Grebeg Suro Resonates Across Regions, from the 1,000 Blangkon Festival to Local Economic Driver
The spirit of preserving the Nusantara culture has once again come to the forefront through a series of Grebeg Suro celebrations held in various regions. This tradition, synonymous with the Islamic New Year, serves not only as a space for cultural expression but also as a binder of social harmony and a driver of community economy.
In Singkawang City, West Kalimantan, the Javanese Community Association of Singkawang (PJKS) is preparing to hold the 2nd Kirab Budaya Grebeg Suro from 20 to 27 June 2026. One of the main events drawing attention is the Festival of 1,000 Blangkon, which will take place on the opening night at Kridasana Parking Park.
PJKS Chairman Sutopo Aryanto explained that the festival is more than just a show; it is a symbol of preserving Javanese cultural values. “Blangkon symbolises simplicity in thinking to avoid excess. This is the value we wish to convey to the community,” he said.
In addition to the Festival of 1,000 Blangkon, the series of activities will include the Reog and Jaranan Festival across West Kalimantan, cultural procession parades, and the gunungan tradition characteristic of Grebeg Suro. Various supporting activities are also being prepared, such as cultural arts exhibitions, traditional games, the selection of PJKS Arjuna and Srikandi, a Javanese fashion show, and a grand dance performance.
The local government has welcomed this event positively. Singkawang City Secretary Dwi Yanti emphasised that Grebeg Suro has become part of the city’s multicultural identity. “This activity strengthens inter-ethnic brotherhood while affirming Singkawang as a tolerant city,” she stated.
Not only as a cultural space, Grebeg Suro is also expected to boost the tourism sector and activate micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) in the area.
A similar spirit is evident in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu. The local government plans to make the “Grebek Suro Jaranan” cultural carnival an annual event to strengthen culture-based tourism appeal.
Rejang Lebong Regent Muhammad Fikri views this activity as strategically valuable in fostering togetherness while introducing the region’s cultural richness to a wider public. He even encourages next year’s event to be held on a larger and more festive scale.
The Grebeg Suro Jaranan Festival, held every month of Muharram, is participated in by 25 kuda kepang groups and dance troupes from 15 sub-districts. The event begins with a cultural parade and continues with a grand jaranan performance lasting until the afternoon.