By: Damayanti
Kampung Girsang 1 is located in Simalungun Regency, near Parapat, about 1 km from the town of Parapat, just before crossing the Sisera-sera Bridge on the left. The travel time is only 7 minutes from Pantai Bebas.
The History of Kampung Girsang 1
According to stories and findings from various sources, Kampung Girsang 1is the second village of the Sinaga clan, after Urat in Samosir. Three descendants of Sinaga Bonor traveled to Parapat:
Bonar Pande or Porti, Tiang Ni Tonga or Sidahapitu, and Suhut Ni Huta or Sangkal Horbo. Among these, the descendants of Suhut Ni Huta became numerous in Kampung Girsang 1. One of his four children who dominated was Sorak Maunok.
Originally, Sorak Maunok lived in Sibaganding, Parapat, then moved to a village near the current Catholic Church. Due to the difficulty of finding water, he relocated to a place later named Sidallogan, where he had descendants named Suhut Maraja.
Suhut Maraja had two wives. His first wife, Boru Sihotang, bore him children named Sidasuhut and Sidallogan. His second wife, Boru Manurung, bore him children named Simaibang and Simandalahi.
Surprisingly, it is said that Simaibang married his own mother, Boru Manurung, after Suhut Maraja’s death. Their union produced a child named Simanjorang. Over time, descendants of Suhut Maraja opened their own villages, naming them after themselves.
These village names are still found in Girsang 1: Sidasuhut, Sidallogan, Simaibang, Simandalahi, and Simanjorang. There is also a village named Porti, another name for Bonar Pande.
Kampung Girsang 1 Today
Today, the population of Girsang 1 is still largely dominated by descendants of the Sinaga clan and their relatives from other clans. Other clans living here include Silalahi, Sirait, Manurung, and others, mostly from Toba Samosir. Girsang is dominated by the Batak Toba ethnic group, which is unique since it is located in Simalungun Regency.
The common languages spoken are Batak Toba and Indonesian. Although Simalungun language is taught in schools, it is not commonly used in daily life.
Culture in Girsang 1
As with most Batak Tobapeople, the residents of Girsang 1 follow traditional Batak marriage customs, though some have abandoned these in favor of their religious beliefs.
Batak marriage customs generally do not only unite two individuals, but also two clans. Cousins from the mother’s side are considered ideal partners, while marrying cousins from the father’s side or people from the same clan is considered taboo.
Usually, a marriage follows a system where: a man from clan A marries a woman from clan B, a man from clan B marries a woman from clan C, and a man from clan C marries a woman from clan A. This cyclical relationship strengthens family bonds and connects newlyweds to a vast network of relatives.
Marsiadapari, or mutual cooperation, is another significant cultural value. The term comes from “mar-sialap-ari,” meaning to give your energy and help to others before asking for their help in return.
During the rice planting season, around January-February, the community works together to irrigate the fields or “maranggat mual.” After preparing the seeds, the villagers take turns planting the rice, visiting different fields belonging to various clans.
This spirit of cooperation is not limited to farming but extends to other community activities, such as road repairs and funeral ceremonies.
Tourism Potential of the Village
Kampung Girsang 1 has both physical and non-physical tourism potential. The physical aspects include captivating natural attractions such as springs, waterfalls, beautiful hills, rice fields, plantations, and villages. Girsang 1 is truly stunning, often described as resembling Paradise as described in holy scriptures. The hills resemble a vast natural amphitheater, with emerald-green rice fields.
The non-physical potential includes cultural heritage, such as the Batak houses and traditions that are still preserved.
To support Girsang 1 as a tourist village, the Batak house in Huta Simandalahi has already been renovated. Given that Girsang is located in the Toba Caldera Geopark area, its development contributes to the image of Toba Caldera and tourism in the Parapat region of Simalungun.
