Bakar Tongkang festival in Bagansiapiapi, Indonesia – from Chinese fisherman ritual to tourism and economic impact

Abstract

Bakar Tongkang Festival (BTF), or Go Ge Cap Lak, burning a replica of a barge or fishermen's boat festival, is a Chinese fisherman ritual in Bagansiapiapi, Indonesia. The festival is held every 5th month (Go) on the 16th (Cap Lak) of the Chinese calendar. This study aims to describe the festival and analyze the tourism aspect and the economic impact on the region. The sample populations were Chinese community leaders, Malay community leaders, tourism entrepreneurs, public transportation entrepreneurs, the government, domestic and foreign visitors, and the public audience. Data were collected through observations and interviews with the respondents. Commemoration of the arrival of ethnic Chinese in Bagansiapiapi, Indonesia marked the beginning of the birth of BTF. BTF is the biggest annual event in Rokan Hilir Regency. During this festival, visitors generally perform some rituals and pray to the gods. The procession of praying and remembering the spirits of their ancestors started from the oldest temple in Bagansiapiapi Ing Hok King Temple. The festival is also enlivened by other events and attractions. It attracted local, national, and international tourists. So far the event is well known abroad and brings tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, and others. Visitors no longer only come to pray, but they also come to shops, return to their hometown, leisure, and even business. The BTF had a good impact on the local economy, through visitor spending on hotels, guesthouses, increased sales and purchases of basic needs products, and use of all modes of transportation. In the future, it is highly recommended that this BTF be better organized by promoting it more broadly and in combination with other tourism events. In addition, it can be used as an event for business meetings, scientific meetings, and other cultural activities.