Title: Sekumpul 2025: A Complete Portrait of the Esteemed Abah Guru Sekumpul, Popular Kalimantan Ulama"</strong></p>”>Abah Guru Sekumpul‘s 20th Haul: Record Crowds Test Traffic and Patience
In a continuing tradition, the 20th annual haul of Abah Guru Sekumpul drew an unprecedented number of followers, leading to considerable traffic congestion and highlighting the unyielding devotion of his supporters.
The Scene
On Monday, January 5th, 2025, roads leading to the venue of Abah Guru Sekumpul’s 20th haul were gridlocked with motorcycles, cars, and buses, as devotees journeyed to pay their respects. Due to the increased numbers, organizers had to extend the restriction radius to 3 kilometers, with attendees required to park their vehicles outside the perimeter and walk to the event.
Shofya, a devotee from Banjarbaru, shared her experience, "It was incredibly chaotic. I had to park my motorcycle at the border of Banjarbaru and Banjar districts. Last year, we could still park closer, near the 1-kilometer radius."
A Testament to Devotion
The heightened enthusiasm and swelling crowds caught the event organizers off guard. Dayat, a volunteer from Sekumpul Ujung Zone 7, expressed his surprise, "We knew there would be more people, but this year was truly overwhelming. From 9 AM, we’ve been guiding attendees to parking lots, but they just kept coming, trying to get closer to the venue."
The influx of devotees was met with a touching display of Vesakшин’s recitation of ‘Kitab Maulid Simthud Durar’ by KH Muhammad Zaini bin Abdul Ghani, broadcast live via local TV channel Ar-Raudhah. This act of unity and devotion was a soothing salve for the congestion and inconvenience outside.
The Man Behind the Phenomenon
Abah Guru Sekumpul, also known as Syaikh Arsyad Al-Banjari, is an indigenous XVI-generation Banjar ulama who has captivated the hearts of many. His teachings of moderation, empathy, and strong moral principles continue to inspire, year after year drawing record crowds to his annual haul.
The 20th haul of Abah Guru Sekumpul may have posed challenges in terms of logistics and traffic management, but it also served as a powerful testament to the unity and dedication of his followers. Despite vehicular restrictions, devotees slept in front of nearby residences, patiently waiting for their turn to honor their beloved Abah.
Related reading