Ngereng Haji: Delivering Gili Trawangan Community for Hajj 2024

TIMESINDONESIA, PROBOLINGGO – The tradition of "Ngereng Haji" or "Nganter Hajien," which translates to "escorting the pilgrims," has been an integral part of the cultural fabric of the Gili Islands. And this traditional still going on for Hajj 2024 pilgrimage.

According to Sulaiman, a 53-year-old native of Gili Island, this practice has been passed down through generations.

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"This tradition has been carried out since the time of our ancestors, and we continue to preserve it to this day," Sulaiman, a father of four, explained.

He highlighted that this tradition holds significant social value, fostering community harmony, maintaining familial bonds, and embodying the hope of being blessed with the opportunity to undertake the pilgrimage themselves.

On the evening of Saturday (18/5/2024), thousands of Gili residents gathered, boarding elaborately decorated boats to escort their relatives who were embarking on the hajj pilgrimage. The journey began at their homes and extended to the Sukolilo Hotel in Surabaya.

"The night before, the community works together to decorate the boats that will be used to escort the prospective pilgrims. Their relatives accompany them, crossing over to Surabaya and even up to the Sukolilo Hotel," Sulaiman added.

As a mark of identity, each prospective pilgrim (CJH) travels on a separate large boat, accompanied by their relatives. "Even if a husband and wife are going on the pilgrimage together, they travel on separate boats, each one escorted by their own family members. One pilgrim per boat," Sulaiman emphasized.

Abdul Ajiz, a 26-year-old CJH, expressed his joy at being able to perform the hajj this year, joining a combined group with his wife. "I am traveling with my wife, but she is on a different boat. This tradition strengthens the bond among the island's residents," Ajiz remarked.

He hopes to complete the pilgrimage smoothly and prays for the safe departure and return of all Gili residents. "The preparations are not particularly special, mostly just mental and physical readiness," he added.

Hairi, a 70-year-old resident of Gili who is also embarking on the hajj this year, shared his happiness. He hopes that all his family members will also have the chance to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam. "I mostly bring sweets and cigarettes. The sweets are for me because I have no teeth," he said with a smile.

Hairi prays for the safety of Indonesia, the residents of Gili Ketapang Island, and all his relatives participating in and celebrating this cherished tradition. He expects a good ending for their Hajj 2024. (*)

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