Stone Chairs of King Siallagan (locally known as Batu Parsidangan, meaning “Trial Stones”) are a historical and ancient object in the form of stone chairs and tables. It is located right at the center of Huta Siallagan (Siallagan Village) under a hariara tree, which is considered a sacred tree by Batak. The stones are believed to be over 200 years old. To see it on the map, click here.
What’s Special
The Stone Chairs of King Siallagan unfold the cruel practice on Samosir in the past. There are two sets of them. The first one was used to serve as the official meeting place, while the other as the site for executions. The first set consisted of orderly arranged stone chairs that were specifically intended for the king, the queen, clan elders, neighboring village leaders, invitees, and the datu or spiritual leaders. In case of trials, the king would lead the meetings to decide different types of punishments including executions against the criminals.
The second set features a similar arrangement but with the addition of a Long Stone Table. It was where executions took place. The prosecutors brought the death row inmate with ulos-covered eyes to the table, and then his body was laid face down with the neck in the stone basin while the executioner (Sang Datu) was ready with a very sharp sword. He slashed the neck and at once separated the prisoner’s head from his body. Further, Sang Datu stuck a single Panaluan wood into the person’s heart to remove his heart and liver for a meal. He also collected the blood for a drink. The prosecutors buried the head in a distant place and threw the body into the bush. The king and high-ranking officers enjoyed the meal.
What to Enjoy
They enjoyed the meal, you enjoy the story. It is hard to believe what they are telling you, but you simply need to listen. In addition to the trial stone with a spooky history, there are also several other interesting tourist objects in Huta Siallagan. These include a hundred-year-old Toba Batak traditional house, a sigale-gale statue, and a souvenir center located at the back of the huta.
What to Expect
A group of people may approach you to offer a role play of the tribunal. You can accept the offer. Pay a small tip at the end of the play. Otherwise, you can skip the play and move on to the next objects. Maintain modesty in this area at all times.
What Visitors Say
“One of ancient village in Samosir island. Must to go item. You may get very interesting facts about Batak’s value of life through the guide’s story tells.” Dian Pitaloka (Source)
“Site of the Batak king’s court, with the original stone chairs of the council still intact. Next to no signage or information, and poor management of the site. All that aside, it’s still something interesting to do.” Lewis Yes (Source)
“Loved this guided tour, it was very informative and lots of fun. Getting the tour gives you a much better insight into the history and customs, a must!” Mar Fl (Source)
“On holidays, usually the Stone Chairs of King Siallagan Tourism Object will always be crowded with foreign and local tourists. And what’s more exciting, we can hear stories about the Batu trial in the past from the guides who are here, besides that we can dance tor-tor together, and of course there is no set fee, only a sincere contribution from each visitor.” medanwisata (Source)
“I was quite tense while hear the behead earlier. If I was in that time, I would have done everything I could to avoid being punished, because life is really precious.” pinktravelogue (Source)
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