Sedekah Laut: Celebrating Indonesia's Maritime Heritage and Unity

TheIndonesia.co - Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelagic country, is made up of more than 17,000 islands and stretches across a staggering 99,000 kilometers of coastline. With such an immense maritime landscape, it’s no wonder that the sea plays an essential role in the daily lives, livelihoods, and spiritual beliefs of its people. Among the many customs that reflect this deep connection to the ocean is Sedekah Laut, or Sea Alms — a vibrant and meaningful tradition celebrated along coastlines from Sumatra to Papua.

Every year, especially during certain months, communities gather to honour the sea through ceremonial offerings, prayers, and cultural performances. These rituals serve as an expression of gratitude for the ocean’s bounty and as a plea for safety, harmony, and prosperity.

According to Antara News Agency, one of the most iconic and festive Sedekah Laut celebrations takes place in Tambak Lorok, a bustling fishing village in Semarang, Central Java. In May 25th, 2025, the event drew more than 400 colorful fishing boats into the waters off Tanjung Mas, their decks adorned with flags, flowers, and offerings.

The multi-day celebration began with religious rituals — including doa arwah (prayers for the departed), hataman Qur’an (Qur’anic reading), and tirakatan (spiritual night vigil). On Sunday, the peak of the celebration, a grand procession carried offerings to the sea: a cow’s head, produce from the land, and other symbolic items. These were gently floated into the ocean as a form of spiritual gratitude.

As the drums of Javanese gamelan echoed along the shore, villagers and visitors alike watched the sea transform into a moving stage of tradition, music, and faith.

“This is the time when the people of Semarang give thanks to God Almighty and to the universe for the blessings we have received,” said Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti, who joined in the celebration.

According to her, Sedekah Laut is a unique cultural expression of thanksgiving that also reflects an effort to preserve balance between humans and nature.

“Those who depend on the sea perform Sedekah Laut. Those who work the fields hold wayang (shadow puppet shows), Quranic recitations, or other forms of collective prayer according to their own traditions,” she explained.

In the past two days alone, at least seven neighbourhoods in Semarang — including Gajahmungkur, Banyumanik, Semarang Barat, Gayamsari, Genuk, and Semarang Utara — also held similar ceremonies called Sedekah Bumi, or Earth Alms. These rituals reflect how deeply rooted cultural and spiritual values remain in both rural and urban areas of the city.

“This shows that Semarang remains closely tied to its cultural roots, even as it grows into a modern metropolitan city,” Agustina added. “Through Sedekah Laut, we understand the connection between people and nature. Let’s keep preserving this tradition together.”

The mayor also shared plans to improve the welfare of coastal communities by upgrading facilities at the Tambak Lorok fish auction center (TPI), aiming to boost the local economy.

Sedekah Laut Across the Islands

While Tambak Lorok’s festival may be one of the most famous, it’s far from the only one. Sedekah Laut is practiced all over Indonesia, reflecting local interpretations and customs that vary from island to island.

Here are some standout examples:

Raja Ampat, Papua

This region is famous for its extraordinary marine biodiversity. In coastal villages, Sedekah Laut involves blessings to protect the delicate coral reefs and fish populations that support both tourism and traditional livelihoods. The rituals here are sometimes blended with Christian prayers, showing the adaptive and inclusive nature of Indonesian spirituality.

Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

In this island of strong ancestral beliefs, Sedekah Laut ceremonies are rich with animistic symbolism. Offerings of rice, areca nuts, and livestock are given to the ocean spirits in return for calm seas and full nets. The rituals are deeply spiritual and often involve elders chanting ancient invocations.

Brebes, Central Java

In Brebes, the celebration begins with a large Islamic prayer gathering (istighosah), followed by a festive parade through the village. Offerings are carried from house to house before being brought to the beach. The final ceremony is held at the local fish auction site, bringing both economic and spiritual meaning to the event.

Betahwalang, Demak

Villagers here sail to sea with their families, carrying colorful trays of offerings. Once offshore, they recite prayers and release the offerings into the waves. The moment is solemn and joyous at once, as families reflect on their relationship with the ocean that feeds them.

A Blend of Faiths

Over the years, Sedekah Laut has evolved, gracefully weaving Islamic rituals into its earlier animist and Hindu-Buddhist roots. It’s not uncommon to see Quranic recitations side by side with shadow puppet performances, or to witness both religious scholars and traditional elders leading the ceremonies.

As documented in the Walisongo Islamic University Repository, this blending of faiths creates a powerful message: that spirituality, nature, and community can exist in harmony, even in a fast-changing world.

More Than a Tradition: A Cultural Treasure

Today, Sedekah Laut is more than just a ritual — it’s also a draw for domestic and international tourists. As boats crowd the harbors and musicians fill the air with local rhythms, onlookers experience a unique cultural encounter that is both intimate and grand.

“It’s not just local residents,” Mayor Agustina said. “Visitors from outside Semarang come to witness this rich coastal tradition. It’s truly a celebration of who we are.”

She also expressed hopes that next year’s celebration will be even more inclusive, with greater support from local businesses and active participation from younger generations.

From the coral-rich reefs of Papua to the fishing towns of Central Java, Sedekah Laut reminds us that Indonesia’s cultural soul is anchored to the sea. It is a celebration of gratitude, heritage, and unity — a living tradition in a land where the ocean is not just a boundary, but a blessing.

Whether you are a traveller seeking authenticity or a local rediscovering your roots, witnessing Sedekah Laut is to step into a timeless dialogue between the sea and the people who call it home.