Fostering Unity Through a Traditional Penjor Competition

Residents put up penjor at the Gunung Tidar religious tourism site in Magelang, Central Java, on Saturday (7 November 2026). A total of 134 participants from schools, government agencies, urban villages, companies and community organisations entered the competition, organised by the Magelang City Government under the theme “Weaving Identity, Magelang Continues to Grow”.

Through the event, residents not only displayed their creativity in decorating penjor, but also built a sense of togetherness through gotong royong, or mutual cooperation. The participating groups worked together to enhance the area, strengthen harmony and preserve a tradition that forms part of their shared identity.