Kakara Island

Hibualamo Philosophy and Social Structure

The existence of Kakara Island as a cultural center is deeply rooted in the value of Hibualamo. Literally, Hibualamo means "Great House," a concept symbolizing unity, equality, and openness among the ethnic groups in North Halmahera. On this island, the social structure of the community still highly respects customary institutions. Physical development on the island is also directed to support its cultural functions, with the presence of traditional houses serving as central points for community gatherings and ritual performances.

Cultural Activities and Programs

As a cultural center, Kakara Island organizes various regular programs aimed at bringing the community and tourists closer to their local cultural roots. One of its flagship programs is the informal "Customary School," where village elders teach oral history, family lineage, and customary etiquette according to Tobelo traditions to the younger generation.

Visitors are not just passive observers. There is a "A Day as a Kakara Resident" program that allows visitors to participate in daily activities such as harvesting coconuts, making traditional coconut oil, and learning traditional navigation techniques using stars and sea currents, as practiced by local fishermen.

Traditional Arts and Iconic Performances

The richness of Kakara Island shines brightest through its arts. The two main dances that define the identity of this cultural center are Tari Cakalele and Tari Tide-Tide.

1. Tari Cakalele: This is a war dance symbolizing the courage and patriotism of North Maluku men. In Kakara, Cakalele is performed with authentic equipment consisting of a parang (sword) and salawaku (shield). The strong foot stomping on Kakara's white sand is not just aesthetic; it symbolizes the protection of the homeland and national pride.

2. Tari Tide-Tide: In contrast to Cakalele, Tide-Tide is a social dance symbolizing the harmony between men and women. This dance is usually performed at traditional wedding ceremonies or for welcoming important guests. The uniqueness on Kakara Island lies in its musical accompaniment, which uses tifa, gongs, and traditional violins with a distinctive rhythm, reflecting the acculturation of local culture and external influences from the past.

Handicrafts and Creative Economy

The Kakara Island Cultural Center also serves as a hub for preserving North Halmahera's distinctive handicrafts. The main focus of craft development here is the utilization of abundant natural resources:

• Pandan Leaf and Bamboo Weaving: Women in Kakara possess a hereditary skill in making pandan mats and woven bags. The motifs used often draw inspiration from nature, such as fish or wave patterns.
• Seashell Crafts: Given its coastal location, the community develops crafts from seashell waste into high-value jewelry and wall decorations.
• Traditional Cuisine: An inseparable part of culture is cuisine. In Kakara, education on making Papeda, Ikan Kuah Kuning (Yellow Fish Soup), and cassava dishes is part of the cultural attractions. Visitors are taught how to process sago traditionally, from the extraction of starch to the ready-to-serve dish.

Education and Community Involvement

This cultural center strongly emphasizes community-based tourism. Every family on Kakara Island plays a role in the cultural ecosystem. Educational programs are not only for local residents but also for schools in Tobelo mainland, which conduct field trips to Kakara to learn about local content.

There are efforts to digitize cultural narratives, where local youth are trained to document old stories from elders in audio-visual form. This is done to ensure that the richness of oral history is not lost when the guardians of tradition pass away.

Cultural Events and Festivals

The most festive moments on Kakara Island are during the annual cultural festivals, often linked to the regency's anniversary or sea thanksgiving rituals. During these festivals, traditional boat racing (kora-kora) competitions are held, involving neighboring villages.

Furthermore, a mass Makan Adat (traditional feast) inside the traditional house is the highlight of the event. All residents and guests sit in a circle, eating from banana leaves, symbolizing that under the umbrella of Hibualamo culture, everyone is a sibling regardless of religious or ethnic background.

Heritage Preservation and Future Role

The biggest challenges for Kakara Island as a cultural center are the onslaught of popular culture and climate change threatening the coastal ecosystem. Therefore, this cultural center integrates cultural preservation with environmental conservation. The community believes that protecting the sea is part of upholding the ancestral mandate.

The existence of Kakara Island as a cultural center has had a significant impact on local development. Economically, culture-based tourism provides alternative income for fishermen. Socially, it strengthens the sense of identity pride for the younger generation of North Halmahera.

As a cultural center, Kakara Island does not want to be a static museum. It continues to transform into a dynamic creative space, where traditions are learned not to mourn their fading existence, but to be celebrated and adapted as a compass for facing the future. Through the gallant Tari Cakalele, the graceful Tide-Tide, and the inclusive Hibualamo philosophy, Kakara Island stands firm as a cultural beacon in North Maluku.