Maulid Perahu, locally known as Maudu Jolloro’, is one of the most unique annual traditions held in Salenrang Village, Maros Regency, South Sulawesi. This celebration brings together Islamic values, community solidarity, local creativity, and the magnificent natural scenery of the Rammang-Rammang Karst area.
In 2026, Maudu Jolloro’ will be held on:
- Day and date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Starting time: 7:30 AM Central Indonesia Time (WITA) until the event concludes
- Location: Rammang-Rammang Karst Tourism Area, Salenrang Village, Maros Regency
- Boat parade route: From the Pute River Bridge to Pier 2 of Rammang-Rammang
The celebration is open to local residents as well as domestic and international travelers who would like to experience the commemoration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad in one of South Sulawesi’s most impressive natural settings.
A Combination of Religious Tradition and Riverside Life
Maudu Jolloro’ is more than a festival or tourism performance. The tradition developed from the daily lives of communities living along the Pute River and around the Rammang-Rammang karst landscape.
For generations, boats have played an important role in the community. They are used to connect villages, houses, rice fields, docks, and other places surrounded by limestone mountains. In several parts of Rammang-Rammang, traveling by boat remains one of the most practical ways to move between settlements.
The local community eventually made the traditional jolloro’ boat an important part of its celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday. During the festival, the boats are beautifully decorated and loaded with traditional food, colorful Maulid eggs, agricultural products, and special Maulid baskets before joining a festive river parade.
The official Indonesia Travel website also introduces Maudu Jolloro’ as a prominent traditional festival in Rammang-Rammang. It features a parade of dozens of decorated boats traveling along the Pute River to commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Through this celebration, residents express gratitude, strengthen relationships among families and neighbors, and share happiness with everyone who attends.
A Parade of Traditional Jolloro’ Boats
The main attraction of Maudu Jolloro’ is the procession of dozens of traditional boats traveling together along the Pute River. For the 2026 celebration, the parade is scheduled to begin near the Pute River Bridge and continue toward Pier 2 of Rammang-Rammang.
The complete route covers approximately five kilometers. Throughout the journey, visitors can watch colorful boats moving slowly between tropical vegetation, nipa palm trees, rice fields, and towering limestone cliffs.
The sounds of boat engines, cheerful greetings from residents, colorful decorations, and magnificent karst mountains create a scene rarely found anywhere else. People gather along the riverbanks to welcome the procession and take photographs of the decorated boats.
Depending on availability, boat capacity, and arrangements made by the local organizers, some visitors may also be able to join the parade and travel on one of the boats. This provides an opportunity to experience the tradition directly rather than simply watching it from the riverbank.
Sailing Through a Spectacular Karst Landscape
One of the qualities that makes Maudu Jolloro’ so special is its location. Rammang-Rammang is part of the Maros Pangkep UNESCO Global Geopark, which received its UNESCO designation in 2023.
According to UNESCO, the Maros-Pangkep area contains spectacular tower-karst formations, hundreds of caves, prehistoric archaeological discoveries, remarkable biodiversity, and communities whose lives are deeply connected to the surrounding natural environment.
Rammang-Rammang is also widely introduced as part of one of the world’s most extensive karst regions. Indonesian media have often described the Maros-Pangkep karst as the second-longest karst area after the karst landscape of southern China.
When the decorated boats travel between these dramatic limestone formations, visitors can see cultural and natural heritage presented together in one unforgettable panorama.
This setting distinguishes Maudu Jolloro’ from many other Maulid celebrations in Indonesia. Visitors do not only attend a religious and cultural event. They also enjoy a scenic river journey through one of the most impressive landscapes in South Sulawesi.
Colorful Decorations and Bakul Maudu
Before the celebration begins, residents work together to decorate their boats. Yellow coconut leaves, banana leaves, fabrics, flags, and colorful paper transform the boats from ordinary forms of transportation into floating works of art.
Every family and community group tries to present its finest decorations. The preparation process is itself an important part of the celebration. Children, young people, parents, boat owners, and community organizations work together according to their different skills and responsibilities.
On board the boats are special containers known as Bakul Maudu. They may be made from woven palm leaves or decorated buckets and are filled with food prepared for the Maulid celebration.
The contents usually include colorful Maulid eggs, glutinous rice known locally as songkolo, traditional snacks, and various agricultural products. Thousands of brightly decorated eggs are arranged above the baskets, making them one of the most recognizable visual elements of the parade.
These baskets and foods are not merely decorations. They symbolize gratitude, generosity, prosperity, and the community’s strong tradition of sharing with others.
An Inclusive Cultural Experience for Visitors
Maudu Jolloro’ is an open and welcoming celebration. Visitors can observe the community’s preparations, photograph the decorated boats, watch the parade from the riverbanks, or participate in the boat journey when space is available.
For international travelers, the event offers a valuable opportunity to learn about Islam as practiced in the daily life of a South Sulawesi community. Religious values are expressed through hospitality, cooperation, gratitude, generosity, and respect for guests.
Visitors should always respect the religious and cultural meaning of the celebration. Wear modest clothing, ask permission before taking close-up photographs of residents, avoid blocking the procession, and follow instructions from the organizers or local guides.
Anyone joining the river parade should wear a life jacket and remain seated while the boat is moving. Passengers must also avoid sudden movements or changing seats because traditional jolloro’ boats are generally narrow.
As the event begins at 7:30 AM WITA, travelers staying in Makassar are advised to depart early in the morning. The journey from central Makassar to Rammang-Rammang normally takes approximately one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Traditional Games and Community Activities
In addition to the boat parade, Maudu Jolloro’ is usually accompanied by community activities and traditional games. Among them are local games known as dende-dende and lamben.
These activities create a livelier atmosphere while encouraging children and younger generations to learn about their local heritage. The celebration becomes a gathering place where people of all ages can meet, enjoy food, participate in competitions, and celebrate their cultural identity.
For travelers, these activities offer a more meaningful experience than an ordinary sightseeing trip. Visitors can interact with residents and observe local community life directly.
Supporting the Local Economy and Cultural Preservation
The arrival of visitors during Maudu Jolloro’ also benefits the people of Salenrang Village. Boat owners, local guides, dock operators, food vendors, small businesses, homestay owners, and transportation providers may all receive additional income from the event.
More importantly, the celebration strengthens the community’s determination to preserve its traditions. When younger generations see that their culture is respected and appreciated by people from other regions and countries, they are more likely to feel proud and continue protecting it.
Visitors also have a responsibility to help protect the Pute River and its surrounding environment. Avoid throwing rubbish into the water, do not damage plants, and reduce the use of single-use plastic. The beauty of Rammang-Rammang can only be preserved when local residents, organizers, and visitors care for it together.
Experience Maudu Jolloro’ 2026 With Us
Maudu Jolloro’ 2026 is a special opportunity to witness a tradition that brings religion, culture, nature, and riverside community life together. The procession of decorated boats, thousands of Maulid eggs, Bakul Maudu, traditional food, local games, and dramatic karst mountains will create an experience to remember.
Do not miss the celebration on Saturday, September 12, 2026, beginning at 7:30 AM WITA, in the Rammang-Rammang Karst Tourism Area, Salenrang Village, Maros Regency.
For travelers staying in Makassar or visiting South Sulawesi, transportation from a Makassar hotel or Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, a private vehicle, a local guide, and a boat journey can be arranged according to your needs.
Would you like to experience Maudu Jolloro’ 2026? Book your trip with Sekeluarga Healing Adventure as early as possible. Boat capacity is limited, so reserve your place now and become part of this spectacular Maulid boat celebration in Rammang-Rammang!