KBRN, Jakarta: Living traditions and ancestral heritage continue to shape daily life in East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara. This cultural continuity is reflected in the Raja Prailiu Traditional Village, which has become a focal point for preserving indigenous culture and protecting communal intellectual property.

The Ministry of Culture has pledged to strengthen the protection of East Sumba’s cultural heritage and communal intellectual property. This commitment was conveyed by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon during his visit to the Raja Prailiu Traditional Village in Waingapu, East Sumba Regency, on Saturday, December 27, 2025.

“The presence of the Raja Prailiu Traditional Village can strengthen a sustainable cultural ecosystem in East Sumba and serve as a center of cultural activity, particularly in textile production. The ikat and songket woven fabrics made here are a living tradition,” Fadli said, as quoted in a ministry press release in Jakarta on Sunday, as reported by Antara.

The village also preserves traces of past civilizations that remain closely intertwined with the lives of the East Sumba community today. This is evident in the megalithic stone tombs, which continue to serve as ancestral resting places and stand as enduring symbols of the region’s historical and cultural legacy.

“Megalithic traditions are still visible in the Prailiu Traditional Village. Relics from the megalithic era remain well-preserved and are incorporated into funeral rites, wedding ceremonies, and daily activities of the Marapu indigenous community,” Fadli added.

The Raja Prailiu Traditional Village features traditional Sumbanese houses with towering roofs, megalithic stone tombs, and a weaving center dedicated to producing ikat textiles.

During his visit, the minister toured Raja Prailiu's residence and inspected the Praikamaru Ikat Weaving Gallery, where villagers displayed woven fabrics featuring diverse motifs, colors, and sizes. The weaving business provides a vital source of income for the community.

Remi, an elder of the Prailiu Traditional Village, emphasized that Marapu culture remains inseparable from daily life. “For us, East Sumbanese cloth is not just clothing; it is created for traditional purposes. Likewise, we continue to preserve megalithic graves and traditional houses,” he added. ***