Bolsel Cultural Center (Traditional House)

Upholding Ancestral Dignity: An In-depth Exploration of the Bolsel Cultural Center (Traditional House)

Bolaang Mongondow Selatan (Bolsel) Regency is a cultural gem on the northern Sulawesi coast. Amidst rapid modernization stands the Bolsel Cultural Center, more familiarly known by locals as the Traditional House. This area is not merely a replica of past structures, but the very heart of preserving the noble values of the Mongondow, Bolango, and Gorontalo ethnic groups who live harmoniously in this region.

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Architecture and Symbolism of Identity

The Bolsel Cultural Center is built adopting the traditional stilt house structure, representing local wisdom in adapting to the coastal geographical conditions. The building's structure is dominated by high-quality wood materials with distinctive carvings symbolizing local flora and fauna, as well as the life philosophy of the Bolsel people. Its towering roof symbolizes hope and the connection between humans and the Creator, while the wide entrance stairs symbolize the openness of the Bolsel people to guests and positive change.

The presence of this Traditional House visually affirms Bolsel's identity as a region that firmly upholds the motto "Pintara, Lowa', bo Molu'at" (Intelligent, Brave, and Hardworking). This building functions as a living monument, reminding younger generations of their historical roots amidst the onslaught of global culture.

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Educational Programs and Cultural Literacy

One of the main pillars of the Bolsel Cultural Center is its function as a non-formal education hub. The cultural center's management regularly organizes local language classes. Given that the Bolango and Mongondow languages are rarely used by Generation Z, this program is crucial. School children are invited to re-familiarize themselves with vocabulary, grammar, and the distinctive dialects that form their identity.

In addition to language, there are oral history literacy programs. Traditional elders or Pemangku Adat (Customary Stakeholders) are often invited to sit with the youth in the veranda of the Traditional House to narrate the origins of clans, the history of kingdoms in Bolsel, and the meanings behind customary ceremonies. This ensures that the transfer of knowledge from older to younger generations is not interrupted.

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Preservation of Traditional Arts and Crafts

The Bolsel Cultural Center serves as a large studio for various forms of art. Every afternoon, the building's yard and hall are filled with the sounds of Kolintang and Gong. Here, traditional dances like Tari Dana-Dana and Tari Tayok are intensively practiced.

Tari Dana-Dana, which showcases agility and joy, is often accompanied by advisory verses in the local language. Meanwhile, the more sacred Tari Tayok is learned as a form of respect for ancestors. Not only dance, but vocal arts like Dikili (rhythmic dhikr) also receive special attention, considering the strong influence of Islamic culture in the traditions of the Bolsel people.

In the field of crafts, the center facilitates workshops for making Pia (a distinctive woven craft) and introduces kerawang embroidery motifs. Local artisans are given space to demonstrate their skills to tourists and students, thus preserving the economic value of these cultural products.

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Customary Ceremonies and Annual Festivals

The Bolsel Cultural Center is the focal point for the execution of various major festivals. One of the most prominent is the celebration of the Teluk Tomini Festival (FTT) and the anniversary of Bolsel Regency. During these moments, the Traditional House becomes the main stage for the Mopoligau procession, which is a customary ceremony for welcoming esteemed guests.

In addition to major festivals, the center is also used for communal customary ceremonies, such as joint prayers when entering the planting or fishing season (sea thanksgiving). These rituals are performed with strict adherence to customs, from the correct use of traditional attire to the unchangeable order of the procession, to maintain the originality of the tradition.

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Role in Local Cultural Development

The Bolsel Cultural Center acts as both a curator and a catalyst for cultural development. The local government, through the Department of Culture, uses this place as a laboratory to rediscover nearly extinct cultural potentials. For example, research on ancient manuscripts or documentation of nearly forgotten folk songs.

The center also functions as a consolidation forum for Regional Customary Institutions. Within the framework of this Traditional House, customary regulations (social norms) are discussed and socialized to the community. This creates social harmony because community conflicts are often resolved through a family-like customary approach within the cultural center.

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Community Empowerment and Creative Economy

The existence of the Bolsel Cultural Center provides a tangible economic impact for the surrounding residents. With its status as a leading cultural tourism destination, a creative economic ecosystem has emerged around it. Culinary stalls serving Bolsel's signature dishes like Sinanggi or fresh seafood preparations have begun to flourish.

Local youth are also empowered as cultural guides. They are trained to explain the function of each corner of the building, the meaning of each dance, and the history behind the collection items within the Traditional House. This creates new job opportunities based on local wisdom.

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Challenges and Future Preservation

Despite being an icon, preservation challenges remain. Maintaining wooden buildings requires special costs and techniques to prevent them from succumbing to age or termites. Therefore, the Bolsel Cultural Center continues to innovate, including digitizing cultural content. Art performances held at the Traditional House are now often broadcast live or documented in high-quality video format to be enjoyed by the Bolsel diaspora outside the region.

The "School Visit" program has also been launched, where instructors from the Cultural Center visit schools to bring the spirit of the Traditional House into the classroom. This aims to ensure that cultural values do not just remain within the physical building but permeate the character of every Bolsel child.

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Conclusion: The Home of Bolsel's Soul

The Bolsel Cultural Center (Traditional House) is more than just a tourist destination; it is an institution that safeguards the soul of the Bolaang Mongondow Selatan people. Through a blend of education, art, and customary ceremonies, this place ensures that the progress of time will not erase the traces of civilization built by the ancestors. For anyone who sets foot here, they will not only see a magnificent wooden building but feel the warmth of history and the spirit of togetherness that continues to burn on the coast of North Sulawesi. With government support and active community participation, the Bolsel Cultural Center will continue to stand tall as a fortress of cultural defense in the future.