---
title: "West Tulang Bawang Regency"
type: "AdministrativeArea"
lang: "en"
canonical: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/tulang-bawang-barat"
html_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/lokasi/tulang-bawang-barat"
province: "Lampung"
province_url: "https://www.geokepo.id/en/provinsi/lampung"
area_km2: 1272.66
is_coastal: false
neighbor_count: 7
rarity: "Common"
aliases: ["Kab. Tulang Bawang Barat", "Kabupaten Tulang Bawang Barat"]
wikidata: "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q8154"
published: "2026-01-22T03:59:08.074515+00:00"
publisher: "GeoKepo"
license: "Editorial content © GeoKepo. Cite the canonical URL."
---
# West Tulang Bawang Regency

## History

### History and Development of West Tulang Bawang Regency

**Origins and Traditional Era**
West Tulang Bawang Regency (Tubaba) is rooted in the grand history of the Tulang Bawang Kingdom, one of the oldest kingdoms in the Nusantara, whose traces were recorded by the Chinese explorer I-Tsing in the 7th century under the name "To-Lang P'oh-Huang". Traditionally, this region was the core part of the *Megalouw* (Four Clans) customary law, consisting of Marga Buay Bulan, Buay Tegamoan, Buay Suway Umpu, and Buay Aji. The life of the past community centered along the Kiri and Kanan river flows (Way), which served as the lifeline for transportation and trade of forest commodities and pepper. 

**Colonial Era and Independence Struggle**
During the Dutch colonial period, this region was part of the *Onderafdeling* Tulang Bawang administration. The colonial government began to notice the agricultural potential of this area for large-scale plantations. Entering the era of independence, the role of local figures from North Lampung and Tulang Bawang was crucial in defending sovereignty from military aggression. This region became a guerrilla route for fighters moving in the interior of Lampung to avoid Dutch patrols on the coastal routes.

**Formation of an Autonomous Region**
The modern history of West Tulang Bawang as an independent administrative entity began with the aspirations of the community to accelerate development in the interior of Lampung. After previously being part of North Lampung Regency and then Tulang Bawang Regency, Tubaba officially stood as its own regency based on Law Number 50 of 2008. This inauguration was carried out on October 29, 2008, by the Minister of Home Affairs Mardiyanto, with Bachtiar Basri as the first Acting Regent who later became a key figure in laying the foundation for the region.

**Modern Development and Iconic Architecture**
With an area of 1,272.66 km² located in the center (heart) of Lampung Province, Tubaba borders seven administrative regions, including Mesuji, Way Kanan, and Central Lampung. Under the leadership of Regent Umar Ahmad, Tubaba has undergone a unique cultural and architectural transformation. Development is not only physical but also value-based. The establishment of the Afterlife Complex, which includes the Baitus Shobur Mosque (Mosque of 99 Lights) and the Sesat Agung Traditional Hall, symbolizes the syncretism of religious values and local wisdom. The Megalouw Monument, featuring reliefs of clan leaders' faces on a rock cliff, serves as a reminder of lineage and clan honor.

**Cultural Heritage and Identity**
The people of Tubaba still hold firmly to the philosophy of *Nengah Nyappur* (openness in socializing) and *Piil Pesenggiri* (maintaining self-esteem and honor). Although it does not have a coastal area, its cultural richness is reflected in traditional dances such as the Sembah Dance and the oral tradition of *Pepadun*. Today, Tubaba has transformed from a transmigration and rubber plantation area into a tourist destination based on philosophical architecture, connecting the historical narrative of the past with a vision for a sustainable future in the heart of Lampung.

## Contextual Analysis: West Tulang Bawang in Lampung's Landscape

West Tulang Bawang (Tubaba) presents an interesting spatial anomaly in Lampung Province. With an area of 1,272.66 km², this regency is significantly smaller than the average regency area in Lampung, which is around 3,500 km². However, this spatial limitation has become a strength in creating more concentrated and efficient regional governance.

From a demographic perspective, Tubaba reflects the characteristics of a developing central inland region. Although Lampung's average population density is around 140 people/km², Tubaba has a unique growth dynamic due to its strategic position on economic transit routes. As a landlocked region, Tubaba has no coastline, but it maximizes its agricultural potential to compete in the province's main industries: agriculture and plantations. Tubaba's regional economy no longer relies solely on raw commodities but is beginning to transform towards service trade, driven by the development of toll road infrastructure that bisects its territory.

In terms of tourism, while Lampung ranks #16 nationally thanks to its marine attractions, Tubaba positions itself as a 'hidden gem' offering a different narrative. While other regions promote beaches, Tubaba deconstructs tourism through iconic architecture and cultural philosophy. This is not just a mass tourist destination, but a spatial experiment that blends modernity with the historical roots of Tulang Bawang. Its central location makes Tubaba a crucial connector, transforming Lampung's image from merely a gateway to Sumatra into a contemplative cultural destination.

## Curator's Perspective: A Spatial Experiment in the Heart of Lampung

When researching West Tulang Bawang, one fact that stands out is how this region has successfully redefined its geographical identity through provocative and meaningful architecture. As a curator, I find Tubaba to be one of the few regions in Indonesia that uses physical development not just for function, but as a medium for cultural communication.

The surprising fact I discovered is the existence of the 'Uluan Nughik Cultural City' complex and the As-Sobatul Muttaquien Mosque (Mosque of 99 Lights). In a region economically dominated by plantations and agriculture, the courage to build world-class architectural landmarks is a very unconventional step. Typically, inland areas tend to follow generic development patterns. However, Tubaba chose a different path; they created new 'gravity points' that compel people to pause in the middle of Lampung's plains.

This demonstrates that a region's geography is not only determined by its natural landscape but also by how the people within it intervene in that space. Tubaba proves that inland regions without sea access can still become national focal points by emphasizing aesthetics rooted in locality but executed to global standards.

## GeoKepo Knowledge Hub: Exploring Lampung

Complete your geographical insights by exploring the neighboring regions and points of interest in West Tulang Bawang:

### 3 Regions in Lampung for Further Exploration:
1. **West Lampung:** Explore the highland region famous for its best robusta coffee commodities and mountainous landscapes, contrasting with the central plains.
2. **Way Kanan:** Discover the characteristics of a region rich in river flows and natural waterfall tourism potential in the northern part.
3. **West Coast:** In contrast to Tubaba's inland nature, this region is an international surfing destination with a coastline directly facing the Indian Ocean.

### 2 Popular Point of Interest (POI) Categories in West Tulang Bawang:
1. **Contemporary Architecture & Cultural Landmarks:** Including the dome-less 99 Lights Mosque and the Sesat Agung Traditional Hall, which symbolize the integration of modernity and tradition.
2. **Agrotourism & Green Open Spaces:** Integrated plantation development areas that utilize the fertility of the central inland soil for agricultural education.