Lumban Suhi Suhi Toruan is no stranger to tourism, hosting the Hutaraja weaving center and a plethora of occasional and annual cultural events. But tourism has remained stagnant and the village has failed to bloom into the prime bustling tourist destination it aspired to.

Nestled in the scenic embrace of Samosir Island, within the vast expanse of Lake Toba, lies the picturesque village of Lumban Suhi-Suhi Toruan. With its rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking natural beauty, it is a hidden gem poised for tourism success. However, the village’s full potential remains untapped due to internal challenges.

A key obstacle is the lack of alignment between the village’ young administrative leadership and the customary elders in a society where social hierarchy remains deep rooted. While the former has initiated promising tourism projects, the latter’s support and involvement are crucial for long-term success.

The revamped version of Hutaraja, the hamlet long knowns as a weaving center of Ulos, the traditional woven cloth of the Batak ethnic group in Indonesia’s North Sumatra, was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on February 2, 2022 as one of island’s prime cultural tourism destinations.

Besides giving a new breath of life to the row of its high-roofed traditional houses, Hutaraja also saw its central open space facing the habitations, called the alaman, turned from a muddy patch in the rainy season and dusty one during the dry season, into a grand paved plaza.  Village women, for most of whom weaving is their primary source of livelihood, work on their backstrap loom in front of their house.

A modern gallery presenting the best of local weavings and crafts, a modern lakeside café and clean public toilets completed he rehabilitation while the rows of local traditional houses around It were refurbished and turned into neat homestays to accommodate visitors.

Under the initiative and leadership of its young village head who sparked all these development, Lumban Suhi-Suhi Toruan also began to hold cultural events to draw more tourists. 

But two years later, Lumban Suhi-Suhi Toruan failed to take off and became a world- tourist destination, or even a national one. Tourism development simply stalled.

Tourism, experience has shown everywhere, should be everyone’s business. Unfortunately, for Lumban Suhi-Suhi Toruan, the local customary leadership do not see eye to eye with the administrative leadership, including in developing tourism.

The Batak people of North Sumatra, have a strong and complex social hierarchy that has historically played a significant role in their society. This hierarchy is primarily based on kinship and descent, with certain lineages and clans holding higher status than others.

Customary elders, a term not necessarily related to age, are seen as the guardians of the village’s cultural heritage. They hold the keys to the traditional customs, rituals, and practices that have been passed down through generations. Disobedience carries social stigma.

By involving them in the development of tourism, we ensure that not only the cultural essence of Lumban Suhi Suhi Toruan is preserved but that the entire village would work together to turn cultural tourism as their main path to prosperity.

The customary leader’s endorsement of tourism initiatives lends credibility and legitimacy, making it easier to implement sustainable tourism practices that respect the village’s traditions and values. 

Unfortunately, the introduction of tourism can sometimes lead to conflicts within the community, especially when it comes to the allocation of resources and the distribution of economic benefits. Some view tourism as a mere cash cow without considering its impact, on tourism and on their way of life.

By involving the customary elders in the planning and execution of tourism projects, we can ensure that development is sustainable and in harmony with the environment. This approach not only protects the natural beauty of Lumban Suhi Suhi Toruan but also enhances its appeal as an eco-friendly destination.

Customary elders, with their social status, can play a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and help maintain the social cohesion that could ensure that tourism development is inclusive and equitable.

Involving customary elders in tourism development can also lead to economic empowerment for the local community. By leveraging their knowledge and skills, tourism projects can create job opportunities and generate income for the villagers. 

By involving them in the planning and implementation of tourism development, Lumban Suhi Suhi Toruan can develop a thriving tourism industry that respects and celebrates its rich cultural heritage. 

This collaborative approach not only enhances the village’s appeal as a tourist destination but also strengthens the social fabric and ensures sustainable development. As the world discovers the beauty of this picturesque village, the involvement of customary elders will also be the key to preserving its unique identity and legacy for future generations.