Nyonteng Kolbuk: A Sacred Water Ritual at Mt. Raung Banyuwangi

TIMESINDONESIA, BANYUWANGI – In the village of Sumberwringin, Bondowoso, East Java, locals observe a unique annual ritual known as Nyonteng Kolbuk. Its a Madura language means a cleansing or blessing ceremony for the spring water source.

This tradition has been passed down through generations, believed to spiritually preserve the purity and strength of the spring.

The water source, located at the foot of Mt. Raung, supplies water to more than 20 villages nearby. Even during prolonged droughts, the villagers claim the flow remains strong due to the blessings of this ritual.

The Ritual Process

Held every year during the Islamic month of Muharram (Suro), the ritual starts in the early morning with sacred preparations. A male goat is sacrificed as a symbol of purity, and its head is buried along with offerings near the spring, believed to spiritually cool the mountain’s energy.

"The goat’s head is cut off and buried in a prepared hole to calm the spring water,” explained Dedi Hendriyanto, head of Sumberwringin Village. The remaining meat is then cooked and shared communally, exclusively prepared by the men of the village, in respect to the tradition.

Community Celebration: Sharing Harvest and Market Fair

After the main ritual, the villagers continue with a joyful gathering beside the spring. Everyone sits on colorful woven mats (tikar), bringing homemade dishes, fruits, and vegetables to share in a symbolic act of gratitude.

Traditionally, this was a barter-based exchange, but now it has evolved into a farmer’s market called *pasar tani*. However, the warm communal spirit of togetherness, simplicity, and respect for nature remains at the heart of the celebration.

Why the Ritual Matters

Sumberwringin's spring is regarded as miraculous, with a flow that never dwindles even during harsh dry seasons. According to locals, if the ritual is skipped or performed incorrectly, consequences will follow—such as earthquakes or reduced water flow—signs they interpret as the mountain’s anger.

The ceremony is thus not only a cultural event but a deep spiritual connection to nature. It shows how local wisdom can harmonize the spiritual and ecological balance of a community.

Tourism & Cultural Heritage

Nyonteng Kolbuk has evolved into a cultural attraction, featured at Teduh Glamping, a nature-based lodging site near the sacred spring. Tourists who visit during the ritual can witness traditional music performances, dove releases, and even water-carrying ceremonies by symbolic bride-and-groom figures.

Local farmers and artisans also display their produce and crafts, turning the ritual into an economic opportunity. This fusion of cultural preservation and ecotourism brings new value to the local way of life.

Spiritual Significance and Ancestral Roots

For the people of Sumberwringin the ritual is more than a tradition ,it’s a sacred inheritance. They believe that neglecting ancestral customs can lead to disharmony with the unseen world that guards their environment.

Each step, from the goat sacrifice to the prayer recitals, carries symbolic meaning rooted in centuries-old beliefs. Through Nyonteng Kolbuk, villagers not only honor their ancestors but reaffirm their identity and unity.

Environmental Awareness and Future Generations

The ritual also serves as a living reminder of the importance of water conservation and environmental stewardship. Young people are encouraged to take part in the festivities, learning not just about culture but also sustainability.

Local schools often bring students to witness the event, helping embed environmental values early on. In this way, Nyonteng Kolbuk becomes a bridge between generations and a call to protect natural resources with respect and reverence.

Recognition and Preservation Efforts

As awareness grows, local government and tourism agencies are beginning to officially recognize Nyonteng Kolbuk as a cultural asset. The community hopes this support will help preserve the ritual and educate visitors on its true meaning.

With careful promotion, they aim to avoid over-commercialization while keeping the ceremony sacred. In the face of modernization, this ritual stands as a symbol of resilience, harmony, and cultural pride in Bondowoso. (*)