Uma Leme Site

Exploring the Traces of Civilization at Uma Leme Site: The Heart of Bima's Cultural Preservation

Amidst the wave of modernization sweeping through the Nusa Tenggara Islands, Bima Regency remains steadfast in preserving its rooted identity. One of the main pillars in this effort is the Uma Leme Site. As a cultural center located in the land of Mbojo, Uma Leme is more than just a physical structure; it is a living ecosystem that nurtures the collective memory, noble traditions, and local wisdom of the Bima people.

#

Architectural Philosophy and Uma Leme's Identity

The name "Uma Leme" itself carries a deep resonance in the local language. "Uma" means house, and "Leme" refers to a specific form or philosophy related to traditional structures. The site is designed to represent Bima's traditional architecture, which emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the Creator. The stilted buildings made from selected teak wood and bamboo are characteristic features showcasing the craftsmanship of Bima's ancestors.

As a cultural center, Uma Leme functions as a "cultural laboratory" where the past and future converge. Here, every corner of the building tells a story of the glory of the Bima Sultanate, the values of Maja Labo Dahu (Shame and Fear), and the spirit of mutual cooperation that breathes life into the local community.

#

Educational Programs and Knowledge Transmission

One of Uma Leme Site's strengths lies in its structured educational programs. The site's management recognizes that culture will perish if not passed down to the younger generation. Therefore, Uma Leme organizes regular "Adat School" classes for children and teenagers in Bima.

These educational programs include teaching the Bima regional language (Nggahi Mbojo), learning ancient scripts, and a deep understanding of etiquette (nggusu waru), which forms the ethical foundation of Bima society. Through active engagement with local schools, Uma Leme Site becomes a mandatory destination for field trips, where students can interact directly with customary leaders and senior cultural figures.

#

Performing Arts and Traditional Music

Uma Leme Site serves as the main stage for the revitalization of various nearly extinct arts. Every weekend, the site's courtyard often echoes with the sounds of the Bima version of Gendang Beleq and the beat of gongs accompanying traditional dances.

Some of the featured performances at this cultural center include:

1. Tari Wura Bongi Monca: A welcoming dance for honored guests, symbolizing the hospitality of the Bima people.

2. Gantao: A martial art that combines silat movements with dynamic traditional music. At Uma Leme, young people are trained to master Gantao techniques as a form of self-defense and art preservation.

3. Mpa’a Buja Kadanda: A folk game and war dance using spears and shields, depicting the bravery of Bima warriors in the past.

Beyond physical performances, Uma Leme also preserves oral traditions such as Pacoa Jara (related to horse culture) and the recitation of ancient manuscripts containing advisory verses.

#

Preservation of Crafts and Tembe Nggoli Weaving

In terms of handicrafts, Uma Leme Site is a center for the development and promotion of Bima's distinctive weaving, Tembe Nggoli. In the workshop area, visitors can witness the traditional process of weaving fabric using the gedogan loom.

This cultural center specifically provides space for local artisans to experiment with natural dyes derived from roots and leaves found around Bima. The "Weaving Apprenticeship" program is open to tourists and locals who wish to learn the intricate muna (weaving) techniques. In addition to fabrics, Uma Leme Site also exhibits crafts such as rattan weaving, the creation of traditional kitchen utensils, and replicas of Bima's distinctive sharp weapons like keris and parang.

#

Customary Rituals and Cultural Festivals

As a center for communal activities, Uma Leme Site hosts various customary ceremonies. One of the most anticipated moments is the celebration related to agricultural cycles and the Islamic calendar, given Bima's long history of connection with the Islamic Sultanate.

The annual festival often centered or supported by the site is the Uma Leme Festival. During this event, all elements of Bima culture are showcased colossally, from the Rimpu traditional costume carnival (the distinctive way Bima women dress using sarongs) to horse riding skill competitions. This festival not only attracts domestic tourists but also serves as a platform for international cultural researchers to witness the authenticity of Mbojo traditions.

#

Role in Local Cultural Development and Creative Economy

Uma Leme Site does not operate in isolation but acts as a catalyst for the development of the surrounding creative economy. With this cultural center, local products such as Bima Coffee, wild horse milk, and various local snacks get a platform to be marketed.

The management actively empowers the community by forming tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis). They are trained to become cultural guides capable of accurately explaining the history and philosophy of the Uma Leme Site. This creates a direct economic impact for the local residents while strengthening their pride in their ancestral heritage.

#

Conservation and Future Challenges

Conservation at Uma Leme Site encompasses not only tangible heritage but also intangible heritage. The digitization of ancient manuscripts and audio-visual recording of oral narratives from elder customary leaders are priorities at this cultural center. This is done to ensure that traditional knowledge is not lost to time.

Challenges such as climate change affecting the wooden materials of the buildings, and the onslaught of global pop culture, are met with smart adaptation strategies. Uma Leme has begun utilizing social media to promote cultural content, create short videos about the meaning behind rituals, and package traditions in a way that remains relevant to millennials and Gen Z without diminishing their sacred value.

#

Conclusion: A Home for the Soul of the Bima People

Uma Leme Site is tangible proof that a great nation is one that values its culture. As a cultural center in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, this place has successfully become a bridge between generations. It is a place where noble values are re-etched into the hearts of every visitor.

Through a blend of education, performing arts, craft preservation, and festival organization, Uma Leme Site ensures that the light of Bima's civilization will continue to shine. For anyone wishing to understand the essence of humanity and the warmth of the West Nusa Tenggara people, Uma Leme Site is the most fitting gateway to begin. Here, under the wooden roof and the friendly greetings of its people, the soul of Bima remains alive and beats strongly.