Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism

Exploring the Traces of Kei Civilization in Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism: The Heart of Southeast Maluku Culture

Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism, located in Manyeuw District, Southeast Maluku Regency, is not just a coastal tourist destination with its iconic white sand. More than that, this village stands firm as a "Living Cultural Center" that preserves the pulse of Kei tribal traditions amidst the currents of modernization. As a village that strictly adheres to the customary law of Larvul Ngabal, Ngilngof offers philosophical depth through integrated cultural activities, traditional arts, and environmental preservation.

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The Philosophy of Larvul Ngabal and Customary Identity

The main foundation of all activities in Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism is the customary law of Larvul Ngabal. This law is not merely an ancient rule, but a moral compass that governs the relationship between humans, fellow humans, and nature. In this cultural center, visitors do not just see physical remnants, but experience the implementation of values such as Maren (mutual cooperation) which is still very strong. The people of Ngilngof practice decision-making through deliberation in customary houses, ensuring that every step of village development remains aligned with ancestral mandates.

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Cultural Activities and Traditional Education Programs

Ngilngof curates comprehensive cultural education programs for both tourists and the local youth. One of its flagship programs is "Customary Order Education," where participants are invited to understand the Kei customary leadership structure, from the roles of the Rat (King), Kapitan, to the Tuan Tanah (Landlord).

This educational program also includes an introduction to the Sasi system, which is local wisdom in managing natural resources. In Ngilngof, Sasi (a prohibition on harvesting natural resources for a certain period) is strictly applied both on land and at sea. Tourists can learn how indigenous communities maintain ecosystem balance through religious and symbolic customary rituals, making it a living laboratory for culture-based environmental preservation.

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Performing Arts: The Grandeur of Tari Panah and Tari Sahub

In terms of arts, Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism is a stage for rhythmic dances full of meaning. Tari Panah (Arrow Dance) is one of the most frequently performed dances. This dance symbolizes agility, courage, and protection of the customary territory. The village youth in full traditional attire move nimbly to the beat of the Tifa (drum), conveying a message of readiness to protect the village's honor.

In addition, there is Tari Sahub (Sahub Dance), a dance usually performed during the procession of welcoming esteemed guests or major customary ceremonies. The uniqueness of art in Ngilngof lies in its intergenerational involvement; young children are taught basic movements in village studios, ensuring that the relay of performing arts is not interrupted. The accompanying music also uses authentic traditional instruments such as Tifa, Gong, and locally made Suling Bambu (bamboo flute).

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Crafts and Southeast Maluku Culinary Heritage

The handicraft aspect in Ngilngof reflects the community's closeness to nature. Local artisans are skilled in making woven products from lontar leaves and rattan, producing items such as Bakul (baskets) and traditional hats. Furthermore, there are revitalization efforts in making Kei's distinctive ikat weaving, which is being reintroduced as part of the traditional attire for customary ceremonies.

The culinary sector is also an inseparable part of this cultural center. Ngilngof promotes local food as a symbol of cultural resilience. Lat (seaweed urap) and Enbal (processed toxic cassava turned into healthy flour) are not just food, but representations of local intelligence in processing available resources. Tourists can participate in the "Traditional Cooking Class" program to learn the process of making Enbal, from detoxification to baking in clay molds.

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Prominent Festivals and Cultural Events

Every year, Ngilngof becomes a focal point for various large-scale cultural events in Southeast Maluku. One of the most prominent is the celebration related to the Meti Kei Charm Festival. In this event, Ngilngof holds the Wer Warat ritual, a traditional fish-catching tradition using yellow coconut leaves tied to a long rope. This activity involves hundreds of people and is accompanied by customary chants, creating a magical atmosphere that showcases the harmony between humans and the sea.

In addition, major religious holidays in Ngilngof are celebrated with a strong customary touch. The high religious tolerance in this village is reflected in the way the community helps each other during the construction of places of worship or during holiday celebrations, known by the term "Semangat Ain ni Ain" (We Are All One).

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Preservation of Heritage and Community Role

The success of Ngilngof as a cultural center is inseparable from the active role of the Village Tourism Management Body in collaboration with customary leaders. They conduct digital documentation of oral history, family genealogies, and increasingly rare customary incantations. These preservation efforts also include the protection of historical sites around the village, including ancestral graves considered sacred.

The involvement of the young community through tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis) is transformative. They not only act as guides but also as cultural curators, ensuring that the information conveyed to the public remains accurate and respects the village's communal intellectual property rights.

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Role in Local Cultural Development

Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism has become a pioneer for other villages in Southeast Maluku in terms of developing culture-based tourism. Ngilngof proves that economic progress through tourism does not have to sacrifice cultural roots. On the contrary, a strong cultural identity is precisely the main attraction that brings economic benefits to the community.

This cultural center functions as a nature school, where values of honesty, hard work, and respect for elders are taught through daily practice. By maintaining the architecture of public buildings using local elements and preserving environmental cleanliness as a form of respect for the land entrusted by ancestors, Ngilngof sets a high standard for cultural preservation in Eastern Indonesia.

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Conclusion

Ngilngof Customary Village Tourism is a manifestation of the glory of Kei civilization that has adapted to the times without losing its soul. Through the integration of Larvul Ngabal customary law, captivating performing arts, Sasi ecological wisdom, and the spirit of Ain ni Ain brotherhood, Ngilngof is not just a holiday destination. It is a cultural educational institution that offers valuable lessons on how humans should live in harmony with nature and each other in eternal harmony. Visiting Ngilngof is a journey back to the purest human roots in Southeast Maluku.