Tual Traditional Tourism Village (Dullah Laut)

The Philosophy of Larvul Ngabal and Cultural Identity

The cultural center in Dullah Laut is deeply rooted in the customary law of Larvul Ngabal. This law is not just a collection of ancient rules, but a moral foundation that governs etiquette, land ownership, and the protection of natural resources. In this Traditional Tourism Village, visitors don't just witness performances, but directly experience how customary law is implemented in daily life through the Maren (mutual cooperation) system. This strengthening of identity is reflected in the village's leadership structure, which still respects the roles of the Raja (King) and traditional apparatus in making strategic village decisions.

Cultural Activities and Featured Programs

Dullah Laut offers immersive experiences through various cultural programs designed to educate visitors while empowering the local community. One of the flagship programs is "Live-in Culture," where tourists stay with local residents to learn the way of life of the Kei people.

Daily activities include participation in a guest welcoming ritual called Ranyat. In this ritual, guests are greeted with customary prayers and offered betel nut and areca nut as a symbol of brotherhood. Additionally, there is an educational program about the Sasi system, a traditional conservation practice where the community is prohibited from harvesting marine or land products for a certain period to preserve the ecosystem's sustainability. Visitors are invited to understand how local wisdom has maintained the sustainability of Maluku's nature long before the modern concept of sustainability became widely known.

Performing Arts and Traditional Aesthetics

The performing arts in Tual Traditional Tourism Village are a manifestation of its long history and the heroic spirit of its people. Some of the iconic performances in this village include:

1. Arrow Dance (Kei Traditional Dance): This dance depicts the agility of Dullah Laut's youth in hunting and warfare. Dressed in traditional attire made from Tual's distinctive woven fabric, the dancers move energetically to the rhythm of the Tifa musical instrument.

2. Sawal Dance: A social dance that symbolizes harmony and brotherhood among residents. This dance is often performed during major village events and involves active audience participation.

3. Tipa and Gong Music: Traditional music in Dullah Laut not only accompanies dances but also serves as a means of customary communication. Each beat has a specific meaning, whether to call residents to gather or as a sign to commence a sacred ritual.

Handicrafts and Creative Economy

As a cultural center, Dullah Laut is a production hub for handicrafts using local natural materials. The women's empowerment program in this village focuses on:

• Tual Ikat Weaving: Artisans in Dullah Laut still maintain traditional weaving techniques with motifs that tell local mythology and marine life stories.
• Lontar Leaf Weaving: The transformation of lontar leaves into functional products such as Sopi (traditional hats), bags, and mats is a skill passed down through generations.
• Traditional Cuisine: Culinary education is an important part of the tourist visit. Tourists are invited to process Embal (a processed toxic cassava made into safe staple food) and Lat (fresh sea grapes), which are culinary specialties of the Kei Islands.

Educational Programs and Community Involvement

Dullah Laut serves as a cultural laboratory for the younger generation. The village has an informal "Customary School" program, where traditional elders (Rat) teach village children about the Kei regional language, ancestral history, and Maren ethics.

Community involvement is comprehensive; village youth act as cultural guides (Local Guides) who have been trained to accurately recount their village's oral history. This ensures that the cultural narrative is not lost to time and remains relevant for the development of modern tourism.

Cultural Events and Annual Festivals

The peak of cultural activities in Tual Traditional Tourism Village occurs during the organization of major festivals. One of the most prominent is the participation in the Meti Kei Charm Festival. During this event, Dullah Laut becomes the main location for the Traditional Fish Catching procession, which involves thousands of people.

In addition, there are the Pamasang Sasi and Buka Sasi ceremonies. These ceremonies are highly sacred religious-customary rituals where the entire community gathers at the traditional hall to pray before commencing the harvest season of marine products. These festivals are not just spectacles but expressions of gratitude and respect for the nature that has sustained the people of Dullah Laut for centuries.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage and Strategic Role

As a Cultural Center in Tual, Dullah Laut faces the challenges of modernization with a strong adaptation strategy. Preservation is carried out not only on tangible assets, such as traditional houses and artifacts, but also on intangible heritage like folk songs and customary incantations.

This cultural center acts as a mediator in local development. Every village development project must be considered by the customary council to ensure that no noble values are harmed. By setting standards for culture-based tourism, Dullah Laut has successfully proven that the preservation of customs can go hand in hand with the improvement of community economy through the tourism sector.

Conclusion: The Future of Dullah Laut's Culture

Tual Traditional Tourism Village (Dullah Laut) is tangible proof that the strength of a culture lies in the consistency of its people in upholding ancestral values. As a cultural center in Maluku, this village offers more than just beautiful scenery; it offers a spiritual and intellectual journey into the heart of Kei civilization.

Through the integration of education, art, and nature conservation, Dullah Laut not only preserves the heritage of the past but also builds a strong foundation for the future of Tual's younger generation. Visiting Dullah Laut means participating in the global effort to appreciate cultural diversity and support the sustainability of indigenous communities in Eastern Indonesia.