are still a means of fishing continues to be used when applying techniques also catch fish by using nets stocked at certain places on which the fish look for food at certain hours. Net stocking is usually late afternoon and checked the next morning.

However, the presence of fish cultivation systems using floating net (floating net) on a large scale in a long time has been gradually destroying the ecosystem of the lake. This is caused by the use of fish meal made from chemicals in a long time. As a result, polluted lake water clarity and impact on lake water habitats.

Along the shore of Lake Toba, there are 773 units of floating net which is spread in some areas such as Pangururan, Simanindo, Daily, Sititotio, First Sianjur and Onan bronze. In 2004, fish production reached 11,998 tons. The types of these fish ranged from goldfish and mujahir.

In the industrial sector, since 2003 has been recorded at 896 units with a total workforce of 1023 people absorbed. From the number of these businesses, clothing and leather industry is a small industry with the largest number of businesses, namely as many as 164 businesses with a workforce of 164 people.

Most clothing industry is in District 82 and Pangururan with Ronggur Ni Huta 28 businesses. Chemical industry of building materials in second place with 124 businesses and 452 workers. The industry most numerous in the district with 90 business Palipi which absorbs 360 workers, Pangururan with 21 business and labor 44.

As a very potential area as a tourism area, water transportation is very supportive of course. In addition to functioning as a means of travel, the waters of Lake Toba also serves as a transportation infrastructure that links trade with the District Tobasa Naidoo and Parapat, Simalungun. The number of requests of passengers and goods ship on the lake on Samosir transportation, from five docks of 9136visits. Tomok dock is the busiest docks.

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Samosir, The Seductive Island in the Centre of Lake Toba

Balige ship at the dock, transports passengers and goods leaving once a day to Nainggolan, Onan Mogang and bronze. In addition, at the dock of Parapat, there are many ships and small scale towards Tuktuk Tomok and mainstay of the tourist area. And, one of the alternative access to ground transportation can be accessed via the Tele, after going through the area and the District Sitinjo Berastagi, Dairi.

Samosir became autonomous regions since had been separated from Tobasa District in 2003 under Act No. 36 of 2003 on Formation of Samosir Regency and Serdang Bedagai, dated on December 18, 2003. Then, this region took over 9 districts of the previous parent district, District Tobasa.

Establishment of Samosir District as autonomous regions and established a new district is the first step to start the acceleration of development towards a more prosperous society. The purpose is to accelerate the formation of development, so that development process in a short amount of time can stand in line with other districts.

Samosir regency located between 2024'-2048 North latitude and longitude 98030-99001. The extent of about 1419.05 km2, located at 300-2200 meters above sea level with territorial boundaries, and Karo Regency Simalungun District in the north, North Tapanuli and Humbang Hasundutan in the south, and Pakpak Dairi Bharat in the west and Toba Samosir (Tobasa) in the east.

Samosir District, based on geography and natural conditions, is not new anymore that the region is almost entirely surrounded by Lake Toba is, has long set a mainstay tourism area of North Sumatra. The presence of Lake Toba by itself makes a hilly area with humid tropical climate is a "paradise" for the naturalist and the people who want to find the cool tranquility of nature. Lake Toba winds seemed to be a seductive appeal of its own to always invite the local and foreign visitors to come back.

Indeed, that is Samosir. Once visited, the ache will come to visit him again. He was always teasing though recently the tourism business has decreased since the oil crisis of the last few years since 1998.

Batak ethnic majority. Reportedly believed, District Sianjur First is the origin region Batak people. This location is exactly at the top area where the majority Pusuk Buhit inhabited by ethnic Batak Sagala surname.


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Visiting Minah and Sandra in Bukit Lawang

Minah, is not a girl or a layman's terms: oil land! Besides Minah, Sandra, is also not too Hollywood actress (Sandra Bullock). So, who are them? Both, no stranger to the residents of Gunung Leuser National Park (TNGL) in Bukit Lawang tourism areas: orangutan (pongo abelii).

This is one decoy Bukit Lawang: Gunung Leuser National Park (GLNP) or TNGL, which part of Leuser Ecosystem Area, KEL, (Leuser Ecosystem Region) is rich in botanical variety.

Leuser ecosystem has background of mutual ecological principles between various types of rocks, humid climate, hilly terrain, soil structure and other organisms. And based on data RepPProt out in 1988, from 78 existing ecological systems on the island of Sumatra, 42 systems (54%) of them can be found in the Leuser Ecosystem area; 20 KEL ecological systems in a hilly area like the mountains or by 40%. And 86% TNGL on sloping area.

But, enough TNGL is fragile and prone to floods and vulnerable to natural disturbances. This is caused by the climate and high rainfall every year.

TNGL also a founa habitat, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. TNGL also the largest habitat area in the world of birds, almost 380 species (65% of the 580 species on the island of Sumatra), or 350 species of which live in TNGL.

Almost 65% of the 129 species of mammals (large - small) that there is the island of Sumatra, also lives in this area. Also, it is also the habitat Sumatran Elephant (Elephas maximus sumataranus), tiger (tigris sumatrae pathera), rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) and orangutan (Pongo abelii), the community as much as there were 19 tails. Minah and Sandra, both of which are routinely treated orangutans and fed each morning (08.30 GMT) and every evening (15:00 GMT).

So, you want to see Minah and Sandra? Please come and enjoy a wilderness adventure in TNGL and find them there!

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