Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Mount Tangkuban Parahu Nature Park in Subang, West Java, hosted the 17th Ngertakeun Bumi Lamba ceremony on Sunday (June 22, 2025), a traditional Sundanese ritual celebrating gratitude for nature and the divine.
Thousands of participants from across Indonesia, representing diverse Indigenous communities, ethnic groups, and religions gathered, honoring nature and unity among diverse communities across Indonesia.
The event is part of the annual Sabuana Nusantara tradition and featured representatives from Java, Kalimantan, Papua, Nusa Tenggara, and Bali. Clad in traditional attire, they came together in gratitude to the Almighty for the earth that sustains life.
The ceremony took place at the foot of Mount Tangkuban Parahu, a site considered sacred by the Sundanese people and long revered as a symbol of fertility.
The ritual was led by a traditional spiritual leader and symbolized deep gratitude for the environment. the ceremony featured the sacred ngalung sesajen ritual, where offerings are presented to nature and ancestors in a gesture of reverence and respect.
Thousands of attendees from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds joined the ceremony, reinforcing its core message: tolerance, harmony, and collective stewardship of nature.
More than a cultural tradition, Ngertakeun Bumi Lamba Ceremony has evolved into a platform for preserving Indigenous wisdom and nurturing national unity.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the event also featured traditional arts performances, interfaith prayers, and agricultural exhibitions showcasing the blessings of the land. It stood as a powerful reminder of Indonesia’s rich diversity and the shared responsibility to protect the environment.
Read Also:
Copenhagen Tops the Rank of World Most Liveable Cities, Ending Vienna’s Three-Year Reign
“This annual ritual is our way of offering prayers and seeking peace from the Almighty, while also calling on the younger generation to actively safeguard the environment,” said event chair Rakean Radite Wiranatakusumah.
He emphasized that youth must play a critical role in halting environmental degradation, particularly around Mount Tangkuban Parahu.
“This moment is about building environmental awareness so that Mount Tangkuban Parahu becomes a hub for preservation efforts in the future,” he added.
Graha Kaban, manager of the nature park, echoed this sentiment. “We fully support cultural events like this. It’s a meaningful fusion of tradition and conservation, and it promotes both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.”
(Raidi/Agung)
