EAST BELITUNG - PT Timah Tbk supports the preservation of culture and local wisdom of Muang Jong, Sawang Tribe, Seberang Hamlet, Selinssing Village, Gantung District, East Belitung.
The commemoration of Muang jong starts Friday (17/02) and peak on Sunday (19/02) at Mudong Beach, East Belitung. Muang Jong is an annual routine agenda that is carried out every year.
Chairman of the Muang Jong Committee, Palo said, the making of the Jong or miniature wooden boat should not be arbitrary. There are special rules that must be followed, the wood used must be Bakil wood, which the Sawang people get in certain forest areas.
If there is wood left over from making the Jong, it must be thrown away and thrown into the sea, together with the Jong melarung, during the Muang Jong event.
For 2023 they are making a total of three jong or miniature wooden boats, one large and the other two small.
"So this year we built 3 ships because we didn't carry out the muang jong due to the Covid-19 pandemic the previous year," said Palo.
According to Palo, the implementation of muang jong must be carried out, because it is their custom.
Muang Jong is not just a mere cultural tradition of the Sawang tribe. However, it has values ??of respect for the wisdom of the teachings of the ancestors, which reminds us to always be grateful for everything that is received.
The attractions of the Muang Jong traditional ritual actually also have the potential to become an attraction for the East Belitung region.
"So Muang Jong this time requires a fairly high cost," he said.
Therefore, his party appreciates PT Timah Tbk helping to preserve their tradition. The reason is that with the help of PT Timah Tbk, they can build boats and support Muang Jong's activities.
He was grateful that the implementation of muang jong went smoothly until it was completed.
"Thank you to PT Timah Tbk for helping carry out this muang jong, so this event is Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning," he explained.
Meanwhile, the Head of Selinssing Village, Harianto said, they appreciated the parties who supported the implementation of the muang jong activities such as the Beltim Regency Government, PT Timah Tbk, and the community.
Although, 2023 will not be as lively as the previous year, because the Beltim Tourism Office cannot fully assist in this event.
"The activity this time was according to ability, but it was carried out with enthusiasm from the community," he said.
He advised them to continue to preserve Muang Jong's customs and culture, even though it was carried out in a simple way, but it was still carried out. Therefore, preserving the tradition must be carried out.
"Thank you to PT Timah Tbk and other donors, for helping to carry out this muang jong," he said. (**)
