A cultural figure from South Lampung, Ridwan, said in Bandar Lampung on Saturday that the theme chosen by the South Lampung delegation at the festival was “Tupping Faces of Keratuan Darah Putih.”
The theme reflected the region’s cultural heritage, which symbolizes grandeur, strength, patriotism, and spirituality, he added.
This time, the delegation presented 12 traditional tupping masks that are believed to have belonged to the secret warriors of Radin Inten II.
He said that in the past, the 12 masks were used as facial covers by Radin Inten II’s secret soldiers, who were strategically stationed at 12 different locations stretching from the Sunda Strait to Tanjung Cina in Kota Agung.
Ridwan emphasized that these traditional masks are not to be worn casually. They are only brought out once every 30 years during the sacred Keratuan Darah Putih ceremonies.
The masks were shown to the public at the Krakatoa Festival with special permission from the Keratuan Darah Putih leadership.
Their wearers need to be direct descendants of the Keratuan Darah Putih and undergo specific rituals to wear them.
He noted that during the Dutch colonial era, the tupping masks were associated with their fearsome appearance.
However, now they are presented in a more humorous and entertaining manner, and preserved for performances during traditional ceremonies, cultural events, and weddings in South Lampung.
The masks have been formally recognized as part of South Lampung’s intangible cultural heritage.
To honor the memory of Radin Inten II’s warriors who fought against colonial forces, the local community has incorporated tupping into a dance performance so that they can be showcased more widely, beyond traditional contexts.
The twelve tupping masks include the Tupping Ikhung Tebak, placed at Mount Rajabasa; Tupping Ikhung Cungak at Tanjung Tua; and Tupping Luakh Takhing, placed on the way from the Keratuan area to the sunset point.
They also include Tupping Jangut Khawing at Way Sekampung, Tupping Banguk Khabit at Mount Cukih in the Sunda Strait, Tupping Banguk Bekhak at Kekiling Mountain, Tupping Banguk Kicut at Mount Karang, Tupping Mata Sipit at Batu Payung, and Tupping Pudak Bebai at Tanjung Selaki.
They further comprise Tupping Mata Kedugok, placed in the Kekhatuan Tugok Matakhani Minjak area; Tupping Mata Kicong at Tugu Lima; and Tupping Ikhung Pisek at Sumur Kucing.
Related news: Riau Islands plans 15 events to boost tourist arrivals
Related news: Indonesia’s DPR Speaker urges tourist safety after Mt. Rinjani death
Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
