The Pace of Change

The Diverging Development of Tossi’s Built Environment and Living Community

Abstract

By examining different elements in a living heritage site of Tossi village in Sumba Indonesia, this contribution delves into the question of possible synchronization of the development pace between Tossi’s built environment and society. Considered as one of Sumba’s eldest villages, Tossi is considered the embodiment of Marapu beliefs through its megalithic burials and its urban planning. However, it is in an existential junction with the threat of abandonment and decay on its urban fabric. The presence of external influence of societal decline of Marapu and the push of touristification has disrupted the organically established socio-cultural Sumbanese society in Tossi. With its built environment’s immobile nature, it must be able to adapt to the dynamic socio-cultural evolution of its inhabitants. And as Tossi is inevitably becoming more recognizable and interconnected to its surroundings, it must be able to adjust its adaptability pace to persist while maintaining its cultural integrity.