BRI Joins Boyong Natapraja Procession, Commits to Preserving History and Culture

The date 6 June is no longer just an ordinary day on the calendar for the people of Anjuk Ladang. It marks a pivotal event when the centre of government shifted from Kotalama Berbek to Kotabaru Nganjuk in 1880. This monumental step, which transformed governance at the time, was taken to break geographical isolation and stimulate the region’s economic pulse. In an effort to revive the collective memory that reinforces cultural and historical values, the ritual procession titled ‘Boyong Hambangun Projo 2026’ was held on Saturday (6/6/2026) as a sacred annual event. The peak of the commemoration successfully blended historical nuances with modern enthusiasm. A grand cultural parade retraced the historical route from Berbek to Nganjuk, starting from Alun-Alun Kecamatan Berbek to Pendopo KRT Sosro Koesoemo Nganjuk. The procession was led by Nganjuk Regent Marhaen Djumadi aboard a horse-drawn carriage, followed by various other carriages from government agencies, state-owned enterprises, regional-owned enterprises, communities, and businesses. Thousands of residents lined the route from morning to witness the series of cultural processions involving the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum, regional apparatus organisations, art communities, students, and the general public. This enthusiasm was also shared by Bank BRI, which took part in the parade with its own horse-drawn carriage. ‘This is a manifestation of BRI’s commitment to actively support the government’s efforts in preserving Indonesian history and culture. Moreover, as we know, our focus is also on helping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises develop culture-based products,’ explained Ahmad Nowmenta Putra from BRI’s Risk Management division. Beyond representing the continuity of BRI’s culture-based programmes, through collaboration with all stakeholders, BRI is committed to ensuring that the nation’s cultural heritage can be continuously preserved and become more widely known. ‘In retrospect, BRI has not only supported the repatriation programme of 1,500 historical collections from a museum in the Netherlands to Indonesian museums, or frequently taken part in national textile exhibitions, as well as involvement in local cultural activities, but in its journey, BRI itself cannot be separated from the nation’s history. Born in 1895, during several national economic crises, BRI was able to serve as a buoy for recovery. We even have our own museum, the birthplace of BRI in Purwokerto,’ he added. Meanwhile, the Head of the Nganjuk Regency Youth, Sports, Culture, and Tourism Office, Gunawan Widagdo, who led the event, stated that the theme ‘Boyong Hambangun Projo’ was chosen as a symbol of the spirit of regional development, following last year’s theme ‘Boyong Noto Praja’ which focused on governance arrangement. The theme was adopted as a collective spirit to become more advanced and developed in the future. Behind the lively festival, the 2026 Boyong Natapraja and Sedekah Bumi celebration holds a deep spiritual dimension. The event is not merely an annual theatrical ceremony, but a profound reflection to reaffirm noble values that are beginning to be eroded by time. The Bedol Pusaka procession and the jamasan (cleansing) ritual symbolise spiritual purification for leaders and the community, as well as protection and sharpness of thought to lead Nganjuk towards progress. Meanwhile, the gunungan procession of agricultural produce in Sedekah Bumi serves as a symbol of gratitude and a reinforcement of the collective memory that regional development cannot be done partially. The parade of heirlooms, cultural performances, and homage to ancestors symbolise gratitude and appreciation for the historical heritage that shapes the identity of Nganjuk Regency. People from all corners flocked to the procession route, uniting their hearts in prayer and hope for blessings and prosperity for the land of Anjuk Ladang.