Tradisi Leluhur Dari Kutai Timur | RAGAM INDONESIA (27/06/23)

Summary

The video script details the traditional customs of Kutai Timur, a region in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. The cultural practices are rooted in the Sultanate of Kutai and are celebrated annually through various sacred rituals. These include the slaughtering of a cow to purify and protect the city of Sangatta, and the 'ngantar dahar' ceremony, where food offerings are made to ancestors. Additional rituals like 'belulu' (a purification ritual for leaders) and the 'tiang Ayu' (erection of a sacred pole symbolizing the Sultanate's power) further emphasize the community's reverence for tradition, spiritual protection, and unity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kutai Timur is the easternmost district in Kalimantan Island, Indonesia, and was established in 1999.
• 😀 Despite its division, the traditions and customs of the Kutai Sultanate, particularly the Martadipura lineage, remain highly revered in the region.
• 😀 Every year, a large traditional ceremony, the Pesta Adat, is held, beginning with the ritual sacrifice of a cow.
• 😀 The sacrifice is followed by a sacred procession where ritual participants travel to the four corners of the city of Sangatta, symbolizing purification and protection from evil spirits.
• 😀 The 'Mengantar Dahar' ritual is held the night before the festival, where the local leader (Bupati) and the heir to the Kutai Sultanate offer food to the ancestors, symbolizing an invitation for them to join the event.
• 😀 During 'Mengantar Dahar', 41 different dishes are prepared, representing the diverse culinary traditions of the Kutai people.
• 😀 The 'Belulu' ritual involves the ceremonial washing of the Bupati's head and is led by Dewa Belian to ask for safety and to ward off negative influences.
• 😀 'Belulu' comes from the word 'bulu' (bamboo) and 'luluh' (together), where the ritual leader chants prayers for the safety and blessing of the community.
• 😀 The ritual includes the application of 'tepung tawar' (blessed water) to the Bupati's body as a symbol of purification and strength in leadership.
• 😀 The festival also features the 'Tiang Ayu' ritual, where ceremonial poles are erected to mark the beginning of the festival and represent the grandeur of the Kutai Sultanate.
• 😀 The ritual concludes with the lighting of 'brong' (torches) symbolizing the ongoing spirit of the festival and the continuous flame of tradition.

Q & A

What is the significance of Kabupaten Kutai Timur in Kalimantan?

Kabupaten Kutai Timur is the easternmost district on the island of Kalimantan, Indonesia, and was officially established in 1999. Despite its modernization, the traditional customs and heritage of the Kutai Sultanate, particularly the Martadipura kingdom, continue to be highly respected.

How is the annual adat (customary) ceremony in Kutai Timur initiated?

The adat ceremony in Kutai Timur begins with the ritual slaughtering of a cow, one day before the main event. This marks the opening of the ceremony, followed by a sacred procession around Sangatta, the capital of Kutai Timur.

What is the purpose of the ritual procession around Sangatta?

The procession around Sangatta is a symbolic act of cleansing and purification of the town. It aims to maintain peace, protect the community from harm, and ensure safety from visible or unseen threats.

What is the ritual 'mengantar dahar' and what does it represent?

The 'mengantar dahar' is a sacred ritual where the local leaders, including the Bupati (regent) and the heir to the Kutai Sultanate, sit together to offer food to their ancestors. This ritual serves as a formal invitation to the ancestors and announces that the adat ceremony will take place.

What are some of the food items included in the 'mengantar dahar' ritual?

The ritual features 41 different types of food, which are traditional dishes commonly consumed by the Kutai people, symbolizing respect and gratitude towards their ancestors.

What is the 'ritual belulu' and what does it involve?

The 'belulu' ritual is a head-cleansing ceremony performed by a spiritual leader (Dewa Belian) to invoke safety and ward off negative forces. During this ritual, a sacred mantra is recited, and water mixed with rice flour (tepung tawar) is applied to the body of the Bupati as a symbol of purification.

What do the different parts of the body represent during the 'belulu' ritual?

The ritual involves the application of tepung tawar (water with rice flour) to different body parts. The hands represent the purification of the leader's power, the shoulders symbolize cleanliness in carrying the mandate, and the feet represent the support needed to carry out the duties for the people.

What is the meaning behind the 'tiang Ayu' ritual?

The 'tiang Ayu' ritual involves the raising of a sacred pole, symbolizing the start of the grand adat celebration. The pole, called Sangkok Piatu, is a royal heirloom and represents the grandeur and authority of the Kutai Sultanate.

What role does the 'obor api' (torch) play in the ceremony?

The 'obor api' (torch) is lit as part of the ritual procession, symbolizing the flame of tradition and the source of life. It is kept burning throughout the event until the ceremony concludes, signifying the enduring spirit of the adat.

What does the festival's ceremonial aspect reveal about the culture of Kutai Timur?

The ceremonial rituals in Kutai Timur highlight the deep-rooted respect for tradition, the role of the Sultanate, and the community’s spiritual connection to their ancestors. These ceremonies not only preserve the cultural identity but also serve as a reminder of the importance of unity and harmony in the region.