Kebo-Keboan Ritual will be Held in Alasmalang

BANYUWANGI - Ritual 'kebo-keboan' as an expression of thanks for abundant crops of farmers in the village Alasmalang, District Singojuruh, Banyuwangi, East Java, scheduled to held on Sunday (11 / 1). Executor Duties (Plt) Head of Tourism Department of Banyuwangi, Hadi Sucipto, Monday (5 / 1), said the ritual 'kebo-keboan' by 18 local village youth, as a form of thanks to God for the abundant harvest and avoid the danger of disease deadly.

Tradition 'kebo-keboan' trusted first held around 300 years ago. Karti great-grandfather, the founder of the ritual had wangsit do "kebo-keboan". Because, the village was being terrorized Alasmalang pagebluk (plague), then at night during the ill died.


'Kebo-keboan' means human like buffalo. Starting from wearing fake antlers, hair matted made using rope that was given charcoal, and body smeared with charcoal and mud. Buffalo was chosen, because it helps farmers when plowing. "Buffalo Man" will pursue people who take rice seeds to be planted. It is said that the seeds can be taken by the plague or reject salvation.

Hadi added that the implementation of the ritual 'kebo-keboan' on the 10th of Muharram, because it is believed to bring blessings. "Initially there was a procession of salvation in the middle of the village main street. All elements of society to get involved when salvation eating roast chicken rice cone and urap given," he said.

Subsequently performed ider earth (around the village). Some girls are visualized as a goddess Sri (the goddess of fertility / paddy) which ditandu several bodyguards. Dozens of burly men dressed and behaving strangely like the buffalo, driven by farmers who brought their crops. Increasingly accompanied by a festive atmosphere for Using traditional music.

"Procession of plowing and planting the rice seedlings were held at the end of the ceremony. This section is fascinating. The 'buffalo man' like trance pursue anyone who took the rice seedlings are planted. Seeds of rice taken can reliably be used as a starting reinforcements and luck," he said .

According to Hadi, the tradition of 'kebo-keboan' need to conserve. Banyuwangi this asset to be preserved, as well as dance Gandrung, Seblang, and picking the sea. Kebo-keboan tradition can bring in tourists, both foreign and domestic. Banyuwangi Plengkung not only has the beach for surfing and mountain Ijen crater that has contains sulfur, but is rich in artistic tradition.