In order to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Tebo Regency, the Tebo Regency Government held a grand celebration entitled Tebo Festival which was held at the Sri Maharaja Batu Stadium, Tebo Regency. This activity took place on October 12-17, 2024 which was enlivened by various community product exhibitions, Tebo Regency OPD stands, competitions and performances of Tebo community arts and culture.
The event was opened by the Acting Regent of Tebo, Dr. H. Varial Adi Putra, ST.MM, which was also attended by the Tebo Forkompimda, Tebo OPD ranks, community leaders, cultural figures, youth leaders and the Tebo community. After the opening, the Regent together with the Forkompimda went around visiting the exhibition stands of the Tebo OPD. The PPPA Social Service stand displayed products from the Talang Mamak indigenous community in the form of Sumpah Salak Bracelet crafts, resam weaving, and honey. The Regent and the Forkompimda group consisting of the Kajari, Kodim, Kapolres, and the Head of the Tebo Regency Court immediately bought up the Sumpah Salak Bracelets from the Talang Mamak indigenous community.
"These bracelets are nice, we, the Tebo Forkompimda group, bought all these bracelets," said Acting Regent of Tebo, Mr. H. Varial Adi Putra when visiting the Social Service stand.
This Tebo Fest event was the first time for the Talang Mamak indigenous community to be involved in a local product exhibition. They were given the opportunity to fill one of the Tebo FEST series of events by displaying traditional silat accompanied by Gambus Music, a traditional musical instrument of Talang Mamak. Tinis, a Talang Mamak Indigenous Woman played the instrument. With a warm smile, Tinis began to strum the worn-out gambus guitar, a traditional musical instrument that is the identity of the Talang Mamak indigenous community. The melodious sound of her gambus began to flow, accompanied by lyrics that told stories about life, love, and local wisdom.
Tinis sings typical lyrics Mamak's Gutter full of meaning, creating a sacred atmosphere. The distinctive melody echoed in the air, blending with the applause and admiration of the audience who had just seen the Talang Mamak indigenous women playing traditional gambus music for the first time. This performance was not only entertaining, but also invited everyone to feel the beauty and depth of Talang Mamak culture.
Talang Mamak's participation in organizing Tebo FEST is thanks to the collaboration between the Tebo PPPA Social Service and KKI Warsi who accompanied the Talang Mamak Community. The event stage was decorated with traditional ornaments with a sacred feel with the local characteristics of the Tebo community. On the evening of October 15, 2024, the Two Talang Mamak Traditional Figures, Sarunai and Bahori, prepared themselves in all white clothes and caps. They will perform a traditional silat performance. This silat performance is a symbol of the strength and courage of their culture. With graceful and disciplined movements, they began to perform silat, turning their bodies into stunning art. Every kick and movement depicts precision and beauty, while the audience was amazed and gave enthusiastic cheers.
This performance is not just entertainment, but also an effort to preserve and introduce Talang Mamak culture to the younger generation and the wider community. Sarunai, Bahori, and Tinis reminded everyone of the importance of preserving cultural heritage, as well as the spirit of unity and togetherness that is woven into each of their performances.
With courage and pride, the Talang Mamak community feels that this moment is an important step in introducing their cultural heritage to the outside world. Tebo FEST is a witness to how the beauty of tradition can unite hearts and minds, and how the younger generation is committed to preserving and continuing their culture.
Thunderous applause echoed throughout the arena after the final performance of the Talang Mamak indigenous community. They stood proudly, realizing that they had written a new chapter in the history of the Tebo Regency Hut. That night, it was not only them who celebrated, but also every audience who felt the warmth and richness of the culture they brought.
"We are happy to join Tebo FEST because the Tebo community has become acquainted with Talang Mamak culture such as silat and gambus music. We hope that the government will support the preservation of Talang Mamak culture and for young people, especially Talang Mamak youth, to care more about their own culture," said Sarunai, a Talang Mamak Simarantihan Traditional Figure who also performed the traditional Talang Mamak silat.
This public event is important as a meeting point for the diverse cultures of the Tebo community. The Talang Mamak community, which is a marginal indigenous community, is often not involved in public events like this. Tebo FEST is an event to promote social inclusion for indigenous communities that can support the advancement of culture and inclusivity of indigenous communities in Tebo Regency.
"We strongly support the appearance of Talang Mamak in this event and we also support the presence of local products of Talang Mamak that are exhibited at our stand, in the future we will support this product through the One Village One Woman's Economy (SADESA) program from the Tebo PPPA Social Service," said Taufik Khaldy, Acting Head of the Tebo PPPA Social Service.
