The Sufi Values of Tapa Bisu in the Kirab Malam Satu Suro at Surakarta Palace

Abstract

The tapa bisu ritual, practiced during the Kirab Malam Satu Suro at the Surakarta Palace, is a spiritual tradition passed down through generations. However, its meaning has shifted, with public focus turning toward the albino buffalo as a material symbol, overshadowing the practice’s spiritual essence. This study aims to rediscover the Sufi values embedded in tapa bisu by exploring the inner experiences of its practitioners. Using a qualitative field research approach, the study applies Edmund Husserl’s phenomenology to explore lived experiences and Max Scheler’s value hierarchy to categorize the spiritual values found. Data were gathered through observations, in-depth interviews with cultural figures and practitioners, and literature analysis. The findings reveal that tapa bisu cultivates core Sufi values, muhasabah (self-reflection), zuhud (detachment), tawakal (trust in God), sabar (patience), and syukur (gratitude). These values, rooted in inner discipline and divine connection, show the esoteric intersection between Javanese tradition and Sufism. The practice’s emphasis on self-restraint and introspection also offers contemporary relevance, particularly in addressing modern issues such as hate speech, cyberbullying, and identity crises through spiritual resilience. This study offers a new perspective on local Sufisme and fills a gap in the study of the kirab malam satu suro, which has often overlooked the spiritual dimension of tapa bisu and instead focused on the albino buffalo as a material symbol.