Ultimate Tomato Fighting, West Java Culture as Gratitude to Nature

In 2016, I was a journalist at one of the media in West Java. There are some interesting activities that I still keep. But, for the photo I posted, it was given by my friend. At that time, I was present in a cultural activity, the Ultimate Tomato Fighting. This agenda is an annual agenda that is held every year starting in 2012 in West Java. The activities are the same as in Spain, La Tomatina.

And theUltimate Tomato Fighting has a very profound meaning. Tomatoes being thrown from rotten tomatoes into meaning to dispose of human nature. In 2012, tomato war became a form of phrase of art creation which is the suffering of society on planted tomatoes. At 2011, The tomatoes produced farmers sold at a very low price. It caused a lot of rotten tomatoes because to not sell.

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Picture by Nurdiani Latifah

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Picture By Nurdiani Latifah



Finally, since 2012 this rotten tomato has become the bullet used in the Ultimate Tomato Fighting. In addition, the tomato war is a form of gratitude for the harvest (tomatoes). From this, the Ultimate Tomato Fighting festival was formed as an expression of enthusiasm, joy and gratitude to nature and god. This agenda is also a way of giving thanks for the residents (farmers) of Cikareumbi (Lembang - West Java). Since that year, every year Cicareumbi village regularly holds a tUltimate Tomato Fighting which is not only attended by local residents, but also people from outside the region follow this agenda. Even, when I did the coverage first, there were many tourists who joined this agenda.

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Picture By Nurdiani Latifah



In the end, there are many people involved in the agenda. Not only the local community and tomato farmers are involved. However, people from outside the region can be involved. Every year on the agenda of the Ultimate Tomato Fighting festival, many tourists watch this event. In this agenda, 2 tons of rotten tomatoes are used by the community.

Another purpose of this show is also an effort to introduce and preserve local culture. Before Ultimate Tomato Fighting begins, goats will be slaughtered at the water source. Then the blood is put into a hole and then buried with various offerings in a water source. The Ultimate Tomato Fighting agenda is usually held every 14 Muharram.

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Picture By Nurdiani Latifah



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Picture By Nurdiani Latifah

In fact, the Ultimate Tomato Fighting is the pinnacle of Earth's gratitude. This event consists of three series of activities. the first activity is Ruwatan Bumi, "Hajat Buruan" and the last is the Ultimate Tomato Fighting. Currently, the agenda is the preservation and development of local cultural potential. Both natural resources, as well as art and culture.

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Picture By Nurdiani Latifah



The people involved must wear "Pangsi" (county clothes) with colour black complete with a helmet and shield made of bamboo. Every year, the agenda goes very well. From this Ultimate Tomato Fighting, the streets around were red, flooded with broken tomatoes and emitted a strong sour smell because the tomatoes were thrown away. The Ultimate Tomato Fighting isn't just about throwing away rotten tomatoes. But more than that, the farmers hope to attract other people to come and buy local agricultural products.

When I did the coverage, the district head in that area was never on the agenda. Only local people, tourists and journalists were present at the festival. However, last year, I saw the regent and other officials present at the festival. I hope there is a policy that can increase the price of tomatoes. I am often sad when I find out that the selling price of tomatoes at the farmer is very cheap. And hopefully I can see this agenda. Since I lived in Jakarta, I have never seen an agenda.

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Picture by Nurdiani Latifah

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Picture By Nurdiani Latifah



About Author

Nurdiani Latifah

My name is Nurdiani Latifah. I currently live in Jakarta – Indonesia, after 25 years I live in Bandung. I am a media staff at an NGO in Indonesia. I have worked in this institution for almost 2 years on issues of women and peace. I had been a journalist in Bandung for 3 years.

If you like his content, don't forget to upvote and leave a comment to show some love. You can also reblog if you want to. Also, don't forget to follow him to be updated with his latest posts.

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