Paksi Pak Sekala Brak Customary Kingdom Palace

Pillars of Leadership and Customary Structure

The palace serves as the administrative center for four main kepaksian (traditional leadership domains): Paksi Buay Bejalan Di Way, Paksi Buay Belunguh, Paksi Buay Pernong, and Paksi Buay Nyerupa. Each kepaksian has a specific role in maintaining social order. This structure is not merely historical symbolism but an active customary governance system to this day. The palace functions as a gathering place for the kings (Sultans) to decide customary matters, plan grand ceremonies, and ensure the customary law of Piil Pesenggiri—a life philosophy emphasizing honor, hospitality, and self-respect—remains the moral compass of the West Lampung community.

Cultural Preservation Activities and Programs

As a cultural hub, Istana Kerajaan Adat Paksi Pak Sekala Brak organizes various regular programs aimed at transferring traditional knowledge to the younger generation. One of its flagship programs is the customary school or studio, which focuses on teaching the Lampung language (Aksara Kaganga) and understanding customary protocols.

Within the palace grounds, customary elders regularly hold oral literacy sessions. These programs involve retelling the history of the Lampung people's origins through the Warahan method. This ensures that the historical narrative remains unbroken and relevant amidst modernization. Additionally, there are special training sessions for young men to become Bahattar, or customary guards, which involve physical discipline and a deep understanding of palace protocols.

Traditional Arts and Grand Performances

The palace is the main stage for various traditional performing arts of West Lampung. One of the most prominent is the Tari Sakura (Sakura Dance). Unlike the image of cherry blossoms from Japan, the Sakura Dance in Sekala Brak is a mask dance symbolizing joy and fellowship, usually performed after Eid al-Fitr. Participants wear various types of masks (tuping) representing human and natural characters.

Furthermore, traditional music performances of Gamolan Pekhing (ancient bamboo instruments) are regular offerings at the palace. Gamolan is considered one of the oldest musical instruments in the archipelago. Here, visitors can witness live performances or even learn the techniques of striking the bamboo slats that produce unique pentatonic melodies. The traditional martial art, Pencak Khakat, is also preserved through regular training sessions in the palace courtyard, often showcased to welcome distinguished guests or during customary wedding processions.

Crafts and Textile Heritage: Wastra Tapis and Sulam Usus

In the realm of crafts, Istana Sekala Brak serves as an incubation center for local artisans. The primary focus is the preservation of Kain Tapis, a gold-threaded ikat woven fabric that is the pride of Lampung. Within the palace, there is a collection of Ancient Tapis whose motifs carry deep philosophical meanings related to social status and the relationship between humans and the Creator.

In addition to Tapis, the palace also promotes Sulam Usus, a distinctive handicraft requiring high precision. Through workshops organized by the royal family, women in the West Lampung area are taught this intricate embroidery technique. This program not only preserves the craft art but also empowers the local economy by making the palace a hub for marketing high-quality traditional products.

Customary Rituals and Annual Festivals

Istana Kerajaan Adat Paksi Pak Sekala Brak is the center of the largest cultural festival in West Lampung, the Skala Brak Festival. During this festival, the Ngejalang procession takes place, a grand tradition of fellowship involving various customary rituals. One of the most sacred moments is the crowning ceremony or the bestowal of customary titles (Adok), which is conducted within the palace.

The Tayuhan ritual is also a major attraction, where the community gathers to celebrate a thanksgiving by slaughtering buffaloes and cooking traditional food in large cauldrons. The entire process is strictly regulated according to royal protocols, providing a real glimpse into how the customary community values hierarchy and togetherness.

Education and Community Involvement

This cultural center plays a strong educational role through collaboration with formal educational institutions. Students from schools in West Lampung often conduct field trips to the palace to learn about the kingdom's history and see historical artifacts firsthand, such as keris (daggers), thrones, and ancient manuscripts written on tree bark.

Community involvement is not limited to observation. The palace implements a Gotong Royong (mutual cooperation) system for all physical maintenance of the buildings and event preparations. This fosters a strong sense of ownership among local residents towards their ancestral heritage. The palace becomes a public space where social status differences dissolve in the spirit of devotion to customs.

Role in Regional Cultural Development

Istana Kerajaan Adat Paksi Pak Sekala Brak is a strategic partner of the local government in advancing culture-based tourism. By maintaining the originality of its earthquake-resistant wooden architecture, adorned with meaningful carvings, the palace serves as a living laboratory for architects and historians.

The existence of the palace ensures that development in West Lampung does not lose its roots. Every regional policy often refers to the local wisdom values preserved in this palace. This makes West Lampung a unique region where modernity walks hand in hand with the still-authoritative royal tradition.

Conclusion: Keeping the Flame of Civilization Alive

Istana Kerajaan Adat Paksi Pak Sekala Brak is the last bastion of Lampung's cultural defense. Through various activities ranging from performing arts, education, to craft empowerment, this palace proves that customary kingdoms are not just romantic notions of the past but dynamic and contemporary entities. It is the soul of West Lampung, a place where every wood carving and every dance move tells a story of the glory of a nation that values its origins. Through consistent preservation, Istana Sekala Brak ensures that the flame of Lampung's civilization will continue to burn, illuminating future generations with the unquenchable light of local wisdom.