Jakarta, May 9 (Antara) - As a country with over 700 tribal groups speaking more than one thousand local dialects in 34 provinces, Indonesia is greatly rich in local cultures which blend the country into a big nation.
Each region has its own distinctive tradition and culture yet such a tradition and culture does not necessarily develop only in the region concerned. It can also develop in other regions showcasing the country's cultural harmony.
The 'Mappanretasi' maritime fiesta, whose peak event was attended by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at Pegatan Beach, Tanah Bambu Sub-district, West Kalimantan, for example, is typically a Buginese traditional maritime festival from South Sulawesi.
The local people of Batulicin (capital of Tanah Bambu Sub-district) had organized the Mappanretasi maritime festival since late April in the Pegatan Beach to reflect harmony and to strengthen local cultures.
"Mappanretasi comes from the Buginese local language and consists of two words: 'mappanre' which means 'to feed' and 'tasi' which means 'sea'. It literally means to feed the sea. It is later known as a maritime fiesta. Although this tradition is descended by Buginese fishermen, the Mappanretasi tradition has been considered as the culture of all clans living in this region," Nahrul Fajeri, the head of Tanah Tumbu Sports, Youth Affairs and Culture Service, was quoted by dream.co.id online portal as saying recently.
Lasting for three weeks at the Pegatan Beach, the Mappanretasi festival was organized as an expression of gratitude to God for the sustenance He bestows through the Pegatan Beach on the Buginese and the local people of Tanah Tumbu.
During the maritime fiesta, residents flocked to the beach from various sub-districts of Tanah Tumbu, including foreign tourists and domestic visitors from other regions.
The peak of the Mappanretasi festival was led by a 'Sanro' or a Buginese tribal community leader or shaman. The Sanro was accompanied by 12 assistants (six men and six women). During the peak event, an offering consisting of various kind of foods was carried into a fishermen's ship and was welcomed by the assistants.
After the Sarnro gave signs, the ship left from the beach to the coastal point where the offering was disposed of into the sea.
Before the peak event was held there were a number of contests such as a rowing contest, a 'massukkiri' (prayer ritual) event, a balogo (traditional game), a habsyian and various other traditional activities. Prior to the disposing of the offering, there was also a 'mallibu kampong' or a cultural parade by different tribal clans of the Tana Tumbu.
"The festival also included various entertainments, including for kids, and offer of various tastes of fishermen¿s culinary specialties," Fajeri said.
The series of events all reflect the local people's gratitude for the maritime wealth from the blessing of God.
"In fact, our wealth is in the sea, our natural resources are in the sea," President Jokowi said in his remarks during the peak of the maritime cultural fiesta Pagatan beach, Tanah Bambu, South Kalimantan Province, on Sunday (May 7).
According to South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor, the presence of President Jokowi and his party in the peak event of the Mapparetasi festival helped strengthen the efforts to preserve the local cultures.
He said that the presence of the president in Batulicin to observe the peak of the event which showed his care for the preservation of local cultures and wisdom is one of the national strategies in maintaining national maritime sovereignty.
"The people of South Kalimantan are thankful and pride for the presence of the president who came here with his wife and party to appreciate the national cultural event," the governor remarked.
The Mappanretasi festival is one of the South Kalimantan's cultural excellence owned by the local people that needs to be preserved as parts of the national cultures.
President Jokowi said he very much appreciated the fishermen's culture with its maritime and natural wealth. The Indonesian marine and maritime potentials such as fisheries will have positive impact on the welfare of the fishermen if they are preserved and managed well.
"Our country is a maritime country. Our forefathers lived in harmony with the ocean. One of the proofs is reflected by the people here by organizing the cultural event of Mappanretasi festival," Jokowi said.
The Indonesian President claims that the maritime sector could contribute Rp17 thousand trillion or about US$125 billion per year to the domestic economy.
"The maritime resources is the key to increase our people's welfare and economic equality," noted Widodo.
Therefore, President reassured his commitment to develop the blue economy, including by establishing deep sea ports and combating illegal fishing in the Indonesian waters.
While attending the event, President Jokowi was given a traditional title called "Kapiteng Lau Pulo" by the Tanah Bambu's society.014/H-YH)(T.A014/A/BESSR/A/Yosep) 09-05-2017 00:21:3 |
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