Mass Khitan by Bahtera Dwipa Abadi Foundation, 26th June 2011

Khitan

In Islam belief or tradition, Khitan is a form of ritual involving circumcision that is performed for boys between the age of 7 - 12 years old. For some believers, including most of the Muslims believe that Khitan is an obligation though it is not an obligation or a condition for converting to Islam.

In general, Khitan symbolises the inclusion of followers within the emerging Islamic community. For some Islamic communities, post Khitan ritual often represents a conversion from childhood to adulthood for boys where the ritual often include a celebratory event involving special foods, music performances, and mass prayers. Due to this celebratory event which requires some funds, many families in poor community in Indonesia are incapable to perform this ritual for their boys.

I asked a question to a follower, what if the person who is due for Khitan ritual is lack of funds to perform it? Some believe that it is the duty of the parents' responsibility to provide their boys for the event, but in case of poor economic conditions, it is then becomes the responsibility of other family members who are more capable financially.


Estimated to be 98% of the population in Riau Province, Sumatra, are Muslims. Most of the inhabitant in Inhil Regency, Riau, Indonesia earn their living from farming. Farming will provide them sufficiently for foods, and shelter. Water is free as it sourced from the freshwater rivers that stretch between islands where villages reside. In general, due to lack of birth control, many households consist of a family of 6 - 8. Many children do not have the luxury to complete schools as their parents are unfortunate. How many can afford their boys to pass through Khitan rituals? Not for everybody.

Bahtera Dwipa Abadi Foundation (YBDA)

Bahtera Dwipa Abadi Foundation was established in early 1990s, as the corporate foundation of Sambu Group, focusing mainly on its employees welfare. Today, YBDA is serving approximately 18,000 employees and their families in providing health facilities, schools, religious premises, as well as yearly donation of 25,000 tincans of 1,3kg biscuits for the poor (fakir miskin) during Ramadhan period.

For the past two consecutive years, YBDA has started the initiative to provide free Khitan ritual in mass, open to the local public, for those children from unfortunate families. In 2010, we managed to gather around 250 boys registered and performed the ritual. This year, the number increased to 300 boys.

Our doctors and nurses were committed to the cause, while the committee of the foundation were committed to the events on 26th July 2011. Local Malay dance and choir were performed by our school children, and the ladies were prepared with boxed snacks and meals for participants and guests. People were thankful.

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Pictures of Mass Khitan 2011

Some of the boys all in their designated seats

Members of the company and business affiliates

Founder and Committee members walking around to give regards to everybody

The Participants

Traditional Malay dance

At the end of the dance, leading dancer carry a box filled with candies and cigarettes as "Suguhan"  for respected audience.

Girl dancers proceeding with 'gift' for respected guests and founder, as part ofMalay traditional dance

Event was split in two localities, lasted for 2 days, 96 children attended the first day in this area

Participants paying respects to founder (left) and Chief of Sub-district (right)

Girl Choir by Dwipa Abadi Primary School

Circumcision were performed in 3 rooms for 8 children at once by our dedicated doctors and nurses

First Batch of 8 (sorry for the ugly pose)

The Core Committees