 |
| Deputy Regent of Sanggau Susana Herpena officially closes the 2025 Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual and Cultural Festival in Sekayam District. |
Sanggau – Deputy Regent of Sanggau, Susana Herpena, S.Sos., M.H, officially closed the series of events at the 9th Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual and Cultural Festival 2025 held in Sekayam District, Sanggau Regency, on Monday (September 22, 2025). The festival, which ran from September 20 to 22, became a stage to preserve traditions and cultural identity in the Indonesia–Malaysia border area.
In her remarks, Susana expressed gratitude that the community was given health and the opportunity to gather at this annual cultural event initiated by the Sekayam Cultural Community. She also praised the committee and local residents for their commitment in keeping the tradition alive.
“On behalf of the Sanggau Regency Government, I would like to express my highest appreciation to the Sekayam Cultural Community for tirelessly organizing this festival from September 20 to 22,” said Susana.
Aside from officially closing the festival, the Deputy Regent congratulated the winners of various competitions held during the event and encouraged other participants to continue creating and contributing to cultural preservation.
Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual: Tradition and Identity
Susana explained that the Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual, once known as the Repentance Bathing Ritual, is believed by the Sekayam people as a tradition to ward off disease outbreaks and reject misfortune. Beyond that, it is also performed as a way of seeking forgiveness, asking for God’s protection, and expressing gratitude for life’s blessings.
“The annual implementation of this ritual answers concerns about the possible loss of tradition and cultural identity. This is a real effort to invite all elements of society to love, preserve, and protect valuable local heritage,” Susana emphasized.
This year’s festival carried the theme: “Through the Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual, We Preserve Local Wisdom as a Cultured Nation.” According to Susana, the values embedded in the tradition are not only important for the Sekayam community but also represent an invaluable cultural asset for Indonesia and the world.
In the face of rapid globalization, Susana underlined that cultural preservation is facing serious challenges, especially in Sekayam, which directly borders Malaysia, where cultural assimilation can happen more quickly.
“Therefore, it is crucial for us to maintain, develop, and pass on our traditions and cultural heritage. Culture is a reflection of our national identity, a source of pride, and a huge potential for creative economy growth and cultural tourism,” she said.
She added that the festival strongly aligns with the Sanggau Regency Government’s vision of realizing “Sanggau that is Progressive, Sustainable, and Just,” particularly in its mission to preserve traditional culture and dignified environmental values.
The closing of this year’s festival also highlighted that the Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual is more than just a ceremonial event — it is a cultural investment to build a strong foundation for future generations. At the same time, it is expected to stimulate the growth of the creative economy and cultural tourism in the border region.
In her closing remarks, Susana invited the public to continue supporting local artists, cultural figures, and artisans. “Let’s start from the small things: joining cultural festivals, learning traditional dances, or teaching these noble cultural values to our children,” she concluded.
With the end of the 2025 Sabang Leaf Bath Ritual and Cultural Festival, the people of Sanggau are expected to become more aware of the importance of preserving local wisdom. The regional government also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting similar activities in the years to come.