Smong Cultural Site

Preserving Coastal Heritage: Smong Cultural Site as the Epicenter of Simeulue Civilization

In the Simeulue Islands archipelago, Aceh, stands an institution that is more than just a physical building; it is a vessel for the collective memory of a nation. Smong Cultural Site is a cultural center dedicated to preserving the local wisdom that has saved thousands of lives for centuries. The name "Smong" itself refers to the local term for tsunami, which forms the philosophical foundation for the existence of this site as a guardian of history, art, and the resilience of the island community.

#

The Philosophy of Smong: From Mitigation to Cultural Expression

The Smong Cultural Site was not born in a vacuum. It is a manifestation of the 1907 earthquake and tsunami events recorded in the oral poetry of the Simeulue people. As a cultural center, this site carries a unique mission: to integrate disaster mitigation wisdom into contemporary artistic expression. Here, visitors do not just see artifacts, but feel how the oral tradition of Nafi-Nafi (storytelling) transforms into a dynamic cultural force.

The primary role of this site is to ensure that Simeulue's distinct identity—a unique blend of Acehnese, Minangkabau, and indigenous island influences—is preserved amidst the currents of modernization. The site serves as a bridge between the older generation, who hold the keys to tradition, and the younger generation, who seek their identity in the digital age.

#

Variety of Traditional Arts and Performances

In the courtyards and main stage of the Smong Cultural Site, the pulse of Simeulue's arts is revived through various regular programs. One of its main attractions is the revitalization of Nandong Art. Nandong is a storytelling tradition accompanied by the beat of drums and the strumming of guitars, where the verses contain life advice, history, and reminders of natural phenomena (Smong).

The site periodically hosts:

1. Simeulue Debus Dance Performances: Unlike debus in other regions, Simeulue debus is more imbued with Sufistic nuances and physical agility accompanied by dhikr (remembrance of God).

2. Buai Dance: A communal dance depicting the togetherness of coastal communities when casting nets for fish or celebrating the clove harvest.

3. Simeulue Angklung Workshop: Although rarely known, Simeulue has a distinctive variation of bamboo music, and this site serves as a training ground for schoolchildren to learn it.

#

Handicrafts and Creative Economy

The Smong Cultural Site also functions as an incubator for local artisans. A flagship program in the handicraft sector is the development of Simeulue Pandan Weaving. Mothers from various villages are invited to this cultural center to showcase their Menganyam (weaving) techniques, which produce mats with intricate geometric patterns and traditional bags that are now being combined with modern designs.

In addition, there are workshops for making Traditional Pottery and wood processing for creating miniature Capa boats. The site provides a permanent gallery that allows tourists and collectors to witness the creation process of these cultural products firsthand, while also ensuring artisans gain wider market access through partnership programs.

#

Education Programs and Community Engagement

Education is the strongest pillar at the Smong Cultural Site. The management recognizes that cultural preservation must begin from the school bench. Therefore, the "Smong Goes to School" program and afternoon classes at the site have been developed, including:

• Devayan and Sigulai Language Literacy Classes: Given that Simeulue has regional languages different from mainland Aceh, these classes are crucial to prevent the extinction of mother tongues.
• Nature Mitigation School: Teaching children how to read natural signs through traditional songs and games, a curriculum based on local wisdom that has attracted international researchers.
• Cultural Internship Program: Providing opportunities for local youth to learn art management and cultural tourism guiding, so they can become ambassadors for their own region.

#

Cultural Festivals and Important Events

Every year, the Smong Cultural Site becomes the center for the Simeulue Charm Festival. In this festival, thousands of people gather to witness Nandong competitions between sub-districts, culinary competitions using Tabaha (sago) and Memek (a signature Simeulue dish made from glutinous rice and bananas, which has become an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia).

The highlight of the event calendar is the Smong Day Commemoration. This event is not merely a ceremony of mourning but a celebration of life where all elements of the community participate in joint prayers, followed by the recitation of ancient verses that remind us of the importance of protecting nature. The site becomes a meeting point for traditional elders (Aceh Customary Council, Simeulue representatives) to present awards to individuals who have contributed to cultural preservation.

#

Preservation of Material and Intangible Heritage

The Smong Cultural Site manages a small museum that houses a collection of ancient household items, rare traditional musical instruments, and archives of old Simeulue photographs. However, its primary focus remains on the preservation of "Intangible Heritage."

Through digitization programs, the site records the voices of elderly Nandong maestros and documents old manuscripts written in Jawi script. This inventory is conducted so that knowledge of traditional medicines (coastal herbs) and the star navigation techniques of Simeulue fishermen does not disappear with time.

#

Role in Local Cultural Development

As a Cultural Center, the Smong Cultural Site plays a strategic role in development planning in Simeulue Regency. It serves as a consultative body for the local government in formulating policies based on local identity. For example, in the architecture of public buildings in Simeulue, the site encourages the use of local variations of the distinctive Pucok Rebung (bamboo shoot) ornament and earthquake-adaptive stage structures.

The site has also succeeded in changing public perception that culture is not something static or belonging only to the past. By integrating technology into its exhibitions and utilizing social media for promotion, the Smong Cultural Site has made culture a source of pride (identity pride) for Simeulue's millennials.

#

Conclusion: Hope from the Ocean's Frontline

The Smong Cultural Site is a symbol of resilience. It proves that a community that values its roots will not easily be swayed by the changes of time. Under the roof of this site, the melody of Nandong will continue to play, pandan weaving will continue to be crafted, and stories about Smong will continue to be told—not to instill fear, but to ensure that life on this island continues in harmony with its nature and history.

Through the existence of the Smong Cultural Site, Simeulue is not only known as a world-class surfing destination but also as a beacon of coastal culture offering valuable lessons to the world on how to honor the past to build a safer and more dignified future.