The boat burning festival is held in Bagansiapiapi, Rokan Hilir district, Riau
province. It is the most popular ritual in this city. Many people from Indo­
nesia and other countries come to this city, to celebrate the ritual and enjoy
the event. Actually, this ritual is held more than one month. It begin with the
ritual to ask to the God of the Sea to know what the God’s will. After that, the
ritual continues with boat building. Thus, the ritual continues at the 15th,
16th and 17th day of the 5th month in Lunar calendar. On the 17th of the 5th
month the boat will be paraded and in the place that have been prepared they
burn the boat. This ritual is the annual event. The most interesting thing of
this ritual is that the ritual is interpreted as a symbol. From the soteriologi­
cal point of view, this is the symbol of God salvation. They order to God to
give the salvation, especially salvation in this world: fortune, harmony, and
peacefulness. In addition, in this ritual, they also aware with their sins. Sins
can undo their salvation. Therefore, in this ritual they invoke mercy from God
and thus God give to them salvation.
This research was qualitative research using interview method. The research
sample consisted of nine respondents selected by some requirements. These
requirements were understanding the ritual, staying in Bagansiapiapi or
having an experience to live there, and being involved in the ritual. The
data research was obtained through interview. The additional data obtained
through library studies, which was conducted through observation using CD
and literature reviews.