Palembang, The Indonesia Post – The Governor of South Sumatra, H. Herman Deru, attended the commemoration of the Islamic New Year 1447 Hijriah, which included the traditional earth offering (sedekah bumi), or ruwat desa (village cleansing), at Latar Angkringan Devi Susanto, Air Batu Village, Banyuasin. (Sunday, July 13, 2025)
Governor HD expressed his high appreciation to the committee and the Air Batu community for their continued dedication to preserving and preserving local culture. He stated that the ruwat desa (village cleansing) is not merely a tradition, but also a means of fostering relationships, strengthening the values of mutual cooperation, and serving as a means of cultural education for the younger generation.
“This activity can certainly have a positive impact, including fostering relationships. Through this activity, the committee brings together all villagers from all their busy schedules so they can gather at least once a year to gather and socialize,” said HD.
HD added that amidst the rapid flow of modernization, preserving arts such as wayang (wayang puppetry) is crucial to prevent them from being lost over time. He also urged all parties, especially the Regional Government, to continue playing an active role in preserving and developing local wisdom.
The event, which was funded entirely by community donations, inspired the Governor to provide Rp 10 million in support of cultural preservation. At the end of his remarks, Governor Deru enlivened the atmosphere by singing a song accompanied by traditional gamelan music.
Furthermore, the Governor symbolically presented donations to 100 orphans from around Air Batu Village.
On the same occasion, the Chairperson of the Committee, Devi Susanto, reported that the 1447 H Islamic New Year commemoration was held simultaneously with the annual village cleansing (ruwatan desa) or earth almsgiving (sedekah bumi), a routine activity held in Air Batu Village every year, funded through mutual assistance funds from all Air Batu residents.
“Because our grandfather taught us that preserving culture is an obligation that must be fulfilled. We strive to uphold our obligations as Muslims,” he said. (rys/ril)
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