Dugderan 2026 Becomes Momentum to Strengthen Harmony and Generational Transfer of Tradition
The Semarang city government held Dugderan 2026 on Monday, 16 February 2026, beginning at City Hall, proceeding to the Grand Mosque of Semarang, and concluding at the Grand Mosque of Central Java, with thousands of participants joining the cultural parade. The annual tradition welcoming the holy month of Ramadan once again became a major civic event, serving as an occasion to strengthen the values of togetherness among communities across cultural and religious lines.
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng said this year's Dugderan was more unique than previous editions, featuring various innovations ranging from the involvement of children, the strengthening of the Warak Ngendog symbol, to the affirmation of harmony in diversity.
Carrying the theme "Together in Culture, Tolerance in Tradition", Dugderan 2026 was intended to become a momentum for strengthening social harmony whilst affirming the importance of preserving Semarang's cultural heritage ahead of Ramadan. "The essential point is that Dugderan serves as a starting point to usher in our Muslim friends as they begin fasting," said Agustina.
She also highlighted the Warak Ngendog symbol, which served as the main icon of this year's Dugderan. According to her, the philosophy of the warak that "lays eggs" contains meanings of harmony, self-restraint, and hope for shared prosperity.
Another distinctive feature of Dugderan 2026 was the first-ever Children's Dugder Parade, involving students and cultural arts groups. Agustina expressed pride at seeing the enthusiasm of the younger generation in participating in the tradition as part of the process of cultural regeneration. "I was delighted to see young children beginning to join in the dancing. And this will be the first time we release the children's contingent," she said.
She explained that the involvement of children represented a form of knowledge transfer and tradition preservation to ensure Dugderan remains alive and thriving in the future. She considered the participation of the younger generation to be key to the sustainability of Semarang's cultural heritage.
Additionally, this year's Dugderan took place at a time coinciding with celebrations across multiple faiths, thereby reinforcing the values of tolerance and harmony within society. "It is hoped that Dugderan this year will be more unique given its proximity to Lunar New Year, as well as the pre-Easter Lenten period for our Catholic and Protestant Christian friends. Thus harmony will grow stronger and Semarang will become ever more peaceful," she said.
She expressed optimism that the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere created through the Dugderan tradition would have a positive impact on the tourism and investment sectors in Semarang. Agustina also extended her congratulations to Muslims who would be observing the fasting period. "Together with Pak Iswar, we extend our best wishes for a blessed fasting period to all our Muslim friends."
Dugderan 2026 was attended by thousands of participants comprising representatives from 16 sub-districts, community organisations, cultural groups, students, and arts communities. The series of events included a cultural procession, traditional arts performances, and the beating of the bedug drum as a marker of the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, simultaneously serving as a symbol of unity, tolerance, and the cultural richness of Semarang.
Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng said this year's Dugderan was more unique than previous editions, featuring various innovations ranging from the involvement of children, the strengthening of the Warak Ngendog symbol, to the affirmation of harmony in diversity.
Carrying the theme "Together in Culture, Tolerance in Tradition", Dugderan 2026 was intended to become a momentum for strengthening social harmony whilst affirming the importance of preserving Semarang's cultural heritage ahead of Ramadan. "The essential point is that Dugderan serves as a starting point to usher in our Muslim friends as they begin fasting," said Agustina.
She also highlighted the Warak Ngendog symbol, which served as the main icon of this year's Dugderan. According to her, the philosophy of the warak that "lays eggs" contains meanings of harmony, self-restraint, and hope for shared prosperity.
Another distinctive feature of Dugderan 2026 was the first-ever Children's Dugder Parade, involving students and cultural arts groups. Agustina expressed pride at seeing the enthusiasm of the younger generation in participating in the tradition as part of the process of cultural regeneration. "I was delighted to see young children beginning to join in the dancing. And this will be the first time we release the children's contingent," she said.
She explained that the involvement of children represented a form of knowledge transfer and tradition preservation to ensure Dugderan remains alive and thriving in the future. She considered the participation of the younger generation to be key to the sustainability of Semarang's cultural heritage.
Additionally, this year's Dugderan took place at a time coinciding with celebrations across multiple faiths, thereby reinforcing the values of tolerance and harmony within society. "It is hoped that Dugderan this year will be more unique given its proximity to Lunar New Year, as well as the pre-Easter Lenten period for our Catholic and Protestant Christian friends. Thus harmony will grow stronger and Semarang will become ever more peaceful," she said.
She expressed optimism that the peaceful and harmonious atmosphere created through the Dugderan tradition would have a positive impact on the tourism and investment sectors in Semarang. Agustina also extended her congratulations to Muslims who would be observing the fasting period. "Together with Pak Iswar, we extend our best wishes for a blessed fasting period to all our Muslim friends."
Dugderan 2026 was attended by thousands of participants comprising representatives from 16 sub-districts, community organisations, cultural groups, students, and arts communities. The series of events included a cultural procession, traditional arts performances, and the beating of the bedug drum as a marker of the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, simultaneously serving as a symbol of unity, tolerance, and the cultural richness of Semarang.