TIMES JAZIRAH, JEMBER – Petik Laut Jember, a vibrant maritime tradition, sees hundreds of fishing boats of various sizes setting sail from Puger, laden with ceremonial offerings known as ubo rampe or jolen. This age-old custom, handed down through generations, not only cements the cultural heritage of the Puger fishing community but also attracts thousands of spectators from Jember and surrounding areas.

The tradition isn't limited to local fishermen. Enthusiastic surfers from Puger Surf also participate, helping to release the offerings into the open sea. Their involvement doesn't stop there; these surfers also entertain the crowd with daring displays, riding three-meter-high waves off the Puger coast.

Ali Al Hasan, Chairman of Puger Surf, expressed the significance of their involvement in Petik Laut. "We from Puger Surf take part in the sea harvest festival because it has become a tradition. This is a moment where we surfing enthusiasts introduce ourselves to the public, showing that Puger Beach offers surfing experiences on par with Bali and other renowned locations," he said.

Ali also called for greater support from local authorities. "The government needs to step in. Puger Beach has incredible waves and a welcoming community. This can become a tourism benchmark for Jember, even globally. Additionally, we hope the central government will soon install breakwaters to make surfing safer and more accessible, helping beginners to train harder and become world-class surfers," he urged.

Nurhasan, the head of Puger Kulon village, emphasized the importance of preserving this tradition. "This tradition must be maintained. It is part of a series of events in Puger Kulon, culminating in the sea harvest. Our village is a fishing community, and besides, Puger has excellent tourist attractions and great surfing spots," he noted.

Petik Laut Jember beautifully intertwines cultural heritage with modern sports, offering a unique spectacle that captivates both locals and tourists alike. This vibrant festival not only highlights the deep-rooted maritime traditions of the region but also showcases Puger as a burgeoning surfing destination. With continued support and development, Puger has the potential to become a prominent spot on the global surfing map. (*)