The Pace of Change

By examining various elements in the living heritage site of Tossi village in Sumba, Indonesia, this contribution explores the question of possible synchronization between Tossi’s built environment and society. Considered as one of Sumba’s oldest 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 pressure from external influence affected the 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, Tossi is at a crossroads to adapt to the dynamic socio-cultural evolution of its inhabitants. And as Tossi is inevitably becoming more recognizable and interconnected to its surroundings, through infrastructure and economy, its ability to adjust persists, while maintaining its cultural integrity is being tested.