Sade Traditional Village: Preserving Ancestral Heritage Amidst the Hustle of Mandalika

If you drive down the road to the Mandalika area in Central Lombok, you will come across a village that feels frozen in time. This is Sade, the traditional home of the Sasak tribe. It’s a place where centuries-old customs still thrive amid the rush of modernization and the glitter of international tourism brought by the Mandalika Circuit. Here, still retains its traditional way of life amid the rapid pace of modernization and the glitz of international tourism brought by the Mandalika Circuit.

Upon entering Sade Village, visitors are greeted by several traditional barn-shaped houses with low thatched roofs. Their walls are made of woven bamboo, while the floors are maintained uniquely; they are mopped with a mixture of clay and buffalo dung. For the people of Sade, this method is not just a tradition, but a symbol of the purity and strength of their relationship with nature.

Simple living shapes the rhythm of daily life in Sade. Many of their men still work the fields, tend their livestock, or craft handmade goods, while the women are known for their skill in weaving. Every young Sasak woman in Sade is considered incomplete until she can weave Songket fabric. Using traditional looms, their fingers dance across the threads, forming intricate patterns that carry stories passed down through generations.

In addition to its exquisite architecture and weaving skills, Sade Village is also famous for its distinctive wedding tradition: Merariq. In the Sasak custom, marriage is not merely a ceremony, but a journey full of symbolism. This tradition begins with the “kidnapping” or running away of the bride-to-be by the groom. Of course, the tradition practiced after prior consent and agreement of the bride and her family. After that, the groom's family visits the bride's family to convey their good intentions and negotiate the dowry, known as Belis.

Although it sounds simple, the Merariq procession is deeply philosophical. It reflects a man's courage in pursuing love and responsibility, while emphasizing that marriage is a bond between two large families, not just two individuals. To this day, this tradition continues to be practiced, although its form has adapted to the times.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Mandalika with its world-class races, Sade Village has remained a space for cultural contemplation. Its residents are open to tourists, but maintain boundaries so as not to turn their heritage into a mere spectacle. In every corner of the village, visitors not only see traditional houses but also experience the authentic pulse of life; the laughter of children running through narrow alleys, the sound of weaving tools, and the stories of elders about their ancestors.

The traditional village of Sade shows that modernity and tradition can coexist. The presence of Mandalika has brought Lombok to the world stage, while Sade preserves its cultural heritage from being lost to the passage of time. For tourists, visiting this village is not just about seeing traditional houses or buying Songket weavings, but also understanding the way of life of the Sasak people, who still hold fast to the traditions of their ancestors.

About Our Contributor

Amalia Ayu is a lifelong wanderer who loves exploring Indonesia. She’s passionate about adventure and learning more about the country’s rich cultures. For Amalia, every trip is a chance to discover something new and create another beautiful story.