DIY Regional Government Holds Simple Open House to Save Budget
The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) government is changing the concept of the Eid al-Fitr open house to a simpler format at the Kepatihan Yogyakarta Governor’s Office on Monday, 30 March 2026. In the event, the public can still meet and shake hands directly with the Raja Keraton, who is also the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, and the Raja Pura Pakualaman, who is also the Deputy Governor of DIY, Paku Alam X.
This change in concept is driven by budget efficiency that prioritises simplicity. One indication is the shift in food service from a buffet system to a people’s menu through 70 angkringan carts and free soto.
“This year, we are organising a simpler silaturahmi in line with the governor and deputy governor’s directives, involving SMEs in the form of angkringan for the public,” said the Coordinator of Public Relations for the DIY Regional Government’s Communication and Informatics Office, Ditya Nanaryo Aji, on Friday, 27 March 2026.
The silaturahmi, which also marks the 271st anniversary of DIY, is being made shorter. The event will only run from 10:00 to 12:00 WIB. The public is advised to arrive early as queues will be limited according to the available time duration.
“Residents from various areas, from Gunungkidul Regency, Kulon Progo, Sleman to Bantul, are allowed to attend without number restrictions, but must comply with the established protocols,” he said.
Visitors are asked to wear neat clothing, not use flip-flops, and are prohibited from taking selfies or recording videos while shaking hands with the Sultan.
Instead, the DIY Regional Government’s Public Relations Team will provide photographers and share download links so the public can still have documentation of the moment.
The DIY Regional Government also ensures accessibility for all groups by providing special lanes and sloped facilities (ramps) for people with disabilities so the silaturahmi process can run more comfortably and prioritised.
With the involvement of dozens of SME actors, Ditya said the 2026 silaturahmi agenda is expected to become a momentum for saving state budget in line with efforts to strengthen the people’s economy.
DIY Regional Secretary Ni Made Dwipanti Indrayanti stated that although this open house is packaged simply, the main essence as a means to strengthen relations between policymakers and the public remains the priority.
“In principle, it is how regional leaders can meet their people directly,” she said.
She added that this concept is deliberately designed to enliven the small business ecosystem. Each angkringan cart involved will source food such as nasi kucing and sate from local artisans, not through large catering companies.