For almost a month I have been going back and forth from Banjarmasin to Tabalong. Tabalong Regency is one of the 13 urban districts in South Kalimantan. The distance between Banjarmasin City and Tabalong Regency is about 250 kilometers. Meanwhile, if you travel overland from Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to Tabalong for 287 kilometers (7 hours road trip). Or if from Paser district along 276 kilometers (6 hour trip)
by: M Syarbani Haira, Chief Founder of Rabithah Malay Banjar
After returning to Banjarmasin, yesterday Wednesday 15 March 2023, I returned to Tabalong. The trip is about 5 hours by road, via Barito Kuala, Margasari, Tapin Regency and Kalumpang, Hulu Sungai Selatan Regency. If lunch in Dodol City is generally Katupat Kandangan. Luckily, the stall I stopped at also had Banjar specialties such as grilled fish, using pumpkin vegetables. I chose Iwak Haruan, and Kang Surya, who helped me on my way, chose grilled tilapia. This folk stall is perfect for my tongue, with a special sauce for kaptupat. The price is quite cheap.
Arriving in Tabalong, I visited friends from the Banjar Malay Rabithah Muktamar committee in the “Istighosyah and Joint Prayer” area.
As is well known, Rabithah Melayu Banjar, a collaborative association of Malays and Banjars, which was established last August 2022, chose to hold its congress in Tabalong Regency. The big intention of this association is community empowerment for religion and civilization, culture. The Arabic term is “harakan diniyah wa al-hadarah”. The substance is increasing the human resources of the Banjar Malay community, both socio-economic, political, scientific and cultural.
Starting its debut, this association initiated socio-political, economic and religious studies. First, about the continuity of national leadership and the acceleration of national development. Second, regarding the Capital City of the Archipelago which will start operating in 2024, it can run successfully according to expectations and agreements. Third, the peace of this republic from disturbances from factions that often use identity politics and religious dogmas in their movements.
The idea of this movement was conveyed to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Joko Widodo’s Hajj last January 2023 at the State Palace. It turns out that there is a symbiosis between President Joko Widodo’s wishes and the Banjar Malay Rabithah. So he agreed and was ready to attend this first congress. Apart from Mr. President, he also wants to go to Tabalong Regency, make friendship with Tabalong residents in particular, and at the same time absorb the aspirations of the local people.
When we arrived (at around 13.00 WITA) in the district where President Joko Widodo will visit, preparations were still being made. But they are optimistic, this Thursday morning everything will be in order. The field which is usually used by the Tabalong regency administration is currently being installed with a set of necessities for istighosyah activities and group prayers.
At 15.00 WITA, the Congressional Committee held a press conference at a cafe in the Tanjung market area. I was present with a number of leaders and key officials of Rabithah Melayu Banjar. The association, which has received approval from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, invited around 30 media journalists
I am amazed by this northernmost district in South Kalimantan, so many journalists are assigned to cover this district which is rich in agricultural products. Not only that, the Tabalong government even created a Journalist’s Center, specifically for markings for “ink coolies”, just like the South Kalimantan government, which since the New Order era has provided a headquarters for journalistic practitioners.
After the press conference, we returned to the courtyard of the Tabalong Regency Government Hall. On our way we came across a group of large cars, on top of which were closed cars and several large motorcycles that are commonly used by the security forces of heads of state. The car was preceded by a police patrol, and closed with the same patrol.
I just realized that the group was carrying a car normally used by the head of state, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as motorbikes for bodyguards. I didn’t get to see the car directly, but based on publications, the car that President Jokowi usually uses is the Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard, black in color. Why is it always black, because psychologically it is a symbol of strength, toughness, elegance, quality and formality. All heads of state around the world generally use this black color.
That said, this German-made car is designed with a sophisticated protection system. This car is also known to be bulletproof and resistant to any type of grenade explosion. I don’t know how much it costs, I haven’t gotten a publication about this.
I myself saw the preparation of the committee was surprised. As a villager who usually lives a simple life, even though he has traveled to a number of countries, he still feels shocked. Starting from the preparations for the congress committee, the Tabalong government, security forces such as the Police, Dandim, Danrem, Pangdam, even Paspamres, etc. They had already arrived a few days earlier. Complete with their equipment according to the SOP.
Today’s Tabalong is like having a big party. This is a blessing from Rabithah Melayu Banjar, said a number of figures and journalists in Tabalong Regency. Not usual like this, crowded and lively. Very extraordinary, they said
This is the first time for Tabalong, either since it became an autonomous region or since Indonesia’s independence.
Tabalong’s own profile is not much different from other regions. Its area is only 3,533.42 km2. The western region is bordered by East Barito Regency, Central Kalimantan, to the east by Paser Regency, East Kalimantan, and in the southern region it is directly bordered by Balangan and Hulu Sungai Utara Regencies.
The population is also not that big. Based on data for 2020, there were only 245,765 people.
This district officially became independent on December 1, 1965. Previously it was part of the North Hulu Sungai Regency. This district uses the motto Saraba Kawa (All Capable).
The district’s economy is encouraging, with low inflation. Dominated by income from crops and natural resources, petroleum and coal mining, besides that there are also sources from plantations and agriculture such as oil palm, cocoa and oil palm
The tourism potential also has a number of advantages, such as caves, waterfalls and so on. Incidentally, this area has a Warukin Airport, which was built by Pertamina, when the oil sources were still large. Until now, the operation of this State Enterprise is still going on, although it is no longer as big as it was in the past.
I do not know how much must be spent for this event, can not be calculated officially. Must be pretty big. But is it only for “Istighosyah and Praying Together” that the President of the Republic of Indonesia has to go to Tabalong? Of course not.
Personally, I noted that there were at least 3 major points of the President of the Republic of Indonesia’s visit to South Kalimantan, specifically to Tabalong Regency starting this Thursday 16 March to Friday 17 March 2023 tomorrow. First, silaturahim, which is a religious order and a mandate from Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.
Second, Jokowi’s typical blusukan familiarity. The 7th President is indeed famous for daring to enter the people’s market, without strict escort. Apart from attending the invitation of Rabithah Melayu Banjar, the President is also scheduled to visit traders at the people’s market, visit farmers, also visit Muslims as well as Friday prayers.
Third, strengthening nationalism. The former mayor of Solo has extraordinary nationalism. Even though during the 2019 Presidential Election, the votes of his supporters were not significant, including in Tabalong Regency, he has no grudges in his heart. For him all regions and citizens in this country are all the same. He is ready to come if invited, like now. This is truly extraordinary nationalism.
Sugeng rawuh Pak Jokowi, President of the Republic of Indonesia on Bumi Nan Sarunai
anangfadhilah
