Lufu Kie: A Majestic Maritime Legacy Celebrated at Tidore’s 918th Anniversary

RRI.CO,ID, Tidore - The waters surrounding Tidore Island transformed into a grand stage for history on Thursday, April 9, 2026, as the Lufu Kie ritual marked the 918th anniversary of Tidore, North Maluku Province. This storied tradition, which involves a ceremonial circumnavigation of the island by a fleet of traditional vessels, continues to serve as a powerful testament to the enduring cultural and historical legacy of the Tidore Sultanate.

Rooted in the military brilliance of Sultan Saifuddin, known as Jou Kota, Lufu Kie originated as a strategic naval display designed to project the Sultanate's maritime prowess and deter Dutch colonial forces. Today, the ritual has evolved into a sacred ceremony of remembrance and regional pride.

The proceedings commenced at the Sultanate’s Palace (Kedaton), with the Sultan of Tidore and the Queen (Jou Boki) leading a procession to the royal pier. They were joined by the Deputy Mayor of Tidore Kepulauan, Ahmad Laiman, and various high-ranking regional officials, signaling a strong synergy between the modern government and traditional leadership.

The maritime formation featured the Kagunga, the Sultanate's primary vessel, escorted by 12 Juanga or Kora-Kora (war boats) from the Sangaji and Gimalaha regions. This specific formation is a living mirror of the ancient administrative structure and naval strength that once defined Tidore's influence in the spice-rich waters of Maluku.

Beyond its display of strength, Lufu Kie is deeply imbued with spiritual significance. As the fleet rounded the island, imams and religious officials of the Sultanate offered prayers at several sacred sites, including the Keramat Hiri waters off Ternate. These prayers seek blessings for the land and honor the spirits of ancestors who guarded the island for centuries.

The event saw immense local participation, characterized by overwhelming public enthusiasm as crowds of residents lined the coastlines of Tidore Island to cheer for the royal fleet as it passed. This was complemented by a strong sense of administration synergy, with heads of regional departments and sub-district leaders following the procession in speedboats to reinforce their collective responsibility in preserving local heritage.

Ultimately, the celebration holds significant educational value, serving as a vital bridge for the younger generation to connect with their identity as descendants of a great maritime power. By witnessing these traditions firsthand, the youth are encouraged to carry forward the historical legacy that defines the Sultanate's enduring cultural strength.

Through the successful execution of Lufu Kie, the Tidore Kepulauan City Administration reaffirms its dedication to protecting ancestral traditions. By keeping these rituals alive, Tidore ensures that its historical identity remains a vibrant part of the modern Indonesian cultural landscape.

The Lufu Kie ritual is a symbol of cultural preservation, bridging the gap between the historical might of the Sultanate and the modern community. By recreating the naval strategies used by ancestors to deter invaders, the people of Tidore honor their heroic past while celebrating their present unity.

Furthermore, the administration views this ceremony as a strategic cultural asset, aiming to introduce Tidore’s rich history to the wider world. The participation of both traditional leaders and local officials ensures that these maritime legacies continue to flourish as a core part of the region's identity for generations to come. ***