The recent Festival Becatuk Dauh, held from February 25 to 27, 2025, at Alun-Alun Ratu Zalecha in Martapura, Indonesia, showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Banjar community. This annual event is marked by its central tradition of drum beating, which holds significant cultural and religious meaning for the local populace.
According to the Assistant Economy and Development of Pemkab Banjar, Ikhwansyah, the festival serves multiple important purposes. Among these, he emphasized the need to preserve and maintain the diverse cultural traditions and religious practices integral to Banjar identity. "Kegiatan ini untuk menjaga dan memelihara keberagaman budaya serta tradisi religius yang menjadi identitas masyarakat Banjar," he stated during the opening ceremony.
The event was officially inaugurated by Ikhwansyah, who represented the Bupati Banjar, H Saidi Mansyur. The festival's opening was marked by the ceremonial beating of the drum—a local tradition known as 'bacatuk dauh.' Several dignitaries were present, including members of the local government and representatives from various community organizations, all coming together to celebrate this significant cultural gathering.
An important aspect of the festival is reinforcing community values and religious sentiments as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan approaches. Ikhwansyah noted, "Kami berupaya untuk mengingatkan dan mengembalikan nilai-nilai yang terkandung dalam tradisi memukul beduk agar anak cucu nanti dapat terus mengenal dan menghargai kekayaan budaya yang telah diwariskan oleh para pendahulu.” This highlights the festival's commitment to future generations, ensuring they recognize and appreciate their cultural heritage.
This year, the festival has attracted 29 participant groups from various villages and districts within Banjar, each bringing unique interpretations and performances focused on drum beating. The theme for this year's event is 'Dengan Melestarikan Budaya Banjar, Masyarakat Becatuk Dauh.' This theme encapsulates the initiative's spirit, aiming to invigorate cultural awareness and pride among the local community.
"Festival ini juga menjadi wadah untuk menguatkan karakter dan kehidupan masyarakat yang agamis," remarked Irwan Jaya, the head of the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports, and Tourism (Disbudporapar) Banjar, emphasizing how the festival fosters not only cultural appreciation but also religious and communal unity.
The grand finale of the Festival Becatuk Dauh is scheduled for the middle of Ramadan, promising to be a vibrant conclusion to three days of cultural festivities. The winners will compete for the coveted Bupati Banjar trophy, which carries not only recognition but also prize money aimed at supporting community development initiatives.
Overall, the Festival Becatuk Dauh exemplifies the Banjar community's dedication to its cultural practices. From promoting unity to ensuring the cultural literacy of younger generations, this festival stands as a powerful reminder of the strength found within community bonds and the importance of honoring one's heritage. The continued efforts by officials like Ikhwansyah and Irwan Jaya reflect the commitment to keep these traditions alive for many years to come.