(Pante Macassar, Oé-Cusse, July 1, 2021) Tep-Ana and Tepa-Naek in Citrana are the site of large betel nut plantation of around 1000 hectares which have existed from ancient times. In an annual once-a-year event, people from 18 Sucos within Oe-Cusse celebrate the harvesting of the betel nut. This is a very popular cultural event because it is well known that the Tep-Ana and Tepa-Naek betel-nut plantation belong to all people in the 18 Sucos of Oe-Cusse.
This harvesting event restarted on September 4, 2020, because the Oe-Cusse people had committed again to obey the “Tara Bandu” or traditional prohibition in 2019. This year the harvesting even is planned for the month of August. We are therefore encouraging all national and international visitors in the territory to visit the betel-nut plantation of Tepa-Ana and Tepa-Naek in Citrana, Suco Bene-Ufe, Sub-Region Nitibe in August this year for harvesting event. While in Citrana visitors can also enjoy the beautiful mountains and one of Oe-Cusse’s most pristine coastlines. This is the perfect location to try your hand at traditional fishing with one of Citrana’s skilled fishermen, buy fresh fish at very low prices and enjoy eating sumptuous tropical fish.
For another unique experience in Citrana, visit the Mythical Church known as St. Relique, where the appearance of the St. Relique has been kept in the chapel. It is believed that the Saint emerged from the ground in Citrana and people named it Saint Relique. While it is unclear when the relic was found, descendants of the finder still inhabit the area. This is a good place to do a pilgrimage and perform worship because it is believed that those who pray to the Saint will get be bestowed with blessings and miracles.
Citrana (Tep-Ana & Tepa-Naek) is about 40 km from Pante Makassar and it takes approximately 1.5 hours by private car and/or public transportation including motorbikes. The road is unpaved but easy to get there during dry season (May to October) and more difficult during the wet/rainy season (December to April).
