Preserving Local Culture Through Lebaran Bekasi

Acting Regent of Bekasi Asep Surya Atmaja has emphasised his commitment to preserving local culture through the organisation of the 8th Lebaran Bekasi at Saung Jajaka, Kampung Gabus, Desa Srijaya, Kecamatan Tambun Utara, last weekend or Saturday (4/4). Asep stated that Bekasi, as a multicultural area with a diverse population from various countries, must still maintain its cultural identity. “Bekasi is multicultural, with migrants from around 48 countries and a population of 3.4 million people. But our culture must not disappear. Lebaran Bekasi is a culture that must be maintained and preserved,” said the Acting Regent in his statement quoted on Monday (6/4). According to him, traditions such as ‘nyorog’ or visiting elders are important values that must be passed down from generation to generation so as not to be eroded by the passage of time. As a sign of seriousness, the Bekasi Regency Government plans to allocate routine funding for the Lebaran Bekasi activities so that they can continue to be held every year. “In the future, we will budget it routinely, because this is part of the culture that we must maintain so that it does not disappear,” he stressed. In addition, he also outlined several strategic steps being implemented, from improving the licensing system, organising spillover markets, to enhancing regional financial transparency. He emphasised the importance of collaboration among all parties in developing the region. “I am not Superman, but we must become a superteam. All elements must be involved in building Bekasi,” he said. Meanwhile, Lebaran Bekasi Committee Chairman Damin Sada explained that the event has been running for eight years and originated from concerns about the fading of local culture. “This started from concerns so that Bekasi’s customs and culture do not disappear. Lebaran Bekasi becomes a forum for silaturahmi, both among families, neighbours, and the wider community,” said the man who is also Chairman of Jajaka Nusantara. He assessed that the tradition of direct silaturahmi has irreplaceable value amid current technological developments. “If the culture disappears, then what is our identity as Bekasi people? Therefore, it must continue to be promoted so that it remains alive,” he stressed. Damin also welcomed the local government’s plan to budget for the Lebaran Bekasi activities routinely. According to him, that support is very important for the sustainability of cultural preservation. “If from the beginning it was our hope to have budget support. The important thing is that this activity continues to run and gets better in the future,” he added. He also invited all elements of society to maintain unity and strengthen togetherness amid various challenges faced. “We must unite, not divide. With silaturahmi like this, the relationship between the community and leaders can become even closer,” said Damin.