Boti Tribe Preserves Its Traditions

Kompas/Kornelis Kewa Ama

A traditional house of the Boti tribe that is to be restored at the end of this year. The restoration work will start and end with a customary ritual that involves all Boti residents, including those who follow one of the official religions.

Even though it is resides only about 55 kilometers from Soe, the capital of South Central Timor regency, East Nusa Tenggara, it is not easy to reach the Boti tribe, one of the native tribes of Timor Island that lives in Kie district. About three hours of travel time is needed to reach the location because of the terrible road conditions.

The king of Boti, Nama Benu, 47, has a palace that does not have the features of other royal palaces. The building resembles the house of a village resident, with a zinc roof, walls made out of bebak (palm leaves) and ceramic floors in the pendopo (Javanese gazebo). The pendopo is 3 by 8 meters in size and is the place to welcome guests, with six wooden pillars holding up the roof.