Ritual Bakar Tongkang: Refleksi Teologis Bagaimana Manusia Menangkap Tawaran Keselamatan Allah

Abstract

The boat burning festival is held in Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir district, Riau \nprovince. It is the most popular ritual in this city. Many people from Indo­ \nnesia and other countries come to this city, to celebrate the ritual and enjoy \nthe event. Actually, this ritual is held more than one month. It begin with the \nritual to ask to the God of the Sea to know what the God’s will. After that, the \nritual continues with boat building. Thus, the ritual continues at the 15th, \n16th and 17th day of the 5th month in Lunar calendar. On the 17th of the 5th \nmonth the boat will be paraded and in the place that have been prepared they \nburn the boat. This ritual is the annual event. The most interesting thing of \nthis ritual is that the ritual is interpreted as a symbol. From the soteriologi­ \ncal point of view, this is the symbol of God salvation. They order to God to \ngive the salvation, especially salvation in this world: fortune, harmony, and \npeacefulness. In addition, in this ritual, they also aware with their sins. Sins \ncan undo their salvation. Therefore, in this ritual they invoke mercy from God \nand thus God give to them salvation. \nThis research was qualitative research using interview method. The research \nsample consisted of nine respondents selected by some requirements. These \nrequirements were understanding the ritual, staying in Bagansiapiapi or \nhaving an experience to live there, and being involved in the ritual. The \ndata research was obtained through interview. The additional data obtained \nthrough library studies, which was conducted through observation using CD \nand literature reviews.