A fire tore through Sade Traditional Village in Rembitan Village, Pujut District, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Saturday night, August 22, 2026. In total, 129 homes were destroyed, leaving 320 residents affected.
According to detikBali’s on-the-ground report around 9:30 AM local time on Sunday, the traditional village had been leveled almost entirely. Burn damage stretched from the village’s traditional monument all the way to the mosque at the site’s upper section.
Smoke was still rising from the debris at the time of reporting. Firefighters from the Central Lombok Fire Department, military personnel, and staff from the local water utility (PDAM) were still working to extinguish the remaining flames.
Amid the wreckage, residents could be seen sifting through the debris, searching for any household items left intact, glass plates, cups, stoves, and gas canisters among them.
The fire wasn’t limited to residential homes. It also spread to a supermarket building across the road, and ATMs belonging to two major Indonesian banks were destroyed in the blaze as well.
How the Fire Started
“There are around 150 homes here. In total, across the whole area, that’s about 700 households,” said Amaq Emi, a resident of Sade Traditional Village, speaking to reporters.
The 43-year-old explained that the fire is believed to have started in one resident’s kitchen. From there, it spread rapidly due to the village’s traditional building materials, thatched roofing and woven bamboo fencing, both highly flammable.
“It started from there,” he said, pointing toward one of the homes. “Possibly from the kitchen, or maybe an electrical short circuit that sparked the fire.”
Residents Describe a Terrifying Night
Menah, also known as Inaq Husna, 42, said she’s still shaken by how quickly the fire consumed the homes around her. Strong winds helped the flames spread at an alarming pace.
“I was sleeping, and then I was woken up after the fire had already grown large. I panicked and tried to run and get myself to safety,” she said.
Menah is hoping the government will step in quickly to help residents recover, especially given that Sade Traditional Village is the primary source of livelihood for the local community.
“We hope the government finds a solution soon, because we have nothing left,” she said.
She and her family have since taken shelter at a relative’s home nearby. She estimates her personal losses at tens of millions of rupiah.
“The most valuable things were what was inside the house, woven fabrics, traditional clothing, and other belongings,” she said.
Why the Fire Spread So Fast
The traditional architecture of Sade Village played a significant role in how quickly the blaze spread. Every traditional house in the area uses thatched grass roofing paired with woven bamboo walls and fencing, materials that are deeply tied to the village’s cultural identity, but also highly susceptible to fire.
A Loss That Extends Beyond Property
Sade Traditional Village has long been one of Lombok’s most treasured tourist destinations. The community has worked to preserve the distinct traditions of the Sasak tribe, from the village’s unique architectural style to cultural customs like the traditional “kawin culik” (elopement marriage) practice.
The fire’s impact goes beyond the material losses residents are facing, it represents a significant blow to a living cultural heritage site that has stood as a window into Sasak tradition for generations.
This is a developing situation. Readers planning to visit Lombok or Sade Village are encouraged to check for the latest official updates before traveling, as recovery efforts and site conditions may continue to change.
