BMKG Asks Residents To Be Alert When Doing The 'Balimau' Bath Tradition Ahead Of Fasting

River illustration/ Photo: Antara

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) appealed to residents who usually follow the tradition of "balimau" or bathing ahead of Ramadan to be aware of potential disasters in rivers and waters in West Sumatra. "Our appeal is that people avoid activities in rivers and stay away from water locations when heavy rains occur with long durations," said Padang Pariaman Meteorological Station Observation and Information Coordinator Yuda Nugraha, Antara, Wednesday, March 22. He said residents need to know signs that indicate the possibility of a disaster, especially in the waters. "Rains that occur in the upstream and watersheds around the river also need to see signs, such as river water starting to become cloudy which indicates we need to stay away from river bodies," he said. He revealed that there is still potential for rain in the afternoon and evening in the central West Sumatra, including the City of Bukittinggi and its surroundings. "Regarding weather conditions, we see that there is still potential for rain in the central part of West Sumatra, especially in the afternoon and evening including in Agam and Bukittinggi," he said. According to him, disaster risks can always be avoided and avoid coming to vulnerable locations.

"Like the Minangkabau saying, Maminteh sabalin is ayuik, on the sabalun lapuak floor, ingek-ingek sabalung kanai, which means that we are always careful and alert to threatening dangers from nature," he said. The Balimau tradition has become a habit of the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra ahead of Ramadan doing self-cleaning in rivers or lakes and other waters. "Incidentally, today's calendar is off before Ramadan, office activities are off, I can bring Balimau family bathing even though it's very crowded," said a resident, Ningsih (34). He said that apart from bathing, one day before Ramadan also had time to stay in touch with relatives. "Lastly, it's also time to let go of my lunch tastes before holding it for a full month," he said.