Revival of 'Kenduri Sko' Marks Cultural Continuity in Jambi's Sungai Penuh City

RRI.CO.ID, Sungai Penuh - For the first time in nearly two decades, the sacred Kenduri Sko ritual returned to Sungai Penuh, Jambi, underscoring the resilience of Kerinci traditions and their importance for future generations.

Jambi Governor Al Haris praised community leaders and residents for preserving the ceremony, which had last been held 19 years ago when Sungai Penuh was still part of Kerinci Regency.

Kenduri Sko, a central ritual of the Kerinci people, serves to confirm traditional titles (sko) and express gratitude for the harvest. At the ceremony in Tanah Mendapo on Saturday, June 4, 2026, Al Haris emphasized that adat (custom) is more than heritage.

"It is a way of life that balances humanity, nature, and faith. Adat and religion strengthen each other,” he said, noting the event’s historic significance as the first since Sungai Penuh gained the city status.

The governor commended the cooperation of local leaders, including the Kerinci Regent and Sungai Penuh Mayor, whose shared commitment reflects the unity of the two regions once joined as one.

He urged that traditional houses and symbols be managed under a single institution, Sakti Alam Kerinci, to safeguard continuity and ensure cultural values remain integral to regional development.

Al Haris also called on younger generations to embrace Kenduri Sko as a source of pride and identity, helping shield local culture from the negative impacts of globalization and digitalization.

Sungai Penuh Mayor Alfin Bakar echoed this vision, supporting Kenduri Sko 2026 as a flagship cultural agenda. He highlighted its potential not only to preserve tradition but also to promote cultural tourism.

“Through Kenduri Sko, the community sustains inherited identity while reinforcing values of cooperation, dialogue, respect for ancestors, and the philosophy of adat as the foundation of Kerinci life,” he said.

The revival of Kenduri Sko thus stands as both a cultural milestone and a reminder of the enduring role of adat in shaping social harmony, strengthening local identity, and inspiring future generations to carry forward Kerinci’s heritage. ***