Basaturen Ceremony in Sumbawa Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province

Sumbawa Regency has become more popular these days, especially due to its excellent tourism. That means visitors may find numerous types of tourist sites there including natural attractions, religious sites, recreational areas, etc. Moreover, it offers several interesting local ceremonies and cultural events. Here is the reference. The name is Basaturen Ceremony, which is related to the Hindu culture. This ritual is done by the locals regularly as a form of a wish to the God. Usually, villagers want to get good lucks and other blessings like a soul mate, prosperity, and much more! The good thing is tourists are allowed to watch and join the ritual directly.

The Nuance
The nuance is both sacred and merry due to the presence of many people. Also, the ceremony is done in the nearby sea. It is because villagers may throw offerings to the sea later. The offerings include white or yellow rice, black sticky rice, bananas, black sticky rice, and much more! As for the costume, villagers don’t wear special attire. That means all participants can simply wear casual clothes during the procession. This is good news for tourists, without a doubt.

Exploring Basaturen Ceremony
For tourists who want to watch or join Basaturen Ceremony, they must find a local guide first before visiting Sumbawa Regency. The purpose is to find the right place and time to join it. Have no worries. There are no special rules applied in order to watch the event. That means tourists are allowed to take photos while watching it. What they need to avoid is to disturb the procession. They can also learn more information regarding the ceremony by asking either villagers or local guide.

Basaturen Ceremony has several processions. The most important one is the offering preparation. It is because both portion and food types should be right. The next feature in the ceremony is none other than the entertainment. To be exact, the ceremony features a local dance which is done by Bajoge (local dancers). These people use Keris as the main dance ornament, in fact. As for the accompaniment, the ceremony features traditional music and Gong Genang).

Here is the tip. Tourists should visit Moyo Hillir Sub-District if they want to watch or join Basaturen Ceremony, especially in Berare and Serading Village. Also, the final procession is done in the sea. Villagers may throw or dissolve the offerings to the sea while praying for good fortunes or luck. They use a small boat to let the offerings to the water, though.

Nearby Attractions

• Istana Dalam Loka
• Seketeng Market

How to Get There
Basaturen Ceremony belongs to Sumbawa Regency. That means tourists need to get to the region if they want to witness it, therefore. Have no worries. It won’t take long if tourists take an airplane to get there. For instance, the flight takes about 4 hours and 5 minutes to reach Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport in Sumbawa (for those coming from Jakarta City). Later, they must find a local guide who can show the exact location and schedule regarding the ceremony.

Where to Stay

• Dewi Hotel
• Dian Hotel
• Samawa Rea Hotel