Dak Lak is a multicultural province where 45 ethnic groups coexist, each contributing distinctive historical legacies and cultural values. Recognising this diversity as a valuable asset, the province has paid particular attention to historical, cultural, ethnic, religious combined with customary considerations throughout the administrative restructuring process, ensuring that development objectives are achieved while preserving local identity and cultural heritage.

Ako Dhong Village, with its distinctive cultural heritage continuing to be preserved and promoted within a new development landscape.

Preserving cultural identity

In numerous localities, the reorganisation of residential communities has been carried out on the basis of respecting their historical origins a preserving community cultural spaces.

Amid the urban landscape of Buon Ma Thuot, Ako Dhong Village continues to preserve many distinctive cultural values of the Ede ethnic group. The village is home to more than 32 traditional longhouses, alongside a rich cultural heritage reflected in gong performances, brocade weaving, traditional rice-wine brewing and other handicrafts.

Under the policy of residential unit reorganisation, Ako Dhong Village has incorporated an additional 25 households, bringing the total to 415. Local residents have expressed strong support for the adjustment, as the expansion of the community does not alter the village’s cultural identity but instead creates more favourable conditions for future development.

In Krong Pac Commune, the merger of villages within the CADA area has received broad public consensus, as historical along with cultural linkages have been maintained. Simultaneously, in Song Hinh Commune and Hoa Xuan Commune, many familiar place names such as Hai Rieng, Suoi May, Ban Thach, Thach Tuan together with Vung Ro, etc. have been retained following the reorganisation, helping preserve collective memory and local identity.

These examples demonstrate that each restructuring plan has been carefully designed to strike a balance between the requirements of governance reform alongside the preservation of cultural and historical values, while safeguarding national defence, security and the stability of local communities.

Transforming identity into an endogenous driver of growth

The name of a village or hamlet carries significance far beyond its administrative function of identifying a place of residence. Over time, it can evolve into a cultural, tourism combined with economic brand representing an entire locality.

The CADA National Historical and Cultural Relic Site in Krong Pac Commune.

Buon Tri is a typical example. Following the administrative reorganisation, Buon Don Commune retained all eight of its existing villages and hamlets due to the area’s unique border-region characteristics. According to local authorities, the objective is not merely to preserve administrative boundaries but also to maximise the distinctive potential coupled with advantages of each residential community.

Today, Buon Tri remains home to 117 traditional stilt houses and a wealth of unique cultural values associated with its ethnic communities. Once a purely agricultural village with a high poverty rate, the locality has gradually leveraged its cultural assets to develop community-based tourism as well as, in 2024, was recognised as Dak Lak’s second community tourism village.

In Song Hinh Commune, the name Suoi May was selected for a newly reorganised locality not only to preserve the memory and identity of the area but also to help build a tourism brand for the future.

The stories of Ako Dhong, Buon Tri along with Suoi May demonstrate that when cultural identity is transformed into livelihoods and local branding, culture becomes more than a heritage asset to be preserved. It evolves into an endogenous source of strength, generating momentum for sustainable development alongside long-term prosperity.

Translated by HAI LOAN