TANAH DATAR, kiprahkita.net - Ten years ago, I visited Sitapuang Gadang. At that time, the road leading there was still covered with thin asphalt, flanked by dense bushes on both sides.
Cellular telecommunications networks were nonexistent, and the community was very modest, friendly, and easy to get along with.
What's so special about Sitapuang Gadang? This village, located in Nagari Lawang Mandahiling, Kecamatan Salimpaung, has historically played a significant role in maintaining the existence of Kabupaten Tanah Datar.
Sitapuang Gadang might not appear on the map of Kabupaten Tanah Datar, let alone the Province of West Sumatra.
Its location is not far from the county road connecting Sumaniak with Tabek Patah, just about three kilometers. However, with the steep and sharp inclines and declines of the terrain, the short distance feels quite far.
In the past, reaching this place required walking along a narrow path. Several years ago, during the Manunggal ABRI Masuk Desa program, a dirt road was built.
In mid-2013, this road was roughly paved. Though not perfect, it allowed four-wheeled vehicles to finally reach the village. The current condition of the road is unknown, as the writer visited a decade ago.
The locals refer to their village as the "old hamlet" of Sitapuang Gadang. It is called an old hamlet because it is where the ancestors of the current Mandailing residents originated.
In the past, isolation, difficult living conditions, and challenging terrain led many residents to leave the old hamlet.
They bought residential land outside the hamlet, near the main road, and moved there. The younger generation tended to migrate, at least to the nearest village along the main road. Sitapuang Gadang was largely forgotten for quite some time.
In terms of natural potential, Sitapuang Gadang has extensive rice fields. The generally hilly land is also fertile, meaning that plantation and horticultural crops can yield excellent results.
The first regent, Sidi Bakaruddin, who later became known as a military regent, once had his office and centered his activities in this village. From here, the government of Tanah Datar was controlled for more than eight months in 1948.
At that time, the Republic of Indonesia was still in its infancy. The aggression launched by Dutch colonizers to reclaim their territories prevented the Tanah Datar regency government from operating normally. Relocation became the best option, and Sitapuang Gadang was chosen.
"Regent Bakaruddin had his office and residence here. A prayer house now known as Mushalla Nurul Huda was used for meetings," explained Khaidir and Anwar, two residents over 70 years old, who were interviewed several years ago and witnessed the historical events.
Their accounts were confirmed by other residents, Syamsir Alam and Syafril. The fact that Sitapuang Gadang played a significant role in maintaining the Tanah Datar government cannot be easily disputed.
Although the physical house where Regent Bakaruddin stayed can no longer be found, the prayer house and several other buildings used at that time still stand well. In the courtyard of the prayer house, where the regent held meetings, a simple monument has been erected.
This monument was built during the Manunggal ABRI Masuk Desa program several years ago.
The area that served as the center of Tanah Datar's government activities during the relocation is now referred to by locals as "lakuak." Due to its historical significance, residents hope that the houses once used by the government, which no longer exist, can be rebuilt. (Musriadi Musanif)
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