Segenter Traditional Village

Berugak Architecture and Sasak Housing Philosophy

The most prominent visual characteristic of Segenter Traditional Village is its symmetrical and uniform building layout. In this cultural center, traditional houses (Gubuk) are built facing each other in a very orderly pattern. Each housing unit consists of a main house and a Berugak (a four or six-pillared pavilion) in front of it.

The uniqueness of Segenter's architecture lies in its use of natural materials sourced entirely from the surrounding environment. House roofs are made of thick layers of alang-alang grass, walls from woven bamboo (bedek), and the floors are uniquely cleaned periodically using cow or buffalo dung mixed with clay. This practice is not without reason; traditionally, this mixture is believed to strengthen the floor, repel mosquitoes, and provide a cool atmosphere inside the house. This building structure serves as direct educational material for visitors about how the Sasak people adapt to the dry tropical climate of North Lombok.

Customary Preservation Programs and Religious Rituals

As a cultural center, Segenter implements strict customary preservation programs. One of the most prominent aspects is the practice of Wetu Telu, a unique syncretism that combines Islamic teachings with local traditions and ancestral beliefs. Although the majority of the population now practices Islam normatively, remnants of Wetu Telu philosophy are still reflected in various communal rituals.

A regular activity that becomes an attraction is the communal prayer ritual at the traditional house whenever the planting season begins or after harvest. The people of Segenter believe that the balance of nature must be maintained through reverence for ancestral spirits and God Almighty. Cultural programs here also include the Maulid Adat ceremony, which is celebrated on a large scale and involves all villagers in serving traditional dishes on wooden trays called Dulangan.

Traditional Arts and Cultural Performances

Segenter Traditional Village is a hub for various nearly extinct traditional arts of North Lombok. One performance often showcased to welcome guests or during festivals is Gasing. The traditional top game in Segenter is not just a children's toy, but a competition of adult dexterity filled with values of sportsmanship and togetherness.

In addition, Presean performances—a fight between two men using rattan sticks and cowhide shields—are often held as a symbol of the masculinity and bravery of Sasak youth. Musically, the booming sound of Gendang Beleq often echoes through the village lanes, accompanying customary processions or welcoming honored guests. This music not only functions as entertainment but also as a tool to evoke spirit and unite the community.

Handicrafts and Creative Economic Empowerment

Segenter's cultural center also focuses on economic development through handicrafts. Women in Segenter are known for their skill in weaving Kain Sesek. Unlike textiles from other regions in Lombok, the motifs in Segenter's weaving tend to be simpler but rich in natural symbolism, such as flower and animal motifs found around the foothills of Mount Rinjani.

In addition to weaving, the community also produces various bamboo crafts for household items and decorations. Educational programs for visitors often include short workshops where tourists can try weaving or basketry with local artisans. This is a form of community engagement aimed at transferring traditional knowledge to younger generations and the wider community so it is not eroded by time.

Community-Based Education and Youth Involvement

One of the biggest challenges for traditional villages is the migration of youth to cities. However, Segenter Traditional Village has strong community engagement programs to ensure cultural regeneration. Through village youth organizations, they are educated to become cultural tour guides (storytellers) capable of explaining the village's history and philosophical values to visitors.

This informal education includes teaching formal Sasak language, proper traditional attire (such as the use of Sapuk or headbands for men), and understanding customary law that governs daily life. By making youth the front line in managing cultural tourism, Segenter succeeds in instilling pride in local identity in the hearts of its successors.

Cultural Festivals and Annual Events

Segenter becomes a focal point during the annual cultural festival, which usually coincides with major celebrations or agricultural cycles. This festival often involves surrounding traditional villages in North Lombok. During this event, visitors can witness the Beleban procession, a tradition of mass communal dining with traditional menus such as the authentic village version of Ayam Taliwang and Placing Kangkung.

The existence of this festival is crucial for the cultural ecosystem in North Lombok as it serves as a platform for local artists and micro-entrepreneurs to showcase their talents. It is also a moment where the values of gotong royong (cooperation) are practiced tangibly by all levels of society.

Segenter's Role in Preserving National Cultural Heritage

The Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara and the Regency Government of North Lombok consider Segenter Traditional Village a vital asset on the regional cultural map. The village's role is not just as a tourist attraction, but as a "social laboratory" for studying cultural resilience. Amidst the onslaught of technology and changing lifestyles, Segenter proves that local wisdom can endure if supported by a solid social structure.

Preservation efforts in Segenter also include environmental conservation. Customary rules prohibit the felling of certain trees around the village and mandate independent waste management to keep the village environment pristine and in line with its past image. This shows that this cultural center not only preserves inanimate objects but also the ecosystem that sustains the culture.

Conclusion

Segenter Traditional Village is a beacon of Sasak culture in North Lombok. Through its iconic architecture, profound rituals, energetic arts, and extraordinary community commitment, Segenter successfully keeps the flame of tradition burning. For anyone wishing to understand the essence of humanity and the harmony between humans, nature, and the creator, Segenter offers an invaluable learning space. As a cultural center, it not only remembers the past but also provides direction for the future of sustainable cultural development in Indonesia.