Closing Ceremony of the Silek Penyudon Sidah Batabuh Dusun Baru Event

Closing Ceremony of the Silek Penyudon Sidah Batabuh Dusun Baru Event
Dusun Baru Tabir, April 12, 2025

Silek Penyudon is a hereditary tradition of the 60 Segalo Batin Indigenous Community, descendants of the former Marga Batin V Tabir. This tradition has been preserved and practiced until today and is held annually on the tenth day of Eid al-Fitr. Silek Penyudon symbolizes the "closing" of the Eid celebration and is regarded as a cultural heritage and ancestral wisdom passed down through generations, as explained by one of Tabir’s traditional leaders.

This year’s event, which ran for three days from April 10 to 12, 2025, was a collaboration between the Merangin Jambi Geopark and the Jerambah Patah Art Studio. It took place at the Sidah Batabuh Old House (Umah Nan Batino) in Dusun Baru, Tabir District—part of the cultural heritage unit of the Rumah Tuo Rantau Panjang Panjang Traditional Village.

In his speech, the Regent of Merangin, H. M. Syukur, S.H., M.H., praised Rantau Panjang for being one of the most consistent communities in preserving its cultural traditions. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that Silek Penyudon and its historical values are understood and continued by the next generation so that the tradition remains sustainable.

The Regent also expressed his admiration for the women and amai-amai of Rantau Panjang who consistently wear traditional sarongs as part of their everyday attire. Recognizing their dedication to local identity, he announced a plan to support local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in Tabir District to begin producing batik as part of strengthening the local economy and promoting cultural sustainability.
This initiative aligns with the government's broader vision of cultural preservation as a pillar of sustainable development, especially now that the Merangin Regency has been officially designated as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network.

The event concluded with the awarding of trophies and certificates for the Merangin regional song competition, as well as certificates of appreciation for the Dusun Baru sub-district, the heirs of the Sidah Batabuh Old House, and the Jerambah Patah Art Studio. The closing ceremony was enriched by a series of traditional performances, including the Tabir Tekuluk Parade, Ubon Pih Betutua, Batandang, and a group photo with the Regent of Merangin.