BANGKA -- PT Timah Tbk's commitment to supporting local wisdom and cultural preservation is not only realized through its physical Environmental Social Responsibility (TJSL) programs, but also by embracing the cultural aspects of indigenous communities.
One of the company’s efforts in preserving and promoting the traditions of indigenous communities in its operational areas is by supporting the celebration of the Nujuh Jerami Ritual Festival, known as the Mapor Festival, organized by the Mapur Indigenous Council in Dusun Air Abik, Gunung Muda Village, Bangka Regency.
The Nujuh Jerami Ritual Festival is an annual event held in the traditional village of Gebong Memarong. This year, the Mapor Festival took place from April 9 to 11, 2025. The highlight of the celebration was the Nujuh Jerami ritual, held on Thursday, April 10, 2025.
Nujuh Jerami is a ritual performed by the Mapur indigenous community, both those living deep in the forest and those in more urban settlements. It is a form of thanksgiving for a successful harvest, especially red rice. During the ritual, the community carries straw to the communal barn while chanting traditional mantras and prayers.
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The festival began with Malam Niduk, followed by the main Nujuh Jerami Ritual led directly by the Customary Leader, Abok Usang Gedoy, Bepencak kek Nanak Mapor. It also featured traditional martial arts performances (Pencak Silat), Campak Darat Mapor, a Cultural Dialogue and Eid Gathering (Halal Bihalal), a Sedekah Kampong (village thanksgiving), and concluded with Sam Nyet Sip Sam.
Previously, PT Timah and the Mapur Indigenous Council collaborated to establish the traditional village of Gebong Memarong. The area features seven traditional stilt houses made of wood flooring, thatched nipa palm roofs, and bark wall representing the traditional homes of the Mapor people.
Asih Harmoko, Executive Chairman of the Mapor Indigenous Council, explained that Nujuh Jerami is a way for the community to express gratitude for the rice harvest.
He added that the Mapor Festival helps the community and younger generations to better understand and preserve the traditions passed down by their ancestors.
"Through this festival, we hope that the Gebong Memarong traditional village will become more widely known," he said.
Asih also mentioned that the Mapor Indigenous Council is now collaborating with various institutions to increase the number of visitors.
"To broaden our tourist target audience, we are working with government institutions, state-owned enterprises such as PT Timah, ministries, and NGOs to support the protection and legal recognition of the Mapor indigenous community," he explained.
Wydia Kemala Sari, Head of the Tourism Office of the Bangka Belitung Islands Province, who attended the event, praised PT Timah’s support in preserving the culture and traditions of the Mapur Indigenous People.
"We are well aware that the establishment of the Gebong Memarong traditional village was made possible thanks to PT Timah’s support. Even now, PT Timah continues to develop Gebong Memarong because the village actually creates a multiplier effect on the local economy," she stated.
Gebong Memarong Traditional Village has become a popular tourist destination for various groups. Visitors to Gebong Memarong can not only enjoy tourism activities but also witness firsthand the local wisdom and culture of the Mapur Indigenous Community.
