South Nias' Bawomataluo Village Proposed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

The North Sumatra Provincial Government (Pemprov Sumut) is proposing Bawomataluo Village, a traditional village in South Nias Regency, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. “We are currently processing Bawomataluo Village to become a UNESCO heritage site. We have conducted socialisation in Nias and will continue with the preparation of the Bawomataluo dossier,” said Acting Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy Office, Yuda Pratiwi Setiawan, during a press conference in Medan on Wednesday. The village, he continued, features the stone-jumping tradition and the Omo Sebua traditional house, which are considered to have unique megalithic cultural elements that remain preserved to this day. According to him, Bawomataluo, meaning “Sun Hill” because it is located on a hill in the Nias Islands, has been on UNESCO’s tentative list since 2009. He stated that Bawomataluo Village holds high cultural value, reflected in both its geographical conditions and the life of its community. Located at an elevation of 324 metres above sea level, Bawomataluo Village displays well-maintained traditional settlements, including the Omo Sebua or king’s house, which is over 200 years old. “This village also has the stone-jumping tradition or Fahombo tradition, which remains authentic to this day. It has long been a unique attraction for tourists visiting North Sumatra,” he said. “In accordance with UNESCO procedures, this stage is a requirement before the full official nomination submission,” Yuda explained. In addition, the North Sumatra Provincial Government continues to promote the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, including the Azizi Mosque in Langkat Regency. “We are also encouraging regencies and cities to complete the required administration so that they can propose local cultural heritage to become provincial cultural heritage,” he added.