7 Unique Lebaran Traditions from Papua, Starting from Rebana Greetings to Making Lontar Cake

Lebaran in Papua is not just a religious celebration, but also a special moment rich in local traditions with deep meanings. Every year, the people of Papua organize various unique activities that involve culture, beliefs, and a strong sense of togetherness. One of the most interesting is the various traditions carried out during the Idul Fitri celebration, which reflect how the diversity of cultures and religions in Papua can coexist in harmony.

In Papua, the community not only celebrates Lebaran with worship and family gatherings, but also with traditions that involve interfaith relationships, sharing happiness, and preserving local wisdom. From the festive rebana greetings to the making of traditional lontar cakes, all these rituals reflect the spirit of togetherness that continues to be preserved. These unique aspects make Lebaran in Papua even more special.

Let us learn more about seven unique Lebaran traditions in Papua that are interesting to know, as well as how these traditions continue to be an inseparable part of Papua's cultural identity. This article is summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Monday (31/3).

1. Rebana Silaturahmi: Celebrate Eid with Music and Visits

Rebana Silaturahmi is a unique tradition practiced by Muslim youth in Abepantai, Jayapura, Papua. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, these youths visit the homes of residents while accompanying their visits with rebana music as a symbol of mutual forgiveness. This activity takes place on the first and second days of Eid and involves around 50 youths who travel around the village, bringing a sense of joy and togetherness. This tradition serves not only as entertainment but also as a way to strengthen relationships among community members.

The youths involved in this tradition visit the homes of relatives and community leaders while performing rebana music. This activity has become part of the culture of the Abepantai community celebrated every year.

The community enthusiastically welcomes the presence of these youths, with many capturing the moment as a keepsake. According to Rizky Waroy, the event coordinator, the rebana silaturahmi is a tradition that needs to be preserved to remain alive in the lives of the Abepantai community.

"We carry out this tradition every year during the Eid al-Fitr celebration, and the youth of the Abepantai mosque are very enthusiastic about this activity," said the Chairman of the Abepantai Mosque Youth, Rizky Waroy, quoting ANTARA.

2. Map Tradition (Holding Hands): Maintaining Harmony Among Religious Communities

The Map Tradition, which means "Holding Hands," is a tradition practiced in Biak Numfor and several other areas in Papua. During Eid, both Muslim and non-Muslim communities visit each other's homes to wish each other a happy holiday.

This tradition is very simple, yet carries great significance as it showcases the closeness among religious communities that respect each other. Both children and adults participate in shaking hands and sharing snacks.

The Map serves as a tangible proof of the importance of tolerance and harmony among religious communities in Papua. Everyone, regardless of their religion, participates in this tradition, strengthening social bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness. By sharing greetings and food, the people of Papua demonstrate that religion does not become a barrier to strengthening relationships among one another.

“Perhaps in other places there are also traditions like this, but here in Biak it is very unique and the Map is a tradition of friendship between Muslims and non-Muslims visiting each other on religious holidays, and I really appreciate traditions like this,” said a local resident, Bela, quoting RRI.

3. Making Lontar Cake: A Special Dish for Eid

Lontar cake is a traditional dish that is very popular in Papua during Eid. Made from sago flour, lontar cake is usually cooked by steaming, resulting in a chewy and delicious texture.

This cake has a sweet taste and is often served as a dessert on the dining table. The process of making it involves the local community, with recipes passed down through generations by their ancestors.

Lontar cake is not just food, but it also has symbolic meaning in Papuan culture. Serving this cake during Eid symbolizes gratitude and togetherness. Usually, lontar is shared with guests who come to visit, becoming a form of celebration together. With its unique flavor, lontar cake is a highly anticipated dish during Eid in Papua.

4. Hadrat in Kaimana: A Joyful Parade with Salawat and Traditional Music

The Hadrat tradition is a joyful parade usually held in Kaimana, West Papua, and also in Jayapura. This parade involves various elements of society, both Muslim and non-Muslim. Accompanied by traditional music such as kendang, tifa, and rebana, participants of the parade chant salawat while walking around and socializing. The atmosphere created is very harmonious, showing how strong interfaith tolerance is in Papua.

The Hadrat parade is not just a religious celebration, but also a symbol of togetherness and religious moderation in Papua. Participants from various religious backgrounds celebrate Eid with great joy, demonstrating how differences do not hinder the creation of a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. This tradition has become an important part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the region.

5. Halal Stone Cooking Tradition: Cooking Together in a Traditional Way

The Stone Cooking Tradition is a typical cooking method from Papua that has also been adapted by Muslims in Papua. Although Stone Cooking usually involves pork, Muslims replace it with chicken or other halal animals to meet the requirements of Islamic law. The cooking process, which involves burning stones and burying them in the ground, is maintained, resulting in a distinctive and delicious flavor of the food.

This Halal Stone Cooking is not only a cooking method but also a gathering event for families and communities. Everyone comes together to assist in the cooking process and enjoy the meal together. By using this traditional method, the Papuan community continues to uphold local wisdom while respecting religious laws.

6. The Tradition of Visiting Graves Together: Prayer and Reflection After Id Prayer

Visiting graves together is a tradition practiced by the Papuan community after the Idul Fitri prayers. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to pray for their souls and clean the graves. This moment is very solemn and provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of life and death. Visiting graves together becomes a way for the Papuan people to honor their ancestors and strengthen family ties.

In addition, this tradition also has profound spiritual value, reminding the faithful to always remember life after death. It becomes an opportunity for families to gather, pray together, and maintain a closer relationship with their ancestors. This tradition shows how important it is to maintain spiritual connections in everyday life.

7. Sharing with Neighbors: Opening Doors for Everyone

The tradition of sharing food with neighbors is a form of togetherness practiced by Muslims in Papua. During Eid, Muslim homes are always open to anyone, regardless of religious background. Traditional Eid foods, such as ketupat and opor ayam, are shared with neighbors, including non-Muslims, as a symbol of mutual respect and sharing happiness.

This tradition has become one of the best ways to strengthen relationships among neighbors, create stronger social bonds, and maintain harmony in the community. By sharing, Muslims in Papua not only share food but also demonstrate the spirit of tolerance and brotherhood among different religious communities.

8. FAQ

1. What is the tradition of rebana silaturahmi in Papua?

Rebana silaturahmi is a tradition practiced by Muslim youth in Abepantai, Jayapura, where they visit residents' homes while accompanied by rebana music as a form of mutual forgiveness and strengthening social relationships.

2. What is meant by the tradition of Peta in Papua?

Peta or Pegang Tangan is a tradition in Biak Numfor that involves Muslims and non-Muslims shaking hands and sharing food during Eid as a symbol of tolerance among religious communities.

3. What is the Halal Bakar Batu tradition in Papua?

The Halal Bakar Batu tradition is a traditional cooking method that involves heating stones and burying them to cook food. Muslims in Papua replace pork with chicken or other halal meats, preserving local wisdom in accordance with Islamic law.

4. Why is the tradition of visiting graves together important in Papua?

Visiting graves together is a tradition in Papua conducted after the Eid al-Fitr prayer, where families visit the graves of their ancestors to pray and clean the graves, strengthen family bonds, and remember life after death.

(kpl/rmt)