Getting To Know Bumi's Bubak, The Banyuwangi Farmers Tradition To Welcoming The Plant Season With Gratitude And Hope

JAKARTA - Traditional traditions in various regions in Indonesia are often a reflection of the closeness of society to nature. One of them is Bubak Bumi, a hereditary ceremony that describes the gratitude and prayers of the agrarian people for the land that is the source of their lives.

In the midst of the times, traditions like this remain sustainable and become an important part of the harmony between humans, nature, and the Creator.

This is what can be seen in Sidorejo Village, Purwoharjo District, Banyuwangi Regency, when hundreds of farmers held the Bumi Round ritual as a sign of the start of a new planting season.

Located in the village rice fields, the farmers carry out a joint prayer to express their gratitude for the harvest that has been obtained while at the same time requesting smoothness and blessings for the coming planting season.

"Earthbak is a tradition for farmers when starting their planting period, with the hope that the planting season can run smoothly, avoid disasters and produce abundant harvests," said Acting Head of the Banyuwangi Regency Agriculture and Food Service, Ilham Juanda, in Banyuwangi, as quoted by ANTARA.

This activity was attended by around 300 farmers who are members of the Water User Farmers Association (HIPPA) throughout Banyuwangi. In an atmosphere full of togetherness, they followed a joint prayer led by local religious leaders, then continued by eating tumpeng rice with residents who were also present at the location.

"This ritual is not just a prayer together to welcome the start of the planting season, but also a means to strengthen togetherness and mutual cooperation among farmers. This cohesiveness is important so that we are stronger in facing various agricultural challenges in the future," said Ilham Juanda.

Apart from having a spiritual and social meaning, the Bubak Bumi tradition is also a momentum to recall the importance of an irrigation system that supports agriculture in the region. Head of the Banyuwangi Regency Waters Department, Reza Al Faharobi, explained that Dam K Stail, which had been established since before 1953, played an important role in maintaining the sustainability of the local agricultural sector.

"Dam K Stail serves water needs for agriculture in the 12 villages in the two sub-districts and supports Banyuwangi agriculture," said Reza.

The spirit of mutual cooperation and gratitude that accompanies the tradition of Bubak Bumi, the people of Banyuwangi show that local wisdom is not just cultural heritage, but also an important foundation in maintaining natural balance and life.