Popas Lipu: A Traditional Ceremony of the Bacan Sultanate
The Bacan Sultanate in South Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, has a tradition called Popas Lipu. This tradition serves as a historical tracing (napak tilas) of the Bacan Sultanate's capital.
Popas Lipu literally means 'circumnavigating the village' or 'going around the village'. Its main purpose is to ask the Creator for protection, so that the village is free from epidemics, calamities, and disasters.
The implementation of this tradition begins with a prayer recitation at the Bacan Sultanate Mosque. After that, traditional elders will pass through locations referred to as "four gates," starting from the West, then East, North, and finally towards the South of the village.
Besides the traditional elders, the Popas Lipu tradition is also joined by the indigenous community, community associations, social organizations, and youth figures. This signifies Popas Lipu as a tradition to strengthen camaraderie among people and to maintain harmony.
This tradition, performed to welcome the Islamic New Year, is not only a form of gratitude from the servants to the Creator. However, the tradition of going around the village also reflects that a leader must always observe his people closely.
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