Tepuk Tepung Tawar: A Sacred Tradition of the Malay Community in the Riau Archipelago
For the Malay community in the Riau Archipelago, the tradition of Tepuk Tepung Tawar holds a significant role in various ceremonial events. It is an integral part of rites of passage such as weddings, berandam (traditional beauty treatments), khatam (completion of Quranic recitation), thanksgiving ceremonies, coronations, and other important occasions.
As the British anthropologist A.R. Radcliffe-Brown noted in The Andaman Islanders (1922), rituals serve as symbolic expressions of specific sentiments, designed to preserve and transmit these feelings across generations. Such traditions bridge the past, present, and future, forming the cultural fabric of a society.
The Tepuk Tepung Tawar ceremony offers an in-depth look at the customs, functions, and processes of traditional ceremonies in the Riau Archipelago. This practice traces its origins to Lingga, the historic capital of the Lingga Sultanate from 1787 to 1900, a cultural hub that continues to shape Malay traditions today.
Historical Reference and Significance
The Syair Sultan Mahmud IV, a poetic work about Sultan Mahmud Muzzafar Syah (1841–1857), reprinted in 1990 by Indonesia’s Directorate General of Culture, provides detailed accounts of Tepuk Tepung Tawar ceremonies within the royal palace. These descriptions emphasize the ritual’s profound cultural and spiritual importance during the sultanate era.
The Ceremony of Tepuk Tepung Tawar
1. Preparation
The preparation involves key elements, particularly:
Water mixed with finely milled white rice, which is washed, ground, and purified.
Setawar leaves, symbolizing harmony and balance.
Optional additions: lime leaves (liamau) and sandalwood powder.
The mixture is presented in a ceremonial container and used to perform blessings by tapping, sprinkling, or anointing individuals or objects.
2. Symbolism
The ritual embodies prayers for protection from harm, blessings from Allah SWT, and a deep sense of spiritual connection.
Malay Proverb on Tepuk Tepung Tawar:
“In Tepuk Tepung Tawar
It neutralizes all that is poisonous,
Rejects harm and oppression,
Wards off madness,
Shields against temptation,
Deflects all dangers.”
3. Execution
The ritual requires practitioners who are:
Knowledgeable in customs, traditions, and religious teachings.
Typically performed by an odd-numbered group to symbolize balance and completeness.
These practitioners act as cultural custodians, ensuring the preservation and respect of this sacred tradition.
Cultural and Spiritual Relevance
Preservation of Heritage:
The ritual connects the community to its historical and spiritual roots.
Spiritual Connection:
Symbolizes protection, safety, and communal care.
Continuity Across Generations:
By passing on the practice, the Malay community ensures its enduring relevance and respect.
A Tradition Beyond Ceremony
Tepuk Tepung Tawar is more than a ritual; it is a profound tradition that strengthens the ties between the Malay community of the Riau Archipelago and their shared history, beliefs, and values.
Through this sacred ceremony, the community upholds the principles of protection, mutual care, and spiritual harmony, ensuring these cherished customs are preserved for future generations.
The tradition of Tepuk Tepung Tawar stands as a testament to the resilience and richness of Malay culture, preserving both its tangible practices and the deep spiritual connections that define the community.
