Kepaon Muslim Village Retains Balinese Traditions

Denpasar, Bali - Hundreds of residents from Kepaon village in Denpasar rushed to the centuries-old Al Muhajirin Mosque to break their fast last week.

Last Thursday was a special day for the villagers as it fell on the 20th day of Ramadan, when they perform the megibung (communal dining) tradition.

Megibung is an ancient tradition practiced by both Hindu and Muslim communities and symbolizes togetherness and joy.

Abdul Gani, the leader of Kepaon village, explained that people gather in the mosque three times during the Ramadan month to eat together in the megibung tradition.

"During Ramadan, we usually recite the Koran and we have to finish reading it. On the tenth, the twentieth and the last day of Ramadan we celebrate by eating together," Gani said.

When they finish reading the Koran, the villagers celebrate by performing the megibung tradition. To perform megibung, the villagers prepare dishes and share them with other residents at the mosque.

The local residents prepare a large variety of dishes cooked in traditional Balinese styles as well as cookies, deserts and beverages.

They arrange the dishes beautifully on several large plates and each groups eats from the same plate.

"This (megibung) is a symbol of unity. It is expected that we will always be together as brothers and sisters," Gani explained. Every family cooks their specialties.

On that Thursday night, the plates were filled with ayam plecing, roasted chicken cooked in hot spices combined with satay, and barbequed chicken topped with coconut sauce.

Other plates displayed fried chicken with urab and mixed vegetables topped with grated coconut.

"We are so happy to prepare food for everybody in the village," exclaimed a woman from the village.

Kepaon village residents, mostly Muslims, live side by side with their Hindu neighbors.

There are many versions of the origins of the Kepaon villagers.

One version explains that Muslim traders from the Bugis ethnic group from South Sulawesi built the village.

Other versions claim that traders from Madura and Palembang in South Sumatra built the village centuries ago.

The Madura version focuses on Raden Suryodiningrat, a noble man from Madura, who together with his followers arrived in Bali to help support the Badung Royal family of Puri (Palace) Pemecutan to fight against the Mengwi Kingdom.

With the help of the Madurese Prince, Puri Pemecutan regained power.

In a show of gratitude, the Hindu King of Pemecutan allowed the prince to reside on the island.

He provided a plot of land near Denpasar, which later became Kepaon village.

The King also gave permission to the prince to marry his beloved daughter, who then converted to Islam. Ni Komang Erviani

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com
Photo: http://foto.detik.com

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