VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The traditional village of Wae Rebo in Manggarai district on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara has received UNESCO Best Excellence Award at the "UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards 2012", which was announced in Bangkok, Thailand on August 27, 2012. This small and isolated village is known for rebuilding Mbaru Niang's traditional house based on the spirit of community cooperation towards sustainable traditions. At the same time, the development program improves the welfare of the villagers. To reach the village which is located around 1,100 meters above sea level, we must first go to Labuhan Bajo City by airplane or boat and continue by public transportation to Ruteng City. From Ruteng City, we take another public transportation to the village of Denge. We can also book a travel agent at Ruteng which will serve directly to Denge, the closest village to Wae Rebo. It takes around 3-4 hours on foot from Denge Village to Wae Rebo Village which is located on a mountain. The village of Wae Rebo is completely surrounded by beautiful mountains and dense forest of Todo. This tropical forest is rich with vegetation, where you will find orchids, various types of ferns and hear the singing of birds. There is not any signal for cellular coverage in this village, and electricity is only available from 6 to 10 pm. The air is relatively cold, especially in the dry season, so don't forget to bring your jacket if you plan to visit this village.

The founder of the village and hence their main ancestor who built the village about 100 years ago, was a man named Empu Maro. At present, the inhabitants are descendants of the 18th generation. The main characteristic of Wae Rebo is their unique home, which they call Mbaru Niang, which is tall and conical in shape and is completely covered by palm leaves from its roof to the ground. It seems that at one time, such a house is quite common in the area. But until now, only the village of Wae Rebo still maintains the authenticity of the traditional Manggarai house. The house has five levels, each level is designed for a specific purpose. The first level, called Lutur or tent, is a large family residence. The second level, called Lobo or attic, is for storing food and goods, the third one, called Lentar is for storing seeds for the next harvest, the fourth level called Lempa rae is reserved for food supplies in case of emergencies, and the fifth and upper levels, which are called Hekang kode, which is considered the most sacred, is placing offerings for ancestors.

In the village of Wae Rebo, there is one house that is different from the others, which is a special ceremony house. This community building is where members of all clans gather for ceremonies and rituals. The people of Wae Rebo Village are mostly Catholics but still adhere to old beliefs. In this house, the sacred heirlooms of drums and gongs are maintained. With a small population of around 1,200 residents, this village consists of 7 houses. The villagers' staple food is cassava and corn, but around the village, they grow coffee, vanilla and cinnamon which they sell in a market, which is located about 15 km from the village. Nowadays, Wae Rebo is increasingly popular as a tourism destination for fans of international ecotourism, and this has added to the economic prosperity of the village. Wae Rebo residents warmly welcome visitors who want to see their village and experience their simple traditional life.