KBRN, West Lombok: The 2025 Perang Topat (Rice Cake War) at Lingsar Temple once again drew thousands of domestic and international tourists on Thursday, December 4, reaffirming its place as one of Lombok’s most unique cultural traditions.

The annual ritual, held in Lingsar Subdistrict, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province, symbolizes gratitude for prosperity and harvests while promoting interfaith harmony.

Muslims and Hindus gather at Lingsar Park to throw ketupat (rice cakes) at each other, not as an act of hostility, but as a joyful expression of togetherness, tolerance, and prayers for blessings.

Crowds filled the temple grounds from midday, eager to witness the centuries-old tradition passed down by the Sasak and Hindu communities. The ritual underscores that West Lombok is not only rich in culture but also a living example of harmony between faiths.

West Lombok Regent Lalu Ahmad Zaini described Perang Topat as a noble heritage that radiates values of tolerance and brotherhood.

“This is a tradition we must preserve for future generations. Perang Topat is not just a ritual, but a symbol of tolerance, equality, brotherhood, and mutual cooperation. Hindus and Muslims unite here, and that is Lombok’s strength,” he said.

The Regent noted that Perang Topat has been included in the Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN) with serial number 110, officially recognized by the Ministry of Tourism as a national cultural event.

He emphasized that this recognition should serve as momentum to expand the festival’s economic impact, increase contributions to Regional Original Income (PAD), and encourage tourists to stay longer.

“If tourists stay for three days and shop here, the impact on the local economy will be significant. Next year, we will organize this event more thoroughly, learning from this year to make it even better,” Zaini explained.

Looking ahead, the West Lombok Regency Administration plans to invite national religious leaders to witness firsthand the model of tolerance inherited from Lombok’s ancestors.

“This is the kind of tolerance we must demonstrate. Lombok already has concrete examples, and the wider community must know about them,” Zaini added. (Misni Parjiati/Lasti Martina)