Sade Village Begins Rebuilding After Devastating Fire

Ritual Marks Day One of Rebuilding Fire-Ravaged Sade Village

Flames wiped out 75 traditional houses, 8 berugak gazebos, 6 sekenam structures, a mosque, 2 toilets, and 69 shops in an August 22 fire. Now, the 16th-century settlement is rising from the ashes.

Residents of Sade Traditional Village in Central Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara Province, performed the Nyemulak ritual. The ceremony marked the official start of rebuilding the historic Sasak homes and the village mosque, according to Antara News.

Leadership Pledges Transparency and Financial Oversight

Central Lombok District Head Lalu Pathul Bahri spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. He stated that choosing to begin the physical recovery during the month commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s birth provided an auspicious moment for the community.

Bahri praised donors supporting the reconstruction. He pledged that the work will remain fully transparent and compliant with established regulations to ensure community welfare.

A Long-Term Cultural Restoration Project

West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu M. Iqbal emphasized that the post-setting ceremony represents a long-term cultural restoration project that demands patience.

According to Antara News, the governor called for the creation of a dedicated task force and a joint bank account to manage incoming donations transparently. He also urged authorities to accelerate the construction of a semi-permanent museum so visitors can view what Sade looked like before the closure prompted by the reconstruction work.

Phased Construction Navigates Village Density

Sade Traditional House Reconstruction Coordinator Lalu M. Faozal confirmed that foundation posts for the mosque and traditional homes went up following a formal agreement reached with all residents of Sade Hamlet.

While construction commenced immediately, officials noted that the work cannot be completed simultaneously. Crews will follow a safer reconstruction plan.

Federal Focus on Disaster Resilience and Fire Safety

Culture Minister Fadli Zon previously outlined plans for the site following instructions from President Prabowo Subianto. Speaking at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Zon explained that the revitalization effort must account for disaster resilience, noting that prolonged dry seasons pose severe risks to traditional buildings constructed from easily flammable wood, bamboo, and grass thatch. Electrical short circuits also remain a critical factor requiring anticipation and mitigation.

Echoing concerns about similar fires in traditional villages across East Nusa Tenggara, Zon suggested that future upgrades might include dedicated fire suppression equipment. Governor Iqbal similarly stressed that the restoration must preserve the authentic character of Sade, which has been passed down through 15 generations and serves as West Nusa Tenggara’s first cultural preservation project.