TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - People of Kepaon Muslim Village, Denpasar, crowd Al-Muhajirin Mosque after maghrib prayer to take the streets for a takbir parade ahead of Eid al-Fitr. The Hindu community also participated in the event. Dozens of teenagers of the neighborhood (known as banjar) of Tangkas Village, Pemogan Native Village performed the traditional baleganjur before the parade started.
Tangkas Village chief I Wayan Wardana said villagers have been performing baleganjur art on Eid takbir nights for a long time to show togetherness. "It’s not about being interested or not, but it’s a legacy that has become a tradition. Even though I’m a Hindu, I’m very comfortable with participating in the event," he said yesterday, June 24.
He talked about the mutual relationships between Hindus and Muslims in Kepaon Village. Wardana explained that when Hindu holidays are held, Kepaon Muslim villagers will also perform their Rodat dance.
Read: Police Urge Jakarta Residents to Not Perform Takbiran Parade
Kepaon Muslim Village in South Denpasar Sub-district is a banjar in Pemogan Village. Every banjar, mostly house Hindus, takes turn performing baleganjur on takbir nights every year. This year, the banjar of Tangkas Village participated in takbiran night.
"It’s part of our diversity in which we compliment each other. It shows our solidarity in pluralism," Kepaon Muslim Village chief Muhammad Asmara. He added that the village hosts 854 families.
Before the takbir parade was commenced, Puri Pemecutan King Anak Agung Ngurah Manik Parasara, holding the title Ida Cokorda Pemecutan XI, met all Kepaon villagers. Ahead of annual Eid al-Fitr celebration, Ida Cokorda always bid farewell to the takbir parade participants.
"It’s not about routines, the spirit must get even stronger every year. We are here, Muslims and Hindus, to get the blessing from God," Ida Cokorda addressed Kepaon Muslim Village.
Puri Pemecutan is the ruler of Badung Kingdom. The brotherhood between Hindus and Muslims have been established for centuries. It started when Puri Pemecutan ancestor, Gusti Ayu Made Rai, married to Prince Cakraningrat IV of Madura, a Muslim. Following the marriage, Gusti Ayu Made Rai converted to Islam. She changed her name to Raden Ayu Siti Khodijah. Centuries ago, the ancestors of Kepaon Muslim Village are soldiers of Badung Kingdom.
"Muslims are never missing in the struggle [for independence]. We are protecting all, Hindus and Muslims who have had close relationships for hundreds of years, let’s fight [to preserve it]," said Ida Cokorda.
The parade started from Al-Muhajirin Mosque to the north around the village. Children bore torches while belting takbir.
BRAM SETIAWAN
