Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Amid the bustling city of Jakarta, a unique Christmas tradition persists, offering a cultural insight into the city’s diverse heritage. Known as Rabo-Rabo, this Christmas tradition, rooted in the Portuguese ancestry of Kampung Tugu in North Jakarta, brings the community together through music, dance, and forgiveness.
Rabo-Rabo is a cherished tradition in Kampung Tugu, North Jakarta, observed annually in the Christmas. The name Rabo-Rabo is derived from the Portuguese word rabo, meaning “to follow.” The tradition reflects this concept as residents join a growing procession, moving from house to house to celebrate Christmas.
This unique practice, upheld by the Christian descendants of Portuguese settlers, begins after a Christmas service at the local church, followed by visits to nearby cemeteries to honor ancestors.
Christmas Celebration
The procession starts at the church, with participants visiting each house in the village. At every stop, the group sings Keroncong traditional music and dances with the residents of the visited homes.
In a gesture of goodwill, the hosts greet visitors with apologies and then join the procession, which grows larger as it moves to the next house. This cycle continues until the last home is visited, creating a communal experience akin to the Islamic tradition of halal bihalal during Eid.
Rabo-Rabo also includes European-inspired customs such as cheek-kissing as a sign of goodwill and, occasionally, sharing a drink. These elements reflect Kampung Tugu’s deep ties to its Portuguese heritage, maintained by the community for generations.
Study Finds Air Fryers Produce the Least Air Pollution Than Other Cooking Methods
The celebration culminates in a ritual known as mandi-mandi, where participants playfully draw on each other’s faces with white powder. This act symbolizes forgiveness, the cleansing of sins, and the hope of starting the New Year with a fresh and pure spirit.
In a metropolis often defined by its fast-paced, modern lifestyle, traditions like Rabo-Rabo offer a glimpse into Jakarta’s multicultural history. For Kampung Tugu’s residents, this annual celebration is more than a festive event; it is a testament to their enduring commitment to heritage, community, and cultural identity.
Through Rabo-Rabo, the spirit of Christmas takes on a uniquely Indonesian flavor, blending faith, culture, and joy in one of Jakarta’s most vibrant traditions.
(Raidi/Agung)
