BLITAR – The sahur wake-up tradition continues to thrive in a small village in Blitar, where local youth choose traditional bamboo instruments rather than loudspeakers to wake residents before dawn during Ramadan.
In Dusun Termas, part of Kebonduren, young residents organize nightly patrols known as ronda sahur. The activity involves walking around the neighborhood while playing bamboo slit drums, locally called kentongan, to alert Muslims it is time to eat before fasting begins.
The village lies in Ponggok, where the sahur wake-up tradition has existed for generations. Despite the growing use of modern sound systems in many areas, the youth in Termas have chosen to preserve the older method.
Muhammad Asyharil Ramadhani, one of the young participants, said the tradition has long been part of the village’s Ramadan culture.
“It has existed for a long time. It has already become a tradition here,” he said Monday.
According to Asyharil, the sahur patrol usually begins around 1 a.m. and continues until about 3 a.m. More than ten young residents often join the activity, although the number sometimes varies.
During the patrol, the group walks through village streets while rhythmically hitting bamboo kentongan. The sound serves as a gentle signal for residents to wake up and prepare their pre-dawn meal.
Asyharil explained that the youth deliberately avoid using large loudspeakers. They believe traditional instruments create a calmer atmosphere and reduce noise disturbance for people who are still resting.
“Using traditional instruments feels better. Loud sound systems can disturb people who are sleeping. With bamboo instruments, the atmosphere feels more peaceful and residents like it,” he said.
Beyond waking people for sahur, the activity also strengthens community ties among young residents. The tradition continues to attract participation from the village’s younger generation each Ramadan.
While many communities now rely on modern speakers and recorded music, the youth of Dusun Termas maintain a simpler approach. Their creativity helps preserve local culture while creating a warm and communal Ramadan atmosphere.
For the villagers, the nightly sahur patrol represents more than just a wake-up call.
“What matters most is that we stay united and maintain harmony among residents,” Asyharil added.
