Opening Ceremony of the Silek Penyudon Sidah Batabuh Dusun Baru Event

Opening Ceremony of the Silek Penyudon Sidah Batabuh Dusun Baru Event
Dusun Baru Tabir, April 10, 2025

Silek Penyudon is a hereditary tradition of the 60 Segalo Batin Indigenous Community, descendants of the former Marga Batin V Tabir. It remains preserved as a form of cultural heritage and local wisdom. Held annually during Eid al-Fitr, this tradition symbolizes the “closing” of the festive period, as explained by one of the traditional leaders in Tabir.

This year’s event resulted from 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 Rumah Tuo Rantau Panjang Panjang Traditional Village cultural site.

The event was officially opened by Abdul Khafid, Deputy Regent of Merangin. In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for the implementation of the Silek Penyudon Sidah Batabuh Dusun Baru cultural and traditional arts program. He emphasized that such efforts are vital in encouraging public interest and enthusiasm—especially among the younger generation—to preserve and practice culture and tradition in everyday life.
The community of Dusun Baru Village, Tabir District, is one of the Indigenous groups in Merangin Regency that continues to uphold ancestral customs across generations. This is aligned with the Merangin Regency Government’s policy to strengthen local culture as a key pillar of sustainable development. With the designation of the Merangin Jambi Geopark as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network, it becomes a shared responsibility to protect and develop cultural heritage through daily practice and the preservation of local wisdom.

Agus, General Manager of Merangin Jambi Geopark, expressed his gratitude to all supporting agencies and stakeholders who contributed to the event. “Without realizing it, building a Geopark is essentially the same as building a sustainable Merangin,” he said. He conveyed deep appreciation to the Sanggar Seni Jerambah Patah community and the people of Tabir, who enthusiastically participated and prepared the event long before Ramadan began. At the end of the ceremony, he reminded everyone of the importance of preserving existing cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

The event concluded with the Tabir Tekuluk Parade and vibrant art and cultural performance, which featured warm interaction between the Deputy Regent and the entire Tabir community in attendance.