Silamo!

West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), a place of peace and serenity, embraces those seeking tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city. The islands of Lombok and Sumbawa both weave beautiful tales with three native tribes: the Sasak tribe in Lombok Island, the Mbojo tribe in Bima and Dompu regencies and the city of Bima, and the Samawa tribe in Sumbawa and West Sumbawa regencies.

The West Nusa Tenggara Pavilion at TMII introduces the historic Sumbawa royal palace, which dates back to 1825. The Istana Dalam Loka Samawa, although a replica, exudes authenticity with intricate details, encompassing various spaces such as the Luyuk Agung for traditional ceremonies and gatherings, the sultan and queen’s chamber, the family room, and the back room for the kitchen. Built from teakwood with 99 pillars (based on Asmaul Husna), this multi-tiered palace features a twin roof and a low-roofed gate symbolizing the height of civilization.

The first floor of the palace showcases the local art and culture of the West Nusa Tenggara tribes, including traditional attire, pottery, songket fabric, silver and brassware, as well as tools for hunting and fishing. Visitors can also witness traditional ceremonies, from birth, circumcision, engagement, weddings with bridal palanquins (barong tengkok), to the death rites of the Sasak tribe.

The next floor houses captivating historical artifacts, such as gamelan instruments, weaving tools, intricate weavings, and various traditional household items of the Sasak tribe. Visitors can explore three barns of the Sasak tribe (samba or pantek), a meeting hall with Mbojo-style architecture (Bima), a ceremonial gate, the Bumi Gora (Sasambo) performance stage, and a prayer room with a Bima Mosque Tower. All of these elements add a unique touch to the exploration of the West Nusa Tenggara Pavilion.

DID YOU KNOW?

A visit to West Nusa Tenggara is incomplete without indulging in Ayam Taliwang, a culinary masterpiece renowned throughout the archipelago. Originally reserved for descendants of royalty, the exquisite flavors of this dish have, over time, transcended social boundaries, captivating the palates of communities far and wide, spanning the entire archipelago. Available in both fried and grilled variations, this dish presents a harmonious blend of flavors, enticing the palate with the tantalizing use of local spices.