Wae Rebo, a Unique Ancient Village in East Nusa Tenggara

Photo Source: Indonesia-tourism.com

INDEPHEDIA.com - Wae Rebo or Waerebo is a remote and mysterious traditional village in Satarm District, Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Indonesia.

Waerebo Village (the word Wae in Manggarai language means "Water") is also called the "Village Above the Clouds".

Currently, the village has a history of their ancestors' journey until the village was formed, which is around 1200 years old and those who live there have entered the 20th generation.

History of Waerebo

Local legend says that their ancestors did not come from NTT but from Minangkabau named Empo Maro.

Empo Maro fled his village because he was slandered and wanted to be killed. He sailed from Sumatra Island to Labuan Bajo.

Before going to Labuan Bajo, he traveled to several areas. First, he stopped in Gowa Sulawesi, then moved again to several other areas.

During his migration, Maro found a wife. Then he invited his wife to move with him.

One night, Maro dreamed of meeting an elder who told Maro to settle and develop in Waerebo Village.

Maro followed what the elder said. He and his wife then looked for Waerebo Village. After arriving in Waerebo, Maro and his wife lived and settled there.

Another folk tale tells that their ancestor Empo Maro and several of his family sailed across the vast ocean and landed in Labuan Bajo, Flores Island.

They continued their journey overland to the north until they arrived at a village called Waraloka.

Based on stories passed down from their parents in Waerebo Village, Empo Maro then traveled overland and moved from one village to another.

Before settling in Waerebo Village, Empo Maro moved from Waraloka to Nangapa'ang, Todo, Popo, Liho, Modo, Golo Ponto, Ndara Golo and Golo Damu.

Empo Maro chose to settle in Waerebo Village because he received a message through a dream to live and spend his time in this village.

Mbaru Niang, 7 Main Houses

In this village there are only 7 main houses or what are called Mbaru Niang. The house cannot be added or reduced. The number must remain 7.

Each traditional house is shaped like a cone-shaped barn with a palm leaf roof covered with ijuk and has five floors.

The traditional house is arranged around a circular stone called "compang" as its center point.

Compang is an important part of Waerebo Village because it is the center of activities for local residents to get closer to nature, ancestors and also the creator.

The community can build houses around the village, but they must not be the same as Mbaru Niang as the main house.

This house also has another name, namely Rumah Bundar, although its actual shape is a cone. One house can be inhabited by 6-8 families.

From its shape to size, each of these houses has the same diameter and height as the other houses.

Tourist Destinations in Manggarai

Although located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, this unique ancient village attracts many people to visit it

With its various uniqueness, Wae Rebo is currently one of the cultural tourism destinations in Manggarai Regency.

The village community still maintains their way of life according to the culture and traditions inherited from their ancestors.

In August 2012, Wae Rebo was declared by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage by beating 42 other countries.

This village received the Top Award of Excellence by UNESCO at the UNESCO ASIA PACIFIC HERITAGE AWARDS 2012 in Bangkok. (*)