PKSPL, HA-IPB West Sumatra, and HAT Revive the Mandabiah Basamo Tradition for Communities in Evacuation Shelters
IPB University was present in West Sumatra (Sumbar) to revive local traditions amid post disaster limitations. Through the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL) and the IPB Alumni Association (HA) of West Sumatra, IPB University organized the Mandabiah and Mendoa Basamo activities to welcome Ramadan, strengthening the spirit of communities undergoing a transitional recovery period.
The activity was made possible with support from the HAT (Herry W, Arwin Rasyaid, Toni W) Team 2026 and was carried out in four locations: Nagari Salareh Air (Agam Regency), Nagari Bayang Utara (Pesisir Selatan Regency), Nagari Sungai Batang (Agam Regency), and Nagari Pauh (Padang). The Association of Minang Students and Alumni (PAPMM) of IPB University also participated in fundraising for the program.
Mandabiah is a long standing tradition deeply rooted in West Sumatran society as Ramadan approaches. Before the fasting month, communities typically slaughter a cow or buffalo and cook it together.
The Chair of HA-IPB West Sumatra, Dr Yozawardi who also serves as Chief of the Community and Village Empowerment Office (PMD) of West Sumatra Province expressed gratitude, “Thank you to HAT 2026, PKSPL IPB, and PAPMM for supporting this year’s Mandabiah and Mendoa Basamo activities in the evacuation areas.”
The Chairman of PKSPL IPB University, Prof Yonvitner, who was also present, stated that the activity forms part of post disaster trauma healing efforts for the community.
“Community members actively participated and worked together in mutual cooperation, helping to relieve boredom and trauma by cooking together. They appeared to enjoy the activity and seemed more enthusiastic. Likewise, during the communal meal (makan bajamba) and prayers before the fasting month, there was a strong sense of family and a feeling that the burden of the disaster had eased,” said Prof Yonvitner.
Through this activity, communities were still able to enjoy beef rendang despite residing in temporary shelters. “We hope the community can observe the fast peacefully and comfortably,” conveyed drh Iron Maria Edi, representative of the Agam Branch Leadership Council (DPC) of HA-IPB, who currently serves in Nagari Salareh Aia and acted as the driving force behind the Mandabiah event in Salareh Air.
Similarly, drh Fitro stated that the community in Sungai Bayang Utara expressed gratitude to the HAT 2026 donors and those who facilitated PAPMM IPB West Sumatra. He expressed hope that the community would also receive support in welcoming Eid in the future. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KAL)
