NTT Deputy Governor: Pasola Gaura spectacle in Sumba capable of boosting regional economy
Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) — Vice Governor of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) Johanis Asadoma believes the Pasola Gaura cultural spectacle in West Sumba has significant potential to drive the regional economy through tourism development and marketing of local products.
“Beyond being a cultural attraction, Pasola also possesses considerable potential to boost the economy of local communities,” he said in West Sumba, NTT, on Sunday.
According to Asadoma, this activity could serve as an opportunity for communities to market local products such as food, beverages, and traditional weaving.
The Pasola event, a tradition of Sumba Island communities, particularly in Lamboya Village, West Sumba Regency, commenced despite heavy morning rainfall that rendered roads muddy and slippery. Nevertheless, thousands of residents enthusiastically gathered at the field to witness the tradition of horsemanship and mounted combat.
Pasola is a Sumba indigenous tradition showcasing the skilfulness of horsemen who hurl spears at one another in an open arena. This cultural practice functions as a ceremonial ritual expressing gratitude to ancestors and symbolising harmony amongst humans, nature, and tradition.
Asadoma expressed pride at witnessing the Pasola spectacle firsthand for the first time. “Until now I have only seen Pasola through the media, but today I came directly to witness it,” he remarked.
He underscored that Pasola represents ancestral cultural heritage that Sumba communities have preserved for hundreds of years and must continue to be conserved. “This tradition exists only in Sumba and is a source of pride for Sumba communities, for NTT, and indeed for Indonesia. We must continue to safeguard and introduce this ancestral legacy to the world,” he stated.
The Vice Governor also emphasised the importance of maintaining safety and order during Pasola proceedings to ensure the event functions as a dignified cultural attraction. He urged the West Sumba Regency Government to improve the Pasola arena arrangement in the future, including the construction of spectator stands and establishment of clear boundaries between the competition arena and audience area.
Meanwhile, adat leader Laihakodhi expressed gratitude for the Vice Governor’s attendance, witnessing the Pasola spectacle alongside the community. “This is our ancestral legacy that we have preserved until today. Hopefully Pasola Gaura will continue to be held and become even more festive in the years to come,” he said.
West Sumba Vice Regent Thimotius Tede Ragga explained that the regency has three Pasola venues: Laboya, Wanokaka, and Gaura. This year’s Pasola Gaura also attracted international tourists. Herman Bierhof, a visitor from Germany, expressed being impressed by the rich cultural wealth of East Nusa Tenggara. “The competition is exciting. The traditions here are extraordinary, the culture remains very strong and the nature is very beautiful,” he said.