Latest News
Thousands of residents attended Selamatan Leut at the culmination of the 11th Sa-ijaan Cultural Festival (FBS) in Kotabaru Regency, South Kalimantan Province on Aug. 24, 2025.
The procession, led by traditional cultural leader Sandro, began with the Bajau Samah ritual from Rampa Berkah. The procession then proceeded to the local pier to board the boat heading to the area's seabank.
The traditional event was both lively and sacred. Upon arrival at the location, the ritual began with various procedures, including the placement of bamboo poles into the sea and desalination of seawater into freshwater.
"The water surrounding this ritual is believed to be blessed, which is why many people bathe and even drink from it," said Adit, a fisherman who participated in the celebration.
Still above the sea, gamelan instruments and prayers accompanied the attendees as they enjoyed a variety of culinary delights as a form of togetherness.
The ritual is also served an expression of gratitude for the life-giving marine resources and a prayer for safety from danger, especially for fishermen in Kotabaru.
FBS 2025 was included among the 110 cultural festivals listed in the Tourism Ministry's Karisma Event Nusantara, thus ensuring that Selamatan Leut gained national recognition.
Poyang, a Banjarmasin resident who participated in the series of activities for Selamatan Leut, said he was captivated by the ritual. Deeply rooted in the Bajau Sammah culture, it also conveyed other values revered by the local community.
"This is my first time participating, and this ritual is truly impressive," he said.
The Dayak dancer also hopes that FBS will continue to be preserved and developed. Various other activities were also held on the fourth day of the festival, such as a recycled fashion carnival, boat racing, and the closing ceremony.
