Petik Laut Muncar: A Traditional Sea Offering Festival in Banyuwangi

Table of Contents

 

Expressing Gratitude Through Tradition

Gratitude can be expressed in many ways. For the coastal communities of southern Java, especially the fishermen of Muncar, Banyuwangi, thanksgiving takes the form of a cultural ritual called Petik Laut Muncar.

This centuries-old tradition is a way for fishermen to thank God Almighty for the abundance of fish and blessings from the sea. Every year, the community celebrates it with lively processions, decorated fishing boats called slerek, offerings, and the iconic Gandrung dance.

---

History and Time of Celebration

The Petik Laut Muncar tradition has been passed down for generations. It is usually held on the 15th of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar.

In the days leading up to the event, the Muncar Harbor becomes a festive center of activity, with food stalls, bazaars, and even night markets. Traditional slerek boats—unique fishing vessels influenced by the Madurese community—add to the excitement, often blasting loud music like a sea festival.

---

Main Procession at Teluk Pangpang

On the morning of the festival, thousands of locals and visitors gather at the harbor. Fishermen, together with their families, board slerek and small jukung boats to join the grand procession in Teluk Pangpang.

Around 8 a.m., the ritual begins. Offerings such as traditional cakes, agricultural produce, seafood, and sacrificial animals are carried onto the main slerek boat, accompanied by Gandrung dancers. As the boat sails out of the harbor, dozens of slerek follow behind in a magnificent parade across the sea.

At the heart of the bay, the offerings are released into the ocean — a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the sea’s blessings.

---

Continuing the Ceremony at Sembulungan Beach

The procession doesn’t end at sea. The fleet then heads toward Sembulungan Beach, part of Alas Purwo National Park. Due to shallow waters during low tide, the slerek cannot dock directly, so Gandrung dancers and organizers are transferred onto smaller boats to reach the shore.

At the beach, the community gathers for the next ritual: a pilgrimage to Mbah Kalong’s tomb, also known as the Gandrung grave. Gandrung dancers perform traditional dances around the tomb before the collective prayer begins. Afterward, families share their meals together on the beach, reinforcing the sense of unity and gratitude.

---

The Legend of Mbah Kalong

Local fishermen tell stories of Mbah Kalong (Sayid Yusuf), an Islamic figure who once lived in the Blambangan kingdom era. He was known for guiding and helping the local fishing community prosper.

When fish harvests once declined sharply, he led the villagers to hold a special ritual with offerings of a kendit goat, roasted raw bananas, and Gandrung performances. After that, the sea yields returned in abundance. Since then, the pilgrimage to his tomb has become an inseparable part of the Petik Laut tradition.

---

A Cultural Heritage and Tourist Attraction

For the people of Muncar, Petik Laut is more than just a ritual—it is a cultural heritage that strengthens community bonds. For visitors, it is an extraordinary spectacle: the sight of dozens of slerek boats parading across Teluk Pangpang, the rhythm of Gandrung dance, and the solemn prayer at Sembulungan.

If you are planning a trip to Banyuwangi in Muharram, don’t miss the chance to witness Petik Laut Muncar. It is not only a thanksgiving ritual of fishermen but also a vibrant celebration of life, culture, and faith by the sea.