Mengenal Rabo-rabo, Tradisi Perayaan Natal di Kampung Tugu Jakarta

Summary

The video features Arthur James, a member of the Tugu community, as he shares the rich history and traditions of his family, descendants of the Portuguese settlers in Indonesia. He describes the unique New Year tradition of 'Rabu Rabu,' where the Tugu people move from house to house, playing music and celebrating together. Arthur also highlights the importance of preserving Tugu's cultural heritage, despite challenges like the pandemic. The video emphasizes unity, cultural pride, and the need for community to reconnect with local traditions while adapting to modern times.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Arthur James, is a tenth-generation member of the Tugu community, which has Portuguese roots.
• 😀 The Tugu people were freed in 1661 and chose to leave Batavia (modern-day Jakarta) in search of a place of seclusion, leading to the creation of Kampung Tugu.
• 😀 The Tugu community celebrates the New Year with a unique tradition called 'Rabu Rabu,' which involves visiting homes, playing music, and singing, creating a long procession.
• 😀 'Rabu Rabu' means 'to follow' or 'to trail,' reflecting the tradition of people following each other from house to house to celebrate the New Year.
• 😀 The tradition of 'Rabu Rabu' includes playing various musical instruments like guitars, violins, and traditional instruments such as rebana and mandolin.
• 😀 Over the years, the tradition of 'Rabu Rabu' has become more inclusive, with people from other communities, such as the Betawi and even international tourists, joining in the celebrations.
• 😀 Despite the modern influences, the Tugu community maintains its unique customs, such as celebrating Christmas and continuing the 'Rabu Rabu' procession.
• 😀 In recent years, the tradition has adapted to modern circumstances, including the need for organization to avoid conflicts with neighboring communities.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of preserving local traditions and culture over foreign influences, which can sometimes undermine local heritage.
• 😀 Due to the pandemic, the community has adjusted its celebrations, holding more limited gatherings and strictly adhering to health protocols while still honoring their cultural practices.

Q & A

What is the significance of Kampung Tugu in the script?

Kampung Tugu is a historic village in Indonesia, known for being the birthplace of the speaker's family, who are descendants of the Portuguese. It holds cultural and historical importance, and the speaker expresses a deep connection to the place where they were born and where they intend to pass away.

Who are the 'Orang Tugu' and what is their history?

The 'Orang Tugu' refers to the descendants of Portuguese people who were freed and known as 'Kaum Merdeka' (the Free People). In 1661, they left Batavia to seek a place of refuge and eventually settled in Kampung Tugu. These people have maintained their traditions and culture despite their long history of migration and external challenges.

What is 'Rabu Rabu' and how is it celebrated?

'Rabu Rabu' is a traditional celebration in Kampung Tugu, marking the day after New Year's. People go from house to house playing music and celebrating, with musicians and guests following the procession. The term 'Rabu Rabu' means 'to follow' or 'to trail,' as the group moves from one house to the next, forming a long procession.

How has Kampung Tugu's tradition of 'Rabu Rabu' changed over time?

The tradition of 'Rabu Rabu' has evolved due to modern influences. While it used to be a spontaneous and intimate celebration among the 'Orang Tugu,' today it requires careful planning and regulation because the village is more open to outsiders and the community is more dispersed. Additionally, the rise of external events like pandemics has led to adjustments in the celebration.

Why is 'Rabu Rabu' considered a unique tradition?

'Rabu Rabu' is unique because it is not commonly found in other regions, not even in Jakarta. The tradition involves an extended musical procession, where the entire community participates in a joyful, collective celebration. It is a rare example of a local cultural practice that has endured for hundreds of years.

What role does the Ikatan Keluarga Besar Tugu play in the community?

The Ikatan Keluarga Besar Tugu (IKBT) is an organization formed to preserve the traditions and cultural identity of the Tugu people. Established in 1976, it aims to strengthen ties among the community, maintain Kampung Tugu's heritage, and ensure that the culture and traditions are passed down through generations.

How has the arrival of outsiders affected Kampung Tugu's traditions?

The influx of outsiders, including people from different cultural backgrounds and even tourists, has changed the dynamic of Kampung Tugu's traditions. Although the community remains rooted in its culture, adjustments are necessary to accommodate new influences and prevent cultural clashes, particularly during events like 'Rabu Rabu.'

What is the significance of music in the Tugu community's traditions?

Music plays a central role in the Tugu community's traditions, especially during celebrations like 'Rabu Rabu.' Various instruments, including violins, guitars, and rebana, are used to create a unique sound. This communal music-making fosters unity and joy, symbolizing the shared cultural heritage of the Tugu people.

How does the community respond to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic?

The Tugu community has adapted to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying their traditions to adhere to health protocols. For instance, the traditional 'Rabu Rabu' event was planned for January 3, but with restrictions to limit the number of participants, ensuring safety while still honoring the culture.

What message does the speaker convey about the importance of preserving local culture?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of preserving local traditions and culture, arguing that local cultures are more beneficial and meaningful than foreign influences. They advocate for a return to cultural roots, highlighting the value of traditions that have been practiced for centuries and warning against the erosion of local customs due to foreign cultures.