The "Tudang Manre Sipulung" Tradition Unites Communities in Pontianak

RRI.CO.ID, Pontianak - The rich aroma of traditional Bugis cuisine filled the air at the Ibis Hotel on Jalan Ahmad Yani this Sunday, March 8, 2026, as hundreds gathered for the Tudang Manre Sipulung. Organized by the West Kalimantan Bugis Communication Forum, this communal dining tradition has become a vital cultural fixture in Pontianak, serving as a bridge between communities during the holy month of Ramadan.

Derived from the Bugis language, tudang means to sit, manre means to eat, and sipulung means together. Far more than a mere banquet, the event is a profound symbol of brotherhood and gratitude, where participants sit cross-legged on long white cloths to share stories and break their fast as equals.

The event opened with the rhythmic sounds and movements of traditional Bugis music and dance, setting a solemn yet celebratory tone before the breaking of the fast. As the sun set, an array of iconic culinary heritage was served, offering a sensory journey to the Bugis ancestral lands.

The spread featured classic appetizers such as jalangkote, doko-doko, and bolu peca. For the main course, guests enjoyed burasa, lepat lau, and coto Makassar, accompanied by the warmth of Toraja Sapan and Seko coffee. The meal concluded with the refreshing sweetness of es pisang ijo and saraba, ensuring a complete immersion into the flavors of South Sulawesi.

For the Bugis diaspora in West Kalimantan, these dishes are more than food; they are vessels of identity. The Mayor of Pontianak, Edi Rusdi Kamtono, praised the tradition for reflecting the "sipakatau, sipakatalebbi, sipakainge" philosophy, the Bugis values of treating others with humanity, respect, and mutual reminders of goodness.

“Pontianak is a city inhabited by various tribes and cultures. Traditions like Tudang Manre Sipulung show how culture can be a glue for brotherhood while enriching the lives of the community,” Mayor Edi said, as quoted by Antara.

He noted that the event perfectly encapsulates the spirit of gotong-royong (mutual cooperation) that defines the region.

As the call to prayer echoed through the hall, the distinctions of social status vanished. Participants ate together without barriers, proving that even amidst rapid urban modernization, local traditions remain a cornerstone of social life in Pontianak.

“In addition to preserving tradition, this activity also strengthens silaturahmi (communal bonds) and sharing with others, especially since it is carried out in the blessed month of Ramadan,” Edi added. ***