Geosite Silalahi – Sabungan

Translation of “Geosite Silahisabungan”

Geological Aspects

Theme: Geo-Cultural Diversity

• Kodon-kodons, Tilt block caldera wall: Kodon-kodons are pyroclastic flow deposits that have solidified and formed a type of volcanic breccia. They are found on the tilt block caldera wall, which is the steeply inclined wall of a collapsed caldera.

• Kodon-kodons, Paleozoic basement: The Paleozoic basement is the underlying rock layer that is older than 541 million years. In the Silahisabungan area, the Paleozoic basement is composed of metamorphic rocks such as schists and gneisses.

• Silalahi, volcanic debris: Volcanic debris refers to fragments of volcanic material that have been ejected from a volcano during an eruption. This debris can include ash, cinders, pumice, and lava blocks.

• Silalahi – Renun Caldera wall: The Silalahi-Renun caldera wall is a prominent feature of the landscape in the Silahisabungan area. It is a long, steep escarpment that marks the edge of the caldera.

Biological Aspects

• Pinus (Pinus merkusii), Simartolu (Schima wallichii), Cengkih (Engenia aromatic), Mangga (Mangifera indica), Makkadame (Macadamia hildebrandii V. Steenis forma 1), Anggrek Tanah/Pijor Liman (Spiranthes sinensis): These are all examples of the diverse flora found in the Silahisabungan area. Pinus merkusii is a type of pine tree, Schima wallichii is a flowering tree, Eugenia aromatic is a clove tree, Mangifera indica is a mango tree, Macadamia hildebrandii is a macadamia nut tree, and Spiranthes sinensis is a type of orchid.

• Rotan: Rattan is a type of climbing palm that is found in tropical forests. It is a valuable source of fiber that is used to make a variety of products, including furniture, baskets, and mats.

• Pohon Juhar/Jior (Senna siamea (Lam.) Irwin dan Barneby): This is a type of tree that is known for its strong and hard wood. It is used to make traditional Batak musical instruments such as the sarune.

• Ayam Hutan Merah (Gallus gallus): The red junglefowl is the wild ancestor of the domestic chicken. It is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and scrublands.

• Kijang: Kijang is the Indonesian word for muntjac, a type of small deer that is found in Southeast Asia.

Cultural Aspects

Huta Lahi

• Huta Lahi is a village located in the Silalahi Sabungan sub-district of Dairi Regency, North Sumatra.

• It is said to be the first village founded by the King of Silahisabungan.

• Today, many descendants of the King of Silahisabungan are said to live in Huta Lahi (Silalahi Nabolak).

Batu Sigadap or Batu Pengadilan (Court Stone)

• This is a pair of sacred stones that are believed to have mystical powers.

• The stones are said to have been used as a high court by the King of Silahisabungan to judge people who were accused of crimes.

• Those who were accused of wrongdoing would be brought to the stones and asked to swear an oath. If they were telling the truth, they would remain standing. If they were lying, they would fall over and die.

Aek Sipaulak Hosa

• This is a spring located in the Silalahi Nabolak village.

• According to legend, the spring was created by the King of Silahisabungan after his wife became exhausted during a journey.

• The name “Aek Sipaulak Hosa” means “Water to Relieve Thirst and Fatigue”.

Tugu Silalahi (Silalahi Monument)

• This monument was built in 1973 to commemorate the founding of the village of Silalahi and to house the remains of Opung Silalahi and his eight children.

• The monument is decorated with colorful reliefs that depict the story of Opung Silalahi’s journey to found the village.