Kampung Adat Bena

Philosophy of Spatial Planning and Traditional Architecture

As a cultural center, Kampung Adat Bena possesses a physical structure rich in cosmological symbolism. The village is built in a longitudinal formation from north to south with a tiered pattern that follows the contour of the land. In the center of the settlement lies the Loka, an open space that serves as the hub for communal and ritual activities.

Within the Loka area stand two iconic elements: Ngad'u and Bhaga. Ngad'u is a carved wooden pillar with a thatched roof, symbolizing the male figure/father and courage, while Bhaga is a small house-like structure symbolizing the female figure/mother and gentleness. The presence of these elements is not merely decorative but serves as the core of cultural education programs for the younger generation of Ngada to understand family lineage and the importance of balance between masculine and feminine energies in social life.

Preservation of Ikat Weaving Art: Cultural Workshop and Creative Economy

One of the main pillars of culture in Bena is the tradition of weaving or Mane. On almost every terrace of the traditional houses (Sa’o), visitors can witness the women of Bena—from teenagers to elders—operating traditional looms made of wood and bamboo.

The weaving preservation program in Bena is highly specific. The motifs produced are not just aesthetic patterns but historical narratives. The Ghala (horse) and Sura (lines) motifs are visual identities learned generationally through informal apprenticeship within families. Tourists and researchers can participate in short workshops to learn the process of natural dyeing using Tarum plants for blue and Mengkudu roots for red. This activity is part of the village's effort to maintain cultural-based economic independence.

Traditional Rituals and Art Performances

As a cultural center, Bena serves as a stage for various significant traditional ceremonies. One of the most important festivals is Reba. This festival is a celebration of gratitude for the harvest and an act of honoring ancestors, usually held between December and February.

During the Reba festival, the Besu Gaya dance is performed, an energetic war dance, along with traditional songs that narrate the origin of the Ngada tribe's ancestral migration from "Loka" (homeland). The accompanying music uses traditional instruments such as the Thobo (large bamboo) and Laba (skin drum). These performances are not just entertainment but a means of collective oral transmission of tribal history by all villagers.

Education Programs and Community Involvement

Kampung Adat Bena functions as an educational institution through the Sa’o Pu’u (main house) and Sa’o Lobo (youngest house) system. Each clan or Wo’u is responsible for educating its young members about customary ethics (Adat Istiadat), customary law, and proper speaking etiquette in formal gatherings called Turunani.

The Bena community is very open to the involvement of academics and researchers. Often, the village becomes a living laboratory for architecture, anthropology, and sociology students. Local community involvement in visitor management is also very high; they not only act as hosts but also as cultural curators who explain the meaning of each megalithic stone artifact scattered throughout the village, such as Watu Lanun (stone table for offerings).

Conservation of Megalithic Cultural Heritage

Preservation in Bena encompasses both physical and non-physical aspects. Physically, the community engages in mutual cooperation to periodically maintain the thatched roofs of traditional houses. The techniques of tying and arranging stones without cement (susun sirih) are continuously maintained to preserve the authenticity of its megalithic structures.

Non-physically, the Ngada local government, along with Bena traditional leaders, has established strict regulations regarding construction in the village area. The use of modern materials is highly restricted to maintain the visual and spiritual integrity of the area. These efforts have resulted in Bena being included in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list, further strengthening its role as an international cultural center.

Bena's Role in Local Cultural Development

Kampung Adat Bena serves as an "anchor" for community-based tourism development in Ngada Regency. Bena's success in managing its cultural heritage serves as an inspiration for surrounding traditional villages such as Luba, Gurusina, and Tololela. Bena has become a training center for local tour guides to learn how to communicate cultural values to the outside world without exploiting the sacredness of the rituals themselves.

Furthermore, Bena plays a role in maintaining food security through traditional agricultural systems. The cultivation of coffee, cocoa, and tubers on the slopes of Mount Inerie is carried out according to the traditional calendar, demonstrating that Ngada culture is deeply integrated with environmental preservation.

Cultural Uniqueness: Harmony of Stone and Soul

The most unique aspect of Bena is the presence of megalithic stone formations that function as altars for sacrifices and seating for elders during deliberations. The existence of these ancient stones amidst a still-inhabited settlement creates a "time tunnel" atmosphere. Each stone has a name and a story, signifying that in Bena, history is not written in books but carved on stone and passed down through collective memory.

Social interaction in Bena is also deeply imbued with the spirit of Satu Hati (Mesa Ngada). This is evident in the process of building traditional houses, which involves all residents without exception. This collective work is a natural social program that ensures no individual feels alienated from their community.

Conclusion: The Future of Kampung Adat Bena

As a cultural center in East Nusa Tenggara, Kampung Adat Bena continues to adapt to the times without losing its original identity. Challenges such as climate change affecting the availability of thatch for house roofs are addressed through reforestation of conservation areas. Meanwhile, digitalization is used wisely to promote woven fabrics and traditional festivals to the international community.

Kampung Adat Bena is tangible proof that tradition is not static or backward. It is a dynamic entity, capable of providing solutions to contemporary social and environmental issues through the wisdom of the past. Visiting Bena is not just about seeing old houses, but about feeling the heartbeat of a civilization that teaches us respect for ancestors, love for nature, and strength in togetherness. With all its cultural complexity and the resilience of its people, Bena stands firm as the guardian of the cultural flame in the Land of Ngada.