Disclaimer: Before reading this through, it is important for you to understand that this topic might be a little complex. Some would even find this less entertaining. Yet, this is one perfect way to know Lombok people better.
I’m going to share a few key points of inheritance law applied in Sade Village, one of the traditional Sasak villages that still exists, and you can definitely visit these days. Also, the following information is compiled from a number of academic and credible resources–which I’m going to explain in a more digestible explanation.
A Glimpse of Sade Village
Sade Village or “Desa Sade” in Bahasa Indonesia–is located in Rembitan Village, Pujut, Central Lombok, or about 7 km from Kuta Mandalika Beach. Sasak tribe is its indigenous people.
This village has a distinctive visual. All houses were made of wooden walls and weeds as the roof. Entering the area, you’re going to be able to instantly feel the vibe of ancient time.
Each house only has three main rooms: living room, bedroom and kitchen. You could probably imagine how packed it would be when all family members stay indoors.
Most people in this village work as farmers. They also take care of cattle, as you could find in other areas in Lombok.
The Law
While visiting Sade Village, I was stunned by how meticulous these Lombok people try to preserve their houses. I could only imagine that the houses have survived many years and probably many rains and earthquakes that frequently shake Indonesia soil.
At one moment, I was told by the guide, who is native to the village, that the last son of the family would inherit the house. It definitely caught my interest as I am personally concerned about how fairness is implemented in the family, especially in the context of inheritance distribution.
This is relevant with these findings that explains patrilineal system run by Lombok people in Sade Village. This system puts men’s, including father’s and husband’s role, as key of societal structure. It definitely impacts to the inheritance law where the father’s wealth would be passed down to the family’s sons.
What would happen to the daughters then? The daughter have the chance to inherit some forms of inheritance from their parents, according to a number of research articles, but only when the sons or the family wish for it.
In other words, it is optional for the parents to give some percentage of their wealth to their daughters.
In addition, the daughters could not inherit any random stuff as they wish from their parents, if their parents allow it. There’s specific rule which says that only movable wealth can be trusted to daughers, such as jewelries, furniture and tenun fabric.
Meanwhile, the sons are set to inherit forms of property, such as land and houses.
This is definitely just a fragment of Lombok people’s identity. There are many wonderful aspects of these people and their culture that have truly blown my mind. And that is really why I still choose this island as my home.
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