Baritan: A Sea Gratitude Tradition of Pemalang People that is Now an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage
On the north coast of Central Java, precisely in Asemdoyong Village, Pemalang Regency, there is a unique tradition that has been going on for generations for tens or even hundreds of years. This tradition is known as Baritan, a meaningful sea alms ritual that symbolizes the gratitude of the fishing community to God Almighty for the abundance of sea products they have obtained throughout the year. As a regency whose part of the area is directly adjacent to the Java Sea, Pemalang has a coastal community that depends on the wealth of the sea. The profession of fisherman has become a strong identity in this region. For the fishing community, the sea is not just a place to make a living, but also part of their spiritual and social life. That is where the Baritan tradition was born and continues to be maintained. The Meaning and Philosophy of Baritan Baritan comes from the Javanese word “barit” which means...