Driving the Local Economy by Preserving the Grebeg Ageng Andum Apem Yaaqawiyyu Tradition

Amidst the massive wave of digitalisation, maintaining traditions and culture remains key for the nation to preserve its identity. One such noble heritage preserved to this day is the Grebeg Ageng Andum Apem Yaa Qawiyyu Eyang Kiai Ageng Gribig tradition in Jatinom, Klaten. This tradition of distributing ‘apem’ cakes originated from the preaching of Kiai Ageng Gribig, a prominent scholar and descendant of the Majapahit King Brawijaya V, who spread Islam in Java through a gentle and practical approach.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, who attended the peak of the event on Friday (31/07/2026), expressed his gratitude for the revival of this tradition. This year’s Grebeg Saparan carries the theme “Ingaluhur Rinasa Trusthaning Gusti”. The Minister noted that the theme serves as a reminder that regardless of human status, knowledge, or achievements, everything must be grounded in humility and trust in God, mirroring the exemplary character of Kyla Ageng Gribig.

The series of events this year has been lively since mid-July, involving various religious activities and cultural art festivals that attract tens of thousands of visitors. Minister Airlangga noted an annual increase in visitor numbers, with approximately 50,000 people estimated to have crowded the location during this year’s peak event. He urged all elements of society to preserve this tradition for centuries to come.

Beyond serving as a means of cultural and religious preservation, Grebeg Yaa Qawiyyu has proven to be an engine for the grassroots economy. The surge in income is directly felt by MSME players, street vendors, and local transport providers. The Spokesperson for the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Haryo Limanseto, added that the influx of tourists provides significant benefits to local residents, specifically empowering the service sector, including parking attendants and local food stall owners, who have reaped profits from the week-long festivities.