Physical Attractions
- Natural Beauty Kampung Girsang 1 is known for its stunning natural landscapes. Visitors are greeted with picturesque views of the Toba Lake, green hills, beautiful rice fields, waterfalls, and lush forests. The region’s scenery, including emerald-green rice paddies, creates a tranquil and mesmerizing atmosphere that draws tourists looking for nature immersion.
- Bukit Simumbang
The Bukit Simumbang is a significant hill in the area, located at an elevation of 1,196 meters. From here, tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Toba and the city of Parapat. The area offers excellent opportunities for jungle trekking and mountain climbing. The surrounding terrain is rich with a variety of crops like rice, corn, coffee, and spices, adding to its charm. - Rice Terraces at Sitombom
The terraces of Sitombom provide a beautiful landscape with paddy fields and corn interspersed with hard crops like coffee and cacao. The rice terraces are not just visually striking but also represent the hardworking spirit of the locals. These fields are built on mountain slopes using traditional farming techniques and are a great example of the village’s cooperative effort in maintaining agricultural practices. - Gala-Gala and Waterfalls Gala-Gala, known for its abundant rice and corn fields, is another scenic spot that connects Kampung Girsang 1 to Kampung Girsang 2. The region is perfect for those who enjoy fresh air, wide views, and experiencing rural life. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby waterfalls.
- Environmental Sustainability The forested areas around Girsang 1 are vital for protecting the land from erosion. Streams, nurtured by the dense tropical forest, provide irrigation and support local fish farming activities. The natural habitat also supports diverse wildlife, including Siamang, Hornbills, and other unique species.
Cultural and Heritage Attractions
- Batak Toba Culture The region is rich in Batak Toba traditions, including Batak architecture, especially the Batak houses. The traditional Batak houses in Huta Simandalahi are an important cultural asset and attract tourists interested in exploring the traditional architecture. These houses are crafted without nails and are designed to last for centuries. Visitors can explore the wood carvings and learn about the Batak culture through these homes.
- Local Traditions and Festivals The village also hosts local festivals and events that celebrate Batak customs. Traditional agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting rice, are celebrated with “Marsiadapari” (gotong-royong) – a cooperative effort that embodies the village’s spirit of mutual assistance. Tourists visiting during harvest seasons can witness these community events firsthand.
Local Products and Agritourism
Kampung Girsang 1 is also known for its agricultural products, including coffee, cacao, spices, and root vegetables. These products have potential for development in agritourism. Visitors can engage in activities like coffee tours or purchase locally grown produce. The village is also involved in value-added businesses such as bakeries, food stalls, and beverage shops.
Future Plans
Looking forward, Kampung Girsang 1 has plans to further develop tourism through local agricultural products and the preservation of cultural heritage.
With the ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, establish more eco-friendly businesses, and promote local products, the village is poised to become a sustainable and attractive destination in the Lake Toba Geopark area.
In conclusion, Kampung Girsang 1 offers a diverse mix of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and community-driven tourism development, making it a promising location for tourists seeking a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Toba Samosir.
Interesting Spots
The team also promotes the Toba Lake region as a UNESCO Global Geopark by preserving the environment in Girsang 1. Some notable spots include:
- Bukit Simumbang: This hill in Girsang 1 stands at an elevation of 1,196 meters. From here, visitors can enjoy jungle trekking or mountain climbing, offering beautiful views of Toba Lake and Parapat.
- Sitombom: A location near Bukit Simumbang, Sitombom is famous for its terraced rice fields, which are a testament to the hard work and resilience of the Girsang 1 farmers.
- Gala-Gala: A place dominated by rice and corn fields, Gala-Gala connects Girsang 1 to Girsang 2 and is also known for its fresh air and scenic beauty.
Farming Culture
The people of Girsang 1 have a deep farming culture. Since childhood, children are taught the importance of hard work through agriculture. The farmers grow rice, corn, bananas, cassava, and various spices, some of which have medicinal properties.
Girsang 1 is also known for its coffee, cocoa, candlenuts, and other agricultural products. Many villagers sell their products at the Pasar Tiga Raja market or offer them directly to tourists in Parapat.
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