Bara Suwen, more commonly known to the public as Bambu Gila (literally means Crazy Bamboo), is one of the thousands of traditions and art forms found in Indonesia. This art form originates from the Maluku Province and can be found in two villages, namely Liang Village and Mamala Village. The Bambu Gila tradition is a genuine cultural attraction that symbolizes the spirit of communal cooperation in society.
This tradition is usually performed during traditional ceremonies and as a form of entertainment. Additionally, this cultural attraction can be applied in everyday life, particularly in carrying out heavy tasks in the lives of the Maluku people.
One intriguing aspect of this culture is its mystical element. Why is that? This art, believed to have existed among the people of Maluku before the arrival of religion, is thought to have strong mystical powers within the bamboo used, involving seven men holding a long bamboo.
This mystical element can be observed just before the performance begins when the shaman conducts rituals believed to animate the bamboo. This is marked by the appearance of smoke and the chanting of mantras intended to summon ancestral spirits to enter the bamboo.
The bamboo used is specially selected by the shaman. The chosen bamboo undergoes several special processes (mantras) with blessings sought from the spirits believed to inhabit the bamboo forest. Afterward, the bamboo is cut according to traditional customs and cleaned (washed) with coconut oil by the shaman.
During the performance, the shaman not only chants mantras but also plays traditional Maluku musical instruments, one of which is the Tifa. As the rhythm of the music played becomes faster, the bamboo held becomes increasingly heavy, believed to be due to the mystical power within it. This unique tradition attracts both local and international tourists who visit the Maluku Province.
For the people of Maluku, especially Central Maluku, the Bambu Gila performance has been preserved for generations. This attraction has become an asset and cultural wealth of the Maluku people, possessing unique characteristics not found in other regions of Indonesia or even the world. Therefore, this tradition needs to be preserved and not lost to the advances of time.
