KBRN, Ende: Ende Regent Yosef Benediktus Badeoda, accompanied by Chairwoman of the Ende Regency Family Empowerment and Welfare Movement Team (TP PKK), Cicih Badeoda, took part in the Pati Ka Du’a Bapu Ata Mata ritual at the Lake Kelimutu area on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Held in Woloara village, the Pati Ka Du’a Bapu Ata Mata ceremony is a revered tradition of the Lio Ende community, symbolizing gratitude and a plea for prosperity by offering food to ancestral spirits.

Deeply rooted in local belief systems, the ritual underscores the central role of traditional leaders, or Mosalaki, who are highly respected as spiritual guides and custodians of cultural heritage.

The ceremony began with the presentation of offerings at Pere Konde, the entrance to the sacred area, signifying a request for permission to enter Kelimutu.

Regent Yosef was then escorted to a traditional house, where he received a ceremonial welcome, or mega, from representatives of 22 Mosalaki.

As part of the welcome, the regent was adorned with a lesu senai, a traditional Lio headband, and a ceremonial sash. “The presentation of the lesu senai marks the regent’s role as Mosalaki Ulu Beu Eko Bewa, or leader of Ende Regency,” explained a Mosalaki representative.

The procession continued to the southern offering altar, located between Tiwu Ata Bupu and Tiwu Nuwa Muri Ko’o Fai.

Participants, including traditional leaders, administration officials, and visitors, wore traditional Ende Lio attire: Lawo Lambu for women and Luka Lesu for men.

A sacred and tranquil atmosphere enveloped the site, with the rhythmic sound of gongs enhancing the ritual’s mystical aura. Offerings included red rice, pork, betel nut, tobacco, and moke, a traditional Ende Lio wine.

To conclude the ceremony, Regent Yosef and the Mosalaki performed the traditional Gawi dance around the offering altar. The ritual is believed to strengthen the spiritual bond between the Ende people, their ancestors, the divine, and the natural world surrounding Lake Kelimutu. ***

Translator: Misni Parjiati

Editor: Lasti Martina