West Bangka Regency Government Relives Cultural-valued Mass Sunatan Tradition

The participants while participating in the procession took a bath together in the river during a series of mass circumcision traditions (khitan) which were held generations of residents of Ranggiasam Village, Jebus District. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The tradition of mass circumcision in Bangka Belitung, especially in West Bangka Regency, is not just a medical activity, but also an important part of the cultural heritage and social values of the community.

In a number of villages, this final practice is accompanied by a series of traditional ceremonies and thanksgiving full of meaning, showing the close relationship between religion, culture, and togetherness of the citizens.

The West Bangka Regency Government continues to encourage the preservation of the tradition of mass circumcision as a tangible form of local culture promotion. The Deputy Regent of West Bangka, Yus Derahman, said that this activity is not only spiritually important, but also contains educational value for the younger generation in order to understand the importance of preserving local wisdom.

Some villages in our area still maintain mass circumcision as a tradition. We support the initiative of citizens and communities to preserve it, because this is part of a cultural identity that is inherited," he said in Mentok, as quoted by ANTARA.

Of the total 66 villages and sub-districts in West Bangka, there are 11 villages that are still routinely carrying out mass circumcision traditions. One of them is Ranggiasam Village in Jebus District, which recently held mass circumcision which was attended by 26 children.

The procession begins with a prayer together at the Baitul Muslim Mosque, followed by a procession to the river to take a bath together before undergoing circumcision. This activity is also enlivened by people's entertainment and inter-citizen visits, creating an atmosphere of togetherness similar to Eid celebrations.

Mass inundation in Ranggiasam Village has become an annual tradition passed down from generation to generation. Apart from being a form of implementation of Islamic law, this activity also strengthens the value of mutual cooperation and social solidarity among residents.

"We want this tradition to live. This is not only a matter of circumcision, but also about building a spirit of togetherness and forming a healthy and moral generation character," said Yus Derahman.

The head of Ranggiasam Village, Hadiyanto, added that this tradition is a sacred moment that has a deep meaning for the community. We and the residents will continue to organize it so that children can experience this important moment with a deep impression of religious and cultural values," he said.

The mass circumcision tradition in West Bangka is one of 23 customs that have been recorded in the list of regional cultural promotion objects in 2025. Apart from Ranggiasam, mass circumcision is also still being carried out in other villages such as Rukam, Mislak, Ketap, Mayang, Pangek, Peradong, Simpangtiga, Kacung, Seputar, and Kapit.

In addition to the tradition of circumcision, the people of West Bangka consisting of various cultural backgrounds, such as the Malays and Hakka Bangka, also still maintain dozens of other traditions. Among them are wedding wheels,ggung, spirit prayers, mass shavings, tornadoes, village alms, nisfu baths, seven likur, and many more.