Message of Tolerance from the Hikayat Lebaran Topat in Mataram

The couple Lalu Randi (15) and Surya Rahmanto (18), as well as Firmansyah (12) and Zulpratama (13), who were each wearing their traditional costumes, immediately sprang into action.

The Barongsai from Sanggar Vamos Rinjani moved agilely following the beat of the drum and simba. They occasionally jumped to entertain guests and visitors at Makam Bintaro.

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After performing a gesture of respect, the two lion dance performers accompanied Mohan and his entourage as they entered the cemetery area. They then resumed their performance until the sound of the drums and cymbals came to a halt.

Silence only lasted for a moment. After the tambourines and simbas, it was the turn of the Gendang Beleq players from SMPN 10 Mataram to perform. The sound of the full drum instruments - kenceng, oncer, gong, and rincik - dominated the arena. The bright morning became more lively as the players, mostly students of SMPN 10 Mataram, played Gendang Beleq while swaying.

After the Gendang Beleq performance, three women dressed in traditional clothing from Bayan, North Lombok, appeared. They presented the Kembang Sembah, a creative dance inspired by the customs and traditions of the Sasak community.

The dancers from Sanggar Denda Anjani carried trays containing betel leaves. They then moved agilely to the accompanying music. Their movements and expressions depicted a sense of joy and happiness in welcoming guests. This dance is indeed a welcoming and honoring dance for distinguished guests.

After the Kembang Sembah ritual, the guests including the Mayor of Mataram went to visit the Bintaro Tomb. Several religious figures and clerics, including Habib Husen bin Umar Mashur, Syarifah Zahra al-Habsy, and Syech Abdullah al-Badawi are entombed there. All three come from South Yemen and arrived in 1865 to spread the Islamic religion in Lombok.

One canoe

The performances of barongsai, a traditional Chinese art, Gendang Beleq and Tari Kembang Sembah from Lombok, are part of the Hikayat Lebaran Topat Mentaram event at the Bintaro Cemetery.

The Story of Lebaran Topat Mentaram is an annual routine activity carried out in conjunction with Lebaran Ketupat or Syawalan. This tradition is held after fasting for six days in the beginning of the month of Shawwal, or after Eid al-Fitr. In Mataram, in addition to Makam Bintaro, a similar activity takes place at Makam Loang Baloq.

There were various activities in the event which lasted about two hours. Starting from visiting the grave, ngurisan or cutting the baby's hair, remembrance and prayer, then closed by eating ketupat together.

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At first glance, this activity is indeed synonymous with events for Muslims. Especially with the reading of the story about the spread of Islam in Lombok, especially in Mataram. The same goes for other series of events.

However, this event actually brings a message of tolerance between people of different religions and diversity of ethnicities. This diversity is actually a part of daily life in the Mataram community, especially in Ampenan.

Ampenan is a district located on the west coast of Mataram. During the Dutch colonial era, Ampenan became the center of trade and the largest port in Lombok.

This background makes Ampenan not only a home for the Sasak ethnic group or the indigenous people of Lombok, but also for Muslim residents. According to Ampenan district head Muzakir Walad, the area is also inhabited by residents of other ethnic groups, as well as religions besides Islam.

Aside from the Sasak settlement, Ampenan also has various villages, including Melayu, Bali, Chinese, Bugis, Banjar, and Jawa villages. "Ampenan is famous for its diversity, hence the slogan One Boat or Ampenan Community Gathering. The slogan signifies diversity as strength," said Muzakir.

The story of Lebaran Topat Mentaram in Bintaro Cemetery, which is adjacent to the Chinese Ethnic Cemetery Complex, according to Muzakir, is one of the efforts to strengthen diversity and tolerance. In addition to other activities at both the district and community levels.

"This moment also serves as a day of blending. All ethnic groups blend. However, yes, not only today, but other days as well," said Muzakir.

The Chairman of the Laskar Ampenan Forum, Lalu Sapriadi, added that besides the activities such as Hikayat Lebaran Topat, the residents of Ampenan also support each other in other activities.

Ampenan is famous for its diversity, hence the saying "Satu Sampan" or "Silaturahmi Masyarakat Ampenan". This saying means that diversity is a strength.

The atmosphere of eating ketupat together at the Hikayat Lebaran Topat Mentaram event in Makam Bintaro, Ampenan District, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, on Wednesday (17/4/2024). Lebaran Topat or Ketupat is an annual event held by Muslims after fasting for six days at the beginning of the month of Shawwal or after Eid al-Fitr.

"When other religions have events, such as the Hindu Ogoh-ogoh parade, we participate. For example, we contribute materials or funds. Especially since the members of this 25-year-old forum are not only from the Sasak tribe, but also from other tribes and religions. Likewise, the same goes in reverse," said Lalu Sapriadi.

The diversity and tolerance that have been preserved for a long time in Ampenan, according to him, are valuable things. Therefore, they will continue to maintain it.

Agus Santoso, the mentor of the Vamos Rinjani lion dance troupe, expressed his joy because almost every year his group can participate. Furthermore, lion dance art has also been accepted as part of the Ampenan community.

"In essence, we respect each other. Our presence also supports today's event," said Agus, who comes from Java and has been living in Ampenan for over 20 years.

Also read: Can't Wait for the Dishes and Excursions during Eid Ketupat in Lombok

We have a very valuable investment, which is well-maintained tolerance. Our spirit of mutual complementation and fulfillment is an asset in building the city of Mataram.

Luh Eka Sari (49), who was also a member of the organizing committee for Hikayat Lebaran Topat, expressed a similar sentiment. "From our perspective as a minority, diversity is beautiful, as long as we can adapt wherever we are," said Eka, who works in the Ampenan District on a daily basis.

Mohan Roliskan also assessed that the Hikayat Lebaran Topat is not only a moment of friendship between Muslims, but also unites across religions.

"We have a very valuable investment, which is well-maintained tolerance. Our spirit to complement each other is a capital to build the city of Mataram," said Mohan.

Diversity and tolerance are indeed beautiful. As valuable assets for development, diversity and tolerance must be constantly maintained and strengthened. The community of Ampenan has embodied this, including through the Hikayat Lebaran Topat Mentaram.