Tangkeno Tourist Village

Charm of the Land Above the Clouds: Exploring the Culture of Tangkeno Tourist Village, Kabaena

Located on the slopes of Mount Sabampolulu at an altitude of approximately 700 meters above sea level, Tangkeno Tourist Village is more than just an ordinary settlement. Situated in Kabaena Tengah District, Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, this village has solidified its position as a vital Cultural Center for the Kabaena (Tokotua) ethnic group. Known by the nickname "Land Above the Clouds," Tangkeno offers a harmonious blend of dramatic mountainous natural beauty and steadfast adherence to ancestral traditions.

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Philosophy and Cultural Structure of Tangkeno

As a cultural center, Tangkeno Tourist Village functions as the guardian of the Kabaena tribe's civilization. The lives of its people are governed by a strong philosophy of local wisdom, where the relationship between humans, nature, and the creator is maintained through customary law. Structurally, the village preserves its traditional architectural form, which is its visual identity. Stilted wooden houses with distinctive carvings still dominate the landscape, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

This cultural center is not merely a display but a living entity. Tangkeno serves as a social laboratory where the younger generation of Bombana learns the values of honesty, mutual cooperation (pohadulu), and hospitality that characterize the Kabaena people.

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Traditional Arts: Rhythm and Movement on Kabaena's Peak

One of the main pillars of Tangkeno Tourist Village as a cultural center is the preservation of performing arts. Here, visitors can witness and learn various traditional dances rich in spiritual and social meaning:

1. Tari Lariangi: This is the cultural gem of Kabaena. Tari Lariangi is not just an aesthetic movement but a medium of communication and respect. The dancers wear magnificent traditional costumes with head ornaments called Panto. Their movements are graceful yet firm, reflecting the dignity of Kabaena women.

2. Tari Lumense: This dance has a historical root as a ritual for welcoming guests or a healing ritual. The iconic movement of slashing a banana tree in this dance symbolizes the expulsion of evil spirits or self-purification from bad luck.

3. Traditional Music: The melodies of bamboo instruments and traditional percussion are often heard in Tangkeno. The village community actively trains young people to play these instruments so they are not overshadowed by modern music.

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Handicrafts and Creative Economy

Cultural empowerment programs in Tangkeno also extend to the handicraft sector. The village community produces various cultural artifacts that are both functional and artistic:

• Kabaena Weaving: The distinctive Kabaena woven fabric is produced with geometric motifs that hold specific philosophical meanings, often representing local flora or social status. The production process, still using traditional handlooms (ATBM), is an educational attraction for tourists.
• Rattan and Bamboo Weaving: Given its mountainous location, the community is skilled at processing forest products into bags, hats, and household items using unique weaving techniques.

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Educational Programs and Community Involvement

As a cultural center, Tangkeno runs various inclusive educational programs. The village often becomes a research destination for academics and artists who wish to delve deeper into Moronene and Kabaena culture. Some of the main programs include:

• Cultural Workshops: Tourists are not just spectators but are invited to participate. The live-in program allows visitors to learn weaving, cook traditional cuisine like Tami (cassava food), and join traditional dance practice under the guidance of customary elders.
• Customary School: There are informal but consistent efforts by customary leaders to transfer oral knowledge, genealogies, and customary laws to the next generation. This ensures that Tangkeno's identity is not lost despite increasing access to global information.

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Cultural Event: Tangkeno Festival

The peak moment of cultural activity in this village is the Tangkeno Festival. This annual event has been included in the national tourism calendar and attracts thousands of tourists. The festival features a massive collaboration of art performances, culinary exhibitions, and customary rituals.

During this festival, all elements of the Bombana community unite. From communal prayer rituals on the hilltop to competitions of nearly extinct traditional games. This festival serves as proof that local culture can be a driver of the creative economy while strengthening the social cohesion of Southeast Sulawesi society.

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Cultural Heritage Preservation and Regional Role

Tangkeno plays a crucial role in cultural development in Bombana Regency. This village serves as the "last fortress" for many traditions that are fading in urban areas. Preservation efforts here are not static; the people of Tangkeno are able to adapt their culture to tourism trends without sacrificing its sacred values.

The existence of Plaza Tangkeno, directly facing Mount Sabampolulu and the open sea, serves as a center for communal activities. It is here that intercultural dialogue takes place between local residents and newcomers. The Bombana Regency government consistently supports infrastructure development in Tangkeno while maintaining cultural conservation zones to ensure physical development does not damage the village's traditional aesthetics.

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Unique Element: The Relationship Between Humans and Nature

What most distinguishes Tangkeno from other cultural centers is the integration of cultural rituals with natural phenomena. The people of Tangkeno possess traditional knowledge of star navigation and natural signs used to determine planting seasons. This traditional astronomical knowledge is an inseparable part of the cultural curriculum they offer to the world.

Furthermore, the presence of megalithic sites and ancient tombs around the village adds a strong historical dimension. This historical tourism is integrated into cultural tour packages, where each stone and location has an oral story passed down through generations.

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Conclusion

Tangkeno Tourist Village is the cultural heart of Bombana. As a cultural center, it successfully fulfills a dual function: as a living museum preserving the past and as a creative incubator preparing the future. With its cool mountain air, cloud views enveloping the valley, and the warmth of its people who uphold customs, Tangkeno is more than just a tourist destination. It is a spiritual and intellectual journey to the roots of the Kabaena identity. Through continuous commitment in education, arts, and festivals, Tangkeno Tourist Village will continue to be a cultural beacon in Southeast Sulawesi, proving that tradition is the strongest foundation for a nation's progress.