RRI.CO.ID, Pangkalan Bun - The annual Bebersih Kampung Laut Darat ancestral procession in Sabuai Village has emerged as a major cultural highlight in Central Kalimantan, prompting the West Kotawaringin (Kobar) Regency Tourism Agency to evaluate the ritual for inclusion in the regency's official Calendar of Events (CoE).

Preserved by the indigenous community of Sabuai Village in Kumai Subdistrict, the sacred ceremony offers a rare fusion of ancestral spiritual rites, traditional performing arts, customary attire, and a showcase of 40 distinct varieties of local traditional cakes (ancak).

The procession begins with a formal invocation seeking permission from the region's guardian spirits. Community members then work collaboratively to prepare ceremonial offerings (ancak) filled with traditional pastries as an expression of gratitude for nature's blessings.

At the climax of the ritual, six ancak are paraded across six sacred sites carrying deep philosophical and cosmological significance, Muhara, Natai Bata, Sambu, Beguruh, Tatah, and the open waters off Sabuai Beach, symbolizing the cosmic harmony between humanity, nature, and the Creator.

The West Kotawaringin Regency Administration praised the continuation of this tradition and committed to providing full support so that its cultural tourism potential can flourish without compromising its core spiritual values.

Head of the West Kotawaringin Tourism Agency, Rona Nirmala, emphasized that the authenticity of the Sabuai ritual is its primary attraction, setting it apart from other tourist destinations.

"This traditional procession possesses extraordinary authenticity. The blend of sacred ritual, a rich culinary heritage of 40 traditional dishes, performing arts, and traditional attire serves as a major strength to deliver a high-class cultural tourism experience in Kobar," Rona said in Pangkalan Bun on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Rona added that the local administration is currently drafting specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for visiting tourists to ensure both the sacredness of the ritual and the environmental cleanliness of the coastal area are strictly maintained.

"In its development, we will not diminish the sacred values within it, as it remains a heritage from their ancestors, we hope this traditional custom can strengthen the regency's image as a destination rich in heritage and culture, while ensuring ancestral traditions continue to thrive for future generations," Rona explained. ***