Sade Traditional Village fire causes major cultural and economic loss in Lombok

A major fire has devastated the Sade Traditional Village in Rembitan, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The incident has caused significant material loss and threatened the cultural heritage of the Sasak people.

One resident, Embul, reported losing nearly all of his life savings, with only approximately Rp7 million recovered from Rp100 million in cash that was destroyed by the flames. The village, a prominent cultural tourism destination, has seen many residents displaced, with reports indicating hundreds of families seeking refuge in emergency tents.

In response, Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has called for strengthened disaster mitigation and safety audits for traditional villages across Indonesia. Member Siti Mukaromah emphasized that recovery must go beyond rebuilding physical structures to include restoring the social and economic livelihoods of the community, particularly those dependent on tourism, weaving, and traditional crafts. She also urged that reconstruction efforts involve indigenous communities and cultural experts to preserve the traditional architecture and identity of the Sasak people.