Ke’te Kesu’ is famous for its traditional Tongkonan houses, with unique architecture resembling a saddle. These houses are built on tall pillars, with roofs curving upwards and decorated with vibrant patterns.

Ke’te Kesu’ is a precious cultural heritage of Indonesia and has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place retains the traditional customs and traditions of the Torajan people, from handicrafts, sculpture, to traditional festivals, especially death rituals (Rambu Soloq) – which made the tribe very noticeable.

For the Torajan people, the most important moment of a person’s life is when they pass away. Because, according to the tradition, they will go to heaven and live on a better life. Therefore, the Torajan people have many rituals and customs related to death such as parades of corpses, burying newborn babies (without teeth yet) in tree trunks, or the equally unique custom of Cave tombs (hanging coffins). With wooden coffins hung on cliffs, the deceased are also placed with effigies (called tau tau) next to the grave. For the Torajan people, death is always accompanied by a series of somewhat expensive rituals that take weeks or months to prepare.

Based on the relics found here, it is estimated that the village of Ke’te Kesu’ was established about 300 years ago. However, some relics at the nearby ancient cemetery suggest that there might have been people living nearby more than 500 years ago.

Living Museum

To delve deeper into the history and culture of Ke’te Kesu’, visitors can visit a museum located in one of the Tongkonan houses. The museum displays many valuable artifacts, from sculptures, ceramics, statues, weapons, and even types of fabric from China.

Ke’te Kesu’ is not just an attractive tourist destination, but also a place to preserve and promote the traditional culture of the Torajan tribe. Visiting Ke’te Kesu’, tourists will experience a peaceful life, close to nature and enjoy the beauty of traditional cultural values.