Three Destinations to Commemorate Death in Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja in South Sulawesi is a popular domestic tourist destination, known for its well-preserved culture. This is due to the local belief in maintaining ancestral customs and traditions. One such custom and tradition is related to death and its commemoration.
Curious about what it looks like? Read on to discover three places where the deceased are remembered in Tana Toraja!

Passiliran, Kambira
The first destination to commemorate death in Tana Toraja is Passiliran. Located in Kambira Village, Sangalla Sub-district, about 20 kilometers from Rantepao, the capital of Tana Toraja District, Passiliran is a burial site for babies who passed away before their teeth grew.
According to Torajan beliefs, these infants are pure beings, so they must be buried in a sacred place—inside tree trunks rather than in the ground. The choice of the tarra tree for the burial site is not random, as the people of Kambira believe that burying the baby in this tree is similar to returning the child to their mother’s womb. 
Moreover, the sap from the tarra tree is seen as a substitute for the mother’s milk for the baby. Using this particular tree as a burial place also symbolizes the hope that the baby will “grow” inside the tree and that the mother can give birth to a healthy and long-lived child in the future.

Kete Kesu Stone Graves
While Kambira Village has a burial site for infants, Kete Kesu Traditional Village has stone graves about 5 km from Rantepao Town. Located south of the village, Kete Kesu Stone Graves are designated for local villagers who can afford to hold the Rambu Solo ceremony. 
According to the Indonesia Kaya website, Rambu Solo is a traditional funeral ceremony that honors and perfects the deceased's spirit as they transition to puya, or the afterlife. The ceremony is conducted based on the deceased’s social class. The higher their social status, the grander and lengthier the ceremony.
Two types of deceased individuals are buried in these stone graves, To Maluka and To Mate. To Maluka are those placed and laid in stone graves but are still considered sick, not dead. Meanwhile, To Mate are those who have passed away and are awaiting for their Rambu Solo ceremony.
Since To Maluka are still seen as sick people, their graves continue to receive offerings such as drinks, clothes, the deceased’s favorite items, and even cigarettes. On the other hand, the graves of To Mate are maintained until the family can hold the Rambu Solo ceremony.

Lemo Stone Cliff
The last destination is Lemo Stone Cliff in Lemo Village, Makale Utara Sub-district, Tana Toraja District. This is another burial site in Tana Toraja. What sets it apart from Kete Kesu Stone Graves is the location.
Lemo Stone Cliff is located in a granite cliff inside Lemo Village. This burial site has 75 ancient stone chambers (liang paa’ in the local language) scattered at various heights across the cliff. Each chamber contains the remains of a single-family lineage. 
Another difference between Lemo Stone Cliff and Kete Kesu Stone Graves is the status of the deceased. Those buried in the granite cliff have already completed the Rambu Solo ceremony, meaning they have transitioned to puya.
Those are three destinations where death is commemorated in Tana Toraja. If you are planning a cultural trip to these places, you can fly to Toraja Airport (TRT). All flights to and from Toraja Airport are only available through Makassar (UPG).
Before heading to Tana Toraja, make sure to equip yourself with Travel Insurance  from MSIG Indonesia, which provides comprehensive protection for you and family while traveling domestically or internationally.