Indonesia's diverse Idul Adha traditions steeped in togetherness values
Ngejot in Bali: Ngejot, derived from the Balinese word for ’ giving’, is a tradition of sharing food with neighbours to strengthen social bonds. This practice exemplifies religious tolerance in Bali.
Meugang in Aceh: Meugang is a tradition involving the slaughtering, cooking, and sharing of beef or buffalo meat with family, relatives, and orphans. This Acehnese custom, practised three times a year before Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, dates back to the era of Sultan Iskandar Muda and symbolises gratitude and social bonds.
Apitan in Semarang: Apitan is a earth offerings ritual held during Apit/Zulqaidah. It symbolises gratitude for the harvest and serves as a prayer to ward off disaster. The ritual involves processions of agricultural produce ’ gunungan’ ( mountain-like offerings) which are then blessed collectively.
4 Gamelan Sekaden in Surakarta: Gamelan Sekaden in Surakarta is not only played during Eid al-Adha but also before Eid al-Fitr and Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. During Eid al-Ad celebrations, the gamelan is played after the Eid prayer. This tradition, which blends Javanese culture and Islamic teachings, involves playing two sacred gamelan sets, Kyai Guntur Madu and Kyai Gunts Sari, in the courtyard of Surakarta’s Grand Mosque.
Greb Gunungan in Yogyakarta: Greb Gunungan is processions of mountains of agricultural produce, such vegetables, fruits, and snacks, symbolising the sultan’s alms on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. After prayers by the royal court’s Kyai Penghulu, the public traditionally compete to collect these offerings.
Manten Sapi in Pasuruan: Manten Sapi, a tradition observed a day before Eid al-Adha in Pasuruan, East Java, involves bathing and adorning sacrificial cattle like a bridegroom. This practice honours the animals and preserves local cultural heritage.
Toron and Nyalasi in Madura: Toron, meaning ’ returning’, and Nyalasi, a term for ’ grave visiting’, are traditions observed before Eid al-Adha. Toron also refers to the peak of ’ mudik’ ( homecoming) one or two days before Eid al-Adha, aimed at honouring elders, visiting ancestral graves, and performing communal sacrifices with extended family.
Mepe Kasur in Banyuwangi: Mepe Kasur is a unique tradition of the Osing ethnic community in Kemiren Village, Glagah subdistrict, Banyuwangi, East Java, performed annually on the 1st of Dhul-Hijjah. The community simultaneously air dry their mattresses on this date. This tradition, passed down generations, is part of ’ bersih desa’ ( village cleansing) or a ritual to ward off illness and maintain household harmony.
Accera Kalompoang in Gowa: Accera Kalompoang in Gowa, South Sulawesi, is a sacred annual ritual held at Balla Lompoa Museum. This ceremony involves purifying sacred artifacts and heirlooms of the Gowa kingdom. The highlight is the ceremonial washing of heirlooms with holy water and the weighing of Saloka ( a 1,768-gram diamond-coated golden crown). An increase in weight is believed to bring prosperity, while a decrease is seen as an ominous sign.
Kaul Negeri and Abdau in Central Maluku: Kaul Negeri and Abdau originate from Tulehu Village, Central Maluku. This tradition involves processions of three goats by community and religious leaders after Eid prayer, circling the village before arriving at Nurul Islam Tulehu Grand Mosque. The goats are then slaughtered. It symbolises devotion to God and community unity.
Ari Kaut in Raja Ampat: Ari Kaut is a ritual in Lilinta Village, West Misool District, Raja Ampat, West Papua. This ceremony combines religious values with respect for marine nature. Before slaughter, sacrificial animals undergo special rituals: bathed by religious figures, wrapped in white cloth, and adorned with a ’ crown’ symbolising dignity. The process is rooted in community cooperation and concludes with a shared meal to strengthen coastal community bonds.