Eik BetBet Ritual (Stepping the Land): A Tradition of Caring for Multiethnic Community Harmony in Central Halmahera Regency

This research discusses how the people of Central Halmahera maintain the customary ritual tradition of welcoming guests called Eik Betbet or trampling the ground. The Eik Betbet ritual is an opening ceremony which is carried out by presenting ritual to honored guests who are visiting for the first time. The objectives of this study are (1), to find out the process of carrying out the Eik Betbet ritual in Central Halmahera Regency. (2) To find out what values are contained in the Eik Betbet ritual in Central Halmahera Regency. This research used qualitative method. The research was conducted by Weda in Central Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province. Data collection techniques in this research are observation, interview and documentation. The data that has been collected is analyzed with a qualitative approach. The validity of the data in this study was carried out through member checks where the participants were always confirmed with the results of the data analysis that had been carried out. At the time of the interview, the researcher had already conducted an analysis of the interviewee's answers. The results of this study found that the Eik Betbet traditional ritual is a form of implementing Islamic values in welcoming and respecting guests. The procedure for carrying out the Eik Betbet ceremony has never changed for centuries. The implementation of the Eik Betbet ceremony is only intended for officials or guests who are setting foot in Central Halmahera for the first time. The Eik Betbet custom in the tradition of the people of Central Halmahera contains several moral, socio-cultural and religious values that are adhered to by the people of the Gam Range (three countries), namely; Veda, Patani and Maba. These customs have been passed down from generation to generation and continue to grow even though the people who are members of a society have changed due to death and birth. Social values in the implementation of the Eik Betbet ritual are a form of a close sense of brotherhood among human beings