Eid Traditions Across Indonesia

What routine or tradition is a must-do for you as the Eid approaches or during the Eid celebration? Is it buying new clothes? Traveling back to your hometown? Or engaging in other activities, perhaps? There are indeed many traditions Indonesians commonly practice to welcome this special day. One of the well-known ones is the tradition of going back to one’s hometown, or “mudik”. Interestingly, this tradition is not exclusive to Muslims, as people from other religious backgrounds also participate.

Eid Traditions Across Indonesia

Besides “mudik”, several regions in Indonesia have their unique traditions. Here are some of them:

• Maleppe - South Sulawesi

Meaning “to fold” in a literal sense, Maleppe as a term signifies “to let go”. Despite being different on the surface, the essence of both meanings is the same: folding a chapter of sins in your life or letting go of your past wrongdoings. Additionally, it involves letting go of others’ wrongdoings by offering forgiveness.

Sometimes, however, this tradition of giving and receiving forgiveness takes on a different form. For instance, the Buginese throw their old clothes into the sea or river and let them drift away. It symbolizes the washing away of past sins and undesirable traits.

Afterward, people engage in Assiara, where they visit the homes of relatives, friends, or acquaintances. The hosts would serve food that had been prayed over beforehand.

• Nganteuran - Bandung

Nganteuran is a tradition practiced by people in Bandung, involving exchanging meals with neighbors. Typically, food is delivered using stackable food carriers, which the receiver refills before returning it to the giver. There is another tradition of people placing a bundle of tuberoses in their living room to perfume the space naturally.

Unfortunately, these two traditions are not as prevalent today. Yet, other traditions such as “takbir keliling”, where a group of people, often from the local mosque, go around the neighborhood while chanting and reciting praises to Allah, and “sungkeman”, where a person, typically younger, kneels down and bows their head as a sign of respect to an elder for their blessings, advice, or well-wishes, are still observed in Bandung. Yet, for “takbir keliling” nowadays, many people use cars to drive around, unlike in the past when it was done by walking around the village.

• Lebaran Ketupat - Surabaya

Lebaran Ketupat is a tradition in several regions of Central Java, not limited to Surabaya. It is celebrated after completing the 6-day Shawwal fasting. In essence, Lebaran Ketupat falls on the 7^th day of Shawwal.

The celebration involves a communal meal at the mosque or prayer hall, where people bring various dishes for shared consumption. Lebaran Ketupat is certainly incomplete without the “ketupat”, or pressed rice cake, and other accompanying dishes.

How about your region? Does it have its own Eid traditions? If yes, it undoubtedly adds a special touch to your homecoming moments. You get to participate in unique traditions that occur only once a year.

For those planning to travel back to your hometown by private vehicle this Eid, do not forget to get your Mudik Aman Insurance from MSIG Indonesia. This insurance will protect you during your “mudik” trip and includes coverage for the home you leave behind. So, you can have peace of mind while enjoying your hometown.