Simaetano Traditional Village

Exploring the Traces of Omo Hada Civilization: Cultural Revitalization in Simaetano Traditional Village, West Nias

Simaetano Traditional Village, located in the heart of West Nias Regency, North Sumatra, is not merely a traditional settlement but an epicenter for preserving the noble values of the Nias people (Ono Niha). As a living cultural center, Simaetano stands as the last bastion safeguarding the purity of architecture, customary law, and artistic expression amidst the ever-increasing tide of modernization.

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Omo Hada Architecture and Spatial Philosophy

The primary uniqueness of Simaetano Traditional Village lies in its well-preserved rows of Omo Hada (Nias traditional houses). Unlike traditional houses in South Nias which tend to have a square structure, the traditional houses in Simaetano reflect the distinct characteristics of West Nias with their oval or boat-like shapes. These buildings are constructed without nails, using a peg system that makes them resistant to earthquake tremors.

In this cultural center, visitors can not only observe the physical structures but also learn about the philosophy of Ehomo (main pillar) and Ladi (support beam). Every carved ornament or Ni’otali on the house walls tells the story of the owner's social status and family lineage. Simaetano Traditional Village functions as a living laboratory where the younger generation learns about vernacular construction techniques that have been tested for centuries.

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Activity Programs and Performing Arts Preservation

As a cultural center, Simaetano offers various activities that involve direct interaction between tourists, researchers, and local residents. The main program offered is "A Day as Ono Niha," where visitors are invited to wear traditional attire, Baru Oholu (for men) and Baru Isitö (for women), predominantly in golden yellow, red, and black.

Performing arts are the lifeblood of this village. Every week, regular rehearsals of Maena, a mass dance that emphasizes togetherness and joy, are held. Unlike in other regions, Maena in Simaetano features special lyrics in the West Nias dialect, often containing life advice or welcoming esteemed guests.

Additionally, the Tari Moyo (Eagle Dance) is a unique attraction. This dance symbolizes agility, strength, and freedom. Female dancers move their hands like the flapping wings of an eagle with graceful yet powerful movements, depicting the spirit of West Nias women in safeguarding family honor.

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Traditional Crafts and Creative Economy

Simaetano Traditional Village is also a center for traditional craft development. One of its flagship programs is a workshop for making Nias Gold, or traditional jewelry made from brass and precious metals, which is an important part of the dowry (Bowohi) for marriage.

Craftsmen in Simaetano also maintain the technique of weaving and braiding Pandanus leaves into traditional mats or bags called Bola Na’fo. Bola Na’fo is not just a betel container but a symbol of respect within the Nias social strata. Through this cultural center, these craft products are developed with a modern touch without losing their sacred value, enabling them to penetrate the national market as superior creative economy products of West Nias.

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Cultural Education and Community Involvement

Education is the most crucial pillar in Simaetano Traditional Village. The village management collaborates with schools in the surrounding West Nias areas to implement a local cultural-based curriculum. Every weekend, children gather at Omo Sebua (Great House) to learn advanced Li Niha (Nias Language), which is now rarely used in daily conversations.

The local community, led by the Tuhenori (traditional leaders), plays an active role as mentors. They teach the values of Fondrakö, which is the customary law governing the social order of the Nias community. By involving young people in the management structure of the cultural center, Simaetano ensures that the baton of cultural preservation is not broken.

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Cultural Events and Annual Festivals

Simaetano Traditional Village hosts various important cultural events. One of the most anticipated is the post-harvest celebration, where the community gathers for thanksgiving rituals. During this event, Fatele (War Dance) performances are often featured, involving dozens of village youths with traditional weaponry such as Baluse (shields) and Toho (spears).

Furthermore, Simaetano often becomes the center for complex simulations of West Nias traditional wedding ceremonies. Visitors can witness the Fame’e Afo procession, where communication between families is conducted through the exchange of betel leaves with poetic figurative language. These festivals not only attract tourists but also strengthen solidarity among the residents of West Nias.

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Role in Regional Cultural Development

The West Nias Regency Government positions Simaetano Traditional Village as a beacon for the development of cultural-based tourism. The existence of this village has a multiplier effect on the local economy, ranging from the provision of homestays in residents' homes to local tour guide services.

Moreover, Simaetano plays a role in documenting oral history. At this cultural center, efforts are made to digitize ancient manuscripts and record folk tales (Turia) so they are not lost to time. This endeavor makes Simaetano a reference center for anthropology and sociology researchers from around the world who wish to delve into the living megalithic culture.

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Challenges and Heritage Conservation Efforts

The preservation of Simaetano Traditional Village is not without its challenges, particularly concerning the maintenance of the wooden materials of the traditional houses, which are susceptible to weather and termites. Therefore, this cultural center periodically holds a "Gotong Royong Perbaikan Atap Rumbia" (Communal Roof Repair) program, a tradition called Fadulu, where all villagers work together to replace house roofs without wages, but with a spirit of kinship.

Conservation efforts are also carried out on the megalithic sites scattered around the village. Standing stones (Gowe), which are symbols of respect for ancestors, are kept clean and preserved. The management educates visitors about taboos when in these sacred areas to maintain the sanctity of the sites.

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Conclusion: The Future of Simaetano

Simaetano Traditional Village is tangible proof that tradition and modernity can go hand in hand. As a cultural center, it functions not as a static museum but as a dynamic organism. Through innovation in educational programs, strengthening the creative economy, and consistency in maintaining traditional rituals, Simaetano ensures that the identity of West Nias will remain as strong as the pillars of Omo Hada.

For anyone who visits, Simaetano offers more than just exotic scenery; it offers a spiritual and intellectual experience about how humans respect nature, honor ancestors, and maintain social harmony. Simaetano Traditional Village is the beating heart of West Nias culture that will continue to pulse, inspiring future generations to be proud of their cultural roots.