Book Launch “Indramayu Cultural Life Rites: Memitu, Ngarot, and Visiting”
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS COM – This activity seeks to demonstrate cultural appreciation and cultural heritage through writing. The book launch of “Indramayu Cultural Life Rites: Memitu, Ngarot, and Unjungan,” by authors Abdul Azis, Ahmad Khoeri, and Kusyoto, took place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, in the Audio Visual Room of the Indramayu Regency Library and Archives Service (DPA).
The event was attended by the book’s authors, the Head of the Service, DPA employees, high school and vocational school students, and other invited guests. Activities included the singing of “Indonesia Raya,” the Library March, a speech by the Head of the Service, a group photo, a screening of a documentary video on the rituals, a book review, prayers, and a social gathering.
Each region in Indonesia has its own distinct rituals for expressing gratitude to God. According to A. Sudalim Gymsthiar, Head of the Library and Archives Service, recognizing and understanding the cultural philosophy of the Indramayu region is crucial. “There are many regional languages in Indonesia, and of course, many cultures and rituals have also developed in Indonesia. Indramayu boasts numerous rituals, cultures, and arts, such as Memitu, Ngarot, Berokan, Rudat, Ngunjung, Sintren, and others. We must recognize and study the heritage of this culture to understand our national identity. Therefore, the Indramayu Library and Archives Service consistently strives to capture its culture so that it can be read and studied,” he said in his remarks, which also opened the event.
Three authors shared extensive information about the contents of their books. Ahmad Khoeri, the author of the subtitle “Memitu,” stated in his presentation, “Memitu is an expression of gratitude, hoping for guidance, blessings, and safety from Allah so that the unborn child and the mother are granted health, perfection, and safety. It also hopes that the baby will be born into the world as a pious child who is useful to the nation, state, and religion.” Said Ahmad Khoeri, who is also a literacy activist at Relima and the S16 Library.
Kusyoto, the author of the subtitle “Ngarot,” stated in his presentation, “Ngarot is an expression of gratitude to cleanse oneself of all sins and stains resulting from past mistakes. Ngarot is also known as a form of gratitude among the farmers of the Lelea community for a bountiful harvest.” Kusyoto, who is also an active author and medical expert at MM Hospital in Indramayu, added: “Ngarot is an expression of gratitude to cleanse oneself of all sins and stains resulting from past mistakes. Ngarot is also known as a form of gratitude among the farmers of the Lelea community for a bountiful harvest.” Abdul Azis, the author of the subtitle “Ngunjung,” stated in his presentation, “The author focuses on Ngunjung and other terms such as Mermule, Unjungan, and Haul in Tambi, Penganjang, and Singajaya as highly sacred areas. Ngunjung also serves as an expression of gratitude to God for honoring the struggles of village ancestors, community and religious leaders. Ngunjung activities include communal prayer and the purification of ancestral heirlooms.” Abdul Azis, also an active author and calligraphy instructor, explained that the diversity of cultures is full of meaning that can be understood by every participant in life’s rituals, namely gratitude to the Almighty Creator. The book launched on this occasion is themed “God, Nature, and Humanity united in harmony, woven with love.” Those who recognize their culture and themselves will develop a strong and solid love for their homeland.
(Wari)
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