Prabowo Wears Minahasa Bentenan Cloth At The National Christmas Celebration

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, attracted public attention when wearing a cloth scar typical of Minahasa, North Sulawesi, at the Peak of the 2024 National Christmas Celebration. The event which took place at the Indonesia Arena Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) was attended by various religious and community leaders from all over Indonesia.

The Jandang Kain Bentenan worn by President Prabowo became a symbol of welcoming his arrival by the Chairperson of the Presidium of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), Mgr. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin. This cloth is not only an accessory, but also brings a deep meaning of culture and history.

Bentenan cloth has a long history and rich cultural value in the lives of the Minahasa people. The name Bentenan itself is taken from a main port in North Sulawesi, which indicates the importance of this cloth in the lives of the local people. In the Minahasa tradition, Bentenan Cloth is used in various traditional ceremonies, ranging from building houses, determining the planting period, to preparing for war.

In addition, Cloth Bentenan also plays an important role in the life cycle ceremony of the Minahasa people. This cloth is used to blanket newborns, as part of a wedding ceremony, to the funeral ceremony. The existence of Bentenan Cloth in various aspects of the life of the Minahasa community shows how important this cloth is in their culture.

Bentenan cloth had disappeared and was not produced for more than two centuries. However, efforts to preserve archipelago wastra have succeeded in reviving this cloth. Now, Bentenan cloth is commercially produced and is one of the superior products of North Sulawesi. In its manufacture, Bentenan cloth uses natural dyes from local plants such as Taun, Lelenu, Sangket, and Sembak Lenu trees, which strengthen the uniqueness and authenticity of this cloth.

The beauty of Bentenan Cloth is also reflected in a variety of diverse motifs. Some of the well-known motifs include Tonilama, Kokoera, Pinatikan, Sinoi, Tinontom Mata, Tinompak Kuda, and Kaiwu Patola. Each motif has a philosophical meaning that is rich and reflects the creativity of the Minahasa people. The existence of these motifs is not onlyautified with cloth, but also carries deep cultural messages.

Wearing Bentenan Cloth, President Prabowo also expressed his appreciation for the archipelago wastra and reappointed pride in Indonesia's cultural wealth. In his remarks, President Prabowo conveyed the importance of preserving local culture and traditions as part of the nation's identity.

"Kain Bentenan is an example of Indonesian cultural wealth that we must preserve and be proud of. Through cultural preservation, we can strengthen the nation's identity and enrich cultural heritage for future generations," said President Prabowo.

National Christmas Celebration 2024

The peak of the 2024 National Christmas Celebration at the Indonesia Arena GBK was lively with various series of events. In addition to performing arts and culture, this event is also filled with joint prayers and peace messages from various religious leaders. The presence of President Prabowo and religious leaders in this celebration shows the spirit of togetherness and tolerance among religious believers in Indonesia.

This event is also an important moment to strengthen brotherhood and strengthen the spirit of gotong royong in the community. "This National Christmas celebration is a tangible manifestation of our togetherness and unity as a nation. Let's maintain and maintain this spirit in everyday life," added President Prabowo.

Wearing Minahasa Clothing, President Prabowo Subianto not only expressed his appreciation for Indonesia's cultural wealth, but also reminded us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The 2024 National Christmas Celebration is a moment full of meaning and togetherness, strengthening the spirit of unity and tolerance in Indonesian society.