Deputy Regent: Thousand Dulang Parade Preserves East Lombok's Local Culture

East Lombok Deputy Regent Moh Edwin Hadiwijaya stated that the thousand dulang parade, a tradition of serving food at the 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah Festival, is an effort to preserve local culture in the region. “This thousand dulang parade has become an icon of the Hijriah New Year activities,” he said in East Lombok on Tuesday. The 1 Muharram Festival, centred at the Selong Sports Arena, is being held from 16 to 21 June 2026. “This festival presents various religious and cultural activities, a development exhibition, an SME bazaar, public entertainment, and the 1,000 dulang parade,” he said. He noted that the dulang parade, which concludes with a communal meal, demonstrates the cohesiveness of the East Lombok community. “This cohesiveness, sense of care, togetherness, and spirit of mutual cooperation are assets in overcoming future development challenges,” he said. The local government hopes that the high spirit of togetherness and social awareness can continue to be nurtured as the main capital for East Lombok to keep growing and developing. “This 1 Muharram Festival activity is expected to boost the community’s economic growth,” he said. Edwin mentioned that the recitation of the end-of-year and beginning-of-year prayers on Monday evening (15/6/2026) signified a migration. He expressed hope that his leadership alongside East Lombok Regent Haerul Warisin would bring more progress to improve community welfare. “I invite all East Lombok residents to welcome the new year by enhancing togetherness and unity, and maintaining security for the smooth progress of development in East Lombok Regency,” he said. The dulang parade tradition involves the presentation of food covered with a red tembolaq carried by thousands of Sasak women wearing traditional Sasak attire, namely the lambung, complete with a lempot or distinctive regional belt. The attire symbolises modesty and the fertility of the homeland. The dulang tradition has evolved into a symbol of community togetherness in East Lombok in welcoming the Islamic New Year. Thousands of residents from various villages and sub-districts participate each year, making the activity one of the religious cultural celebrations in the local area.