Kampung Adat Pasunga

Kampung Adat Pasunga: Megalithic Traces and Symbols of Marapu Civilization in Central Sumba

Kampung Adat Pasunga stands as one of the most impressive living monuments in Central Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Located in Lenang Village, Umbu Ratu Nggay Barat District, this historical site is not merely a traditional settlement, but an open-air museum that preserves the collective memory of the Sumba people regarding ancestral lineage, customary law, and the Marapu beliefs that have endured for centuries.

#

Historiographical Origins and Village Formation

Historically, Kampung Adat Pasunga is believed to have existed since the prehistoric megalithic phase, continuing into the era of local kingdoms in Sumba. The establishment of this village is closely linked to the migration of large clans (Kabihu) seeking strategic areas for defense and spiritual centers. Pasunga was chosen due to its location on a plain offering a wide field of vision, as well as access to surrounding natural resources.

The name "Pasunga" itself has local linguistic roots referring to a strong tribal identity. In the oral records of the customary elders (Rato), this village was one of the centers of customary power in the Anakalang region. Since the Dutch colonial era, the Anakalang region, including Pasunga, was known as an area with significant political influence on Sumba Island, especially due to the courage of its leaders in defending their cultural autonomy.

#

Vernacular Architecture and Construction Philosophy

The most prominent visual characteristic of Kampung Adat Pasunga is the row of traditional houses called Uma Mbatangu (Tower Houses). This architecture is not merely an aesthetic choice, but a representation of Sumba cosmology, which divides the world into three parts:

1. Lei Bangke (Lower Part): The space beneath the house, used for livestock, symbolizing the underworld.

2. Rongu Uma (Middle Part): The main living area for human activities, symbolizing the physical world.

3. Uma Daluku (Upper Part/Tower): A sacred space within the high roof, used for storing heirlooms and where ancestral spirits reside, symbolizing the upper world.

The construction of houses in Pasunga uses organic materials such as kadimbil wood for the main pillars, bamboo for the floors, and thatch for the roofs. Its technical uniqueness lies in the knot-tying system without nails, which allows the building structure to be flexible yet very strong against earthquake tremors. Each supporting pillar has a gender meaning, with male pillars (Paralay) and female pillars (Parawalu) determining the ritual layout within the house.

#

Megalithic Site: The Largest Stone Tombs in Sumba

What distinguishes Pasunga from other traditional villages in Central Sumba is the presence of colossal megalithic tombs in the center of the settlement. Pasunga is known to possess some of the largest and most beautiful stone tombs (dolmens) on the entire island. These tombs are carved from solid stone, hauled collectively by hundreds of people from distant locations—a tradition known as Tarik Batu.

One of the most legendary tombs in Pasunga is the tomb of a noble couple, adorned with highly detailed carvings (reliefs). The reliefs depict human figures, animals (such as horses and buffaloes), and geometric motifs that narrate social status and the journey of the soul towards the afterlife (Praing Karabu Bakul). The existence of these burial stones proves the high level of artistic skill and social organization in the past.

#

Significance of Historical Figures and Events

Kampung Adat Pasunga is closely associated with the history of leadership of the Rato (spiritual and customary leaders). The Rato in Pasunga served as guardians of the Sada customary law, which regulated all aspects of life from marriage to inheritance division. During the Dutch occupation, figures from Pasunga were involved in political diplomacy to ensure the Anakalang region maintained its sovereignty in managing its own customary law.

Another historical uniqueness is Pasunga's role as the center of the Purung Ta Kadua ritual, a thanksgiving ceremony for the harvest and ancestor veneration involving the slaughter of a large number of sacrificial animals. This event historically served as a means of reconciliation between clans and strengthening the social fabric in Central Sumba.

#

Marapu Beliefs and the Importance of Religion

The people of Pasunga still firmly adhere to Marapu teachings, an indigenous Sumba religion that worships ancestral spirits as intermediaries between humans and the Creator (Mawalau Tau - Majii Tau). Every corner of the village, from the entrance to the placement of burial stones, is arranged according to supernatural guidance. Small forests around the village are usually considered sacred (Pabit) and must not be cut down, which indirectly creates a local wisdom-based nature conservation system.

#

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As a vital historical site, Kampung Adat Pasunga faces the challenges of modernization. On several occasions, fires have posed a serious threat due to the flammable thatch roofing material. However, the Central Sumba local government, along with the Ministry of Education and Culture, has designated Pasunga as a protected cultural heritage site.

Restoration efforts are carried out periodically, especially for replacing the thatch roofs, which need to be done every 20 to 30 years. The restoration process itself still follows customary procedures, where special rituals must be performed before repairs begin. Furthermore, the development of tourism support facilities is done very carefully to avoid damaging the visual and spiritual integrity of the site.

#

Conclusion: A Timeless Heritage

Kampung Adat Pasunga is more than just an ancient settlement; it is a testament to human ingenuity in harmonizing life with nature and ancestral spirits. Through its towering tower houses and silent megalithic stones, Pasunga tells a story of cultural resilience amidst the currents of globalization. For historians and anthropologists, Pasunga is key to understanding the roots of Austronesian civilization that remain pure in the heart of Sumba Island. Its existence demands a collective commitment to continuous preservation, so that future generations can still witness the grandeur of the stone age breathing in the present day.