The new year 2025 is just days away. The new year is also a special moment that is awaited and celebrated around the world, and Indonesia is no exception. Indonesia, with its rich culture and traditions, has a unique way of welcoming the end of the year. Here are some unique New Year celebration traditions in various regions in Indonesia, as reported by various sources.
Mandok Hata
This tradition is carried out by the Batak people on New Year’s Eve, and usually starts at 00.00 in the morning at the turn of the year. Quoted from Kumparan, in Batak language, mandok hata means speaking in public. This tradition is followed by all family members, and is carried out in turns from young to old. Mandok Hata is the right moment for each family member to convey whatever they want to say, be it gratitude, complaints and apologies, as well as to introspect with each other.
Badendang Rotang
The tradition of welcoming the new year in Maluku is known as Badendang Rotang. This tradition itself is a combination of two events namely “Badendang Tradition” and “Hela Rotan Tradition”. Badendang is a tradition of dancing and singing together in Maluku society which is usually done after 12 pm. This activity is usually done to unite two families in a wedding ceremony. Meanwhile, according to the Kemendikbudristek website, Hela Rotan means the tradition of making a long rope made of rattan and will later be used to play a kind of tug-of-war. Therefore, this tradition is a form of community unity. This tradition is a value that must be maintained by indigenous people to maintain and strengthen brotherly relations.
After the rattan has been woven or coated, it is placed in the middle of the main street of the local area. The next day, a series of eating together or patita events are carried out after a full day of undergoing this tradition. Eating together or patita symbolizes the bond of brotherhood around a simple long dining table with a coconut leaf mat.
Traditional Arts
On the island of Java, especially in the Surakarta area, New Year’s Eve celebrations are filled with various traditional arts, such as gamelan, dance, keroncong, and shadow puppet shows. Apart from being an entertainment event, the traditional arts performed to welcome the new year are also a means to attract visitors and provide an opportunity for people or tourists who are visiting Surakarta to get to know Indonesian traditional arts.
With unique and diverse traditions, the end of the year in Indonesia is a meaningful moment that is anticipated by all levels of society. This spirit of togetherness reflects the beautiful cultural harmony in this country. Happy New Year!
