SEJARAH KOTA BERASTAGI

BERASTAGI IN HISTORY

History of Berastagi: The Charm of a Cold City Rich in History

Berastagi is a small town located in Karo Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Famous as a tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery and cool air, Berastagi holds a rich and diverse history, which is rooted in the cultural, social, and economic development of its people. This city is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for the Batak Karo cultural heritage that is still preserved to this day.

1. Origin of the Name Berastagi

The name "Berastagi" is believed to come from two words in the Karo language, namely "Beras" and "Tagi". "Beras" means rice or paddy, while "Tagi" means hoarder or storage place. Literally, Berastagi can be interpreted as "rice storage place". This name refers to the role of this city which was once a center for agricultural trade, especially rice and other agricultural products. Over time, the name Berastagi has become better known as a city located in the highlands with charming natural scenery.

2. History of Berastagi during the Colonial Era

Berastagi has an important role in the history of North Sumatra, especially during the Dutch colonial era. Since the 19th century, Berastagi has been known as a resting place for Dutch officials and Europeans working in the surrounding areas, including Medan. The cool natural beauty of Berastagi, with its cool air and stunning mountain views, makes this city an ideal location to escape the hot and humid weather on the coast.

During the Dutch colonial era, the colonial government built various infrastructures, such as roads and rest buildings, which contributed to introducing Berastagi as a tourist destination. The roads built at that time can still be seen and used as the main road to Berastagi from Medan. Many old buildings reflecting the colonial architectural style can still be found in this city, adding a strong historical feel.

3. Social and Cultural Life in Berastagi

In the pre-colonial era, Berastagi was part of the Karo kingdom which was ruled by the Karo Batak tribe. The Karo people have strong traditions and customs, which are still maintained by the local population to this day. The Berastagi community, which is predominantly of Karo ethnicity, is known for its clan-based kinship system, and a life that is highly dependent on agriculture and trade in agricultural products.

Social life in Berastagi is strongly influenced by the traditional values ​​of the Karo Batak. Traditional ceremonies such as marriage, death, and harvest thanksgiving are very important in maintaining harmony and social ties in society. In addition, the rich Karo Batak culture, such as music, dance, and carving, are also an important part of the identity of the Berastagi community.

4. Economic Development and Tourism in Berastagi

After Indonesia's independence, Berastagi has continued to develop, especially in the agricultural and tourism sectors. The city is located in the Karo highlands, which have fertile soil that is very supportive for agriculture. The main agricultural products from Berastagi include vegetables, fruits such as oranges, apples, and tomatoes, as well as various other commodities. Agricultural products from Berastagi are widely known in coastal areas, including Medan.

However, in the 1970s, tourism began to develop rapidly in Berastagi. The natural beauty, cool, fresh air, and views of mountains such as Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak make Berastagi a popular tourist destination. Berastagi is also known for its natural attractions, such as waterfalls, recreational parks, and fruit gardens. Along with the development of the tourism sector, the city has begun to be flooded by domestic and foreign tourists who want to enjoy a quieter and more natural atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities like Medan.

5. Berastagi Tourist Attractions

Berastagi is famous for a number of attractive natural tourist attractions. Some of the famous tourist destinations include:

a. Mount Sinabung and Mount Sibayak

These mountains are part of the Bukit Barisan mountain range which provides spectacular views and cool air around Berastagi. Mount Sinabung, which has erupted several times in recent years, remains an attraction for climbers and tourists who want to enjoy its natural beauty. Mount Sibayak is also famous for its still active crater, and is often a destination for nature lovers to climb.

b. Sipiso-piso Waterfall

Sipiso-piso Waterfall, located about 25 kilometers from Berastagi, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Sumatra. With a height of about 120 meters, this waterfall is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The natural scenery around this waterfall is very beautiful, and tourists can enjoy the beauty of Lake Toba which can be seen from a distance.

c. Berastagi Fruit Garden

The fruit garden in Berastagi is an ideal place to buy various types of fresh fruit, especially tropical fruits such as oranges, apples, and tomatoes. This fruit garden is also an interesting tourist attraction, because visitors can directly see the farming process and pick fresh fruit directly from the trees.

d. Lumbini Nature Park

Lumbini Nature Park is a replica of the Shwedagon Temple in Myanmar, located in Berastagi. This park is a popular place of worship and tourism, with a calm atmosphere and stunning natural scenery.

6. Influence of Karo Culture and Customs

The Berastagi community, which is predominantly Batak Karo, has a very rich and diverse culture. The customs and traditions of the Batak Karo are still very strong in the daily lives of the community, especially in traditional events such as weddings, traditional parties, and death ceremonies. The uniqueness of Karo culture, such as language, dance, music, and traditional clothing, is highly maintained and preserved by the local community.

Traditional Batak Karo music using musical instruments such as gondang (drum) and salung (flute) is often performed in various traditional ceremonies. Traditional Karo dance is also part of the culture that continues to be preserved, with movements that reflect harmony and beauty.

7. Modernization and Challenges of Berastagi

As the tourism sector develops, Berastagi faces challenges in preserving the local nature and culture. Rapid development and increasing numbers of tourists have positive impacts from an economic perspective, but also risk damaging the local environment and culture if not managed wisely. Therefore, the government and people of Berastagi work together to create sustainable tourism, by paying attention to the preservation of nature, culture, and local customs.

8. Conclusion

Berastagi is a city rich in history and culture, with enchanting natural beauty and cool air. As a major tourist destination in North Sumatra, Berastagi continues to develop, while maintaining the cultural heritage and customs of the Batak Karo tribe. The history of Berastagi, which was influenced by the development of trade, colonialism, and the agricultural sector, has made it a city with a charm that not only radiates from its nature, but also from the culture and social life of its people who still maintain the values ​​of their ancestors.