Selaju Sampan Brightens the 80th Independence Day Celebration in Seberang Palinggam, Padang

Selaju Sampan Brightens the 80th Independence Day Celebration in Seberang Palinggam, Padang

Padang once again came alive with the Selaju Sampan race, a maritime tradition deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the city’s coastal communities. This year, the event took place in Seberang Palinggam Subdistrict to celebrate Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day.

Held along the banks of the Batang Arau River, the competition brought together rowing teams from various districts across Padang. Cheers from the crowd, the rhythmic beat of drums, and the shouts of paddlers created an atmosphere full of excitement and nostalgia for the glory days of this tradition.

The Selaju Sampan race has a long history in Padang, dating back to the Dutch colonial era. It has long been a source of pride, especially in the Batang Arau area. Although the tradition faced interruptions during wartime and political unrest, it was revived in 1980 to mark Indonesia’s 35th Independence Day. Since then, it has stood as a symbol of unity and resilience for the coastal community.

In this year’s race, the Seberang Palinggam Rowing Team delivered an outstanding performance, showcasing excellent teamwork and endurance. Their efforts paid off as they proudly claimed both 2nd and 3rd place. This achievement brought joy and pride to local residents, further motivating them to preserve and develop this traditional sport.

The event concluded with a festive award ceremony. Locals hope that the Selaju Sampan tradition will continue to be held annually—not only as a competitive sport but also as a cultural heritage that strengthens community bonds and celebrates Padang’s maritime identity. (SUCONET)