Splash of Survival Spirit in Old Urban Village, Semarang

Every time before Ramadan, for example, the residents hold “Gebyuran Bustaman", a water battle or splashing game.

KOMPAS/ADITYA PUTRA PERDANA

The atmosphere of watering children at the Gebyuran Bustaman event in Bustaman Village, Purwodinatan Village, Central Semarang District, Semarang City, Saturday (10/4/2021).

Amid the transformation into a metropolitan city, old urban villages in Semarang are trying hard not be edged out of the city. In the swamp of the jungle of hotels and plazas, residents faithfully preserve their roots wrapped in local wisdoms.

Three children dressed in traditional Semarangan clothes sit in the courtyard of the prayer room in Bustaman Village, Semarang on Saturday (10/4/2021). A moment later, a number of officials approached and slowly poured the water from the scoop over their heads. A number of spectators also washed their bodies in the water battle tradition.