THE EDITOR – Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani was appointed as an honorary family of the Bugis Mandar Banyuwangi community. She is considered capable of embracing cross-ethnic communities in the easternmost district of Java Island.
In the appointment, Ipuk underwent a series of rituals led by the head of the Bugis Mandar community at the Mandar Art Studio in the Kampung Mandar area, Banyuwangi, Tuesday (26/11/2024). She also received the traditional name ‘Daeng Malolo’ from the great-grandson of Imam Lapeo, a famous scholar in the land of West Sulawesi.
“The name means a brave, beautiful noblewoman. Hopefully, she will always have the courage to fight for what the people want, especially the indigenous people,” said the Chairman of the Bugis Mandar Customary Tribe, Faisal Riezal.
The Bugis Mandar community, Faisal said, is grateful to Ipuk for giving the indigenous people space to introduce their traditions, rituals, and culinary delights.
“The regent gave us space for that. For example, last year, we were given a chance to host the Nationality Festival. We are still very grateful for that opportunity,” he added.
According to him, Ipuk has an important role in embracing indigenous communities in Banyuwangi, including the Bugis Mandar indigenous community.
“She embraces us and we really feel that,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ipuk thanked the Bugis Mandar community for honouring her as an honorary family.
“It is an honour for me to be named an honorary member of the Bugis Mandar Banyuwangi indigenous community. Hopefully, we can protect the title given to us,” said Ipuk.
Ipuk said the title of honorary family was also a mandate. She asked for prayers so that the mandate in caring for diversity in Banyuwangi can be maintained.
“This is a big responsibility for us, to be able to maintain, care for, and be accountable for what I will do in the future,” she said.
Ipuk explained that the regional government will continue to help and facilitate indigenous communities in Banyuwangi to develop. Not only the Bugis Mandar tribe, but also other tribes.
“We commit to embracing all groups – not only the Mandar tribe or Bugis Mandar indigenous people, but all tribes,” she said.
Banyuwangi, she continued, is committed to continuing to build through diversity in order to become a developed, blessed, diverse region.
“Differences unite like a rainbow. It is beautiful with the different colours it has,” she added.
