Greeting with Sri Sultan: Public Prohibited from Wearing Flip-Flops
The Eid al-Fitr greeting for Yogyakarta’s community with Sri Sultan HB X and KGPAA Paku Alam X will feature a simpler yet grounded atmosphere. Instead of the previous buffet-style servings, the public can enjoy signature dishes provided by around 70 angkringan carts and SMEs.
Pranata Humas Ahli Madya from the Yogyakarta Special Region’s Communication and Informatics Office, Ditya Nanaryo Aji, stated that the event is officially titled Silaturahmi Idulfitri, not an open house. This greeting coincides with the celebration of the 271st anniversary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
He explained that the silaturahmi provides an opportunity for the public to meet directly with the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan HB X and KGPAA Paku Alam X. The event will take place on Monday (30/3).
“It also celebrates the 271st anniversary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, whose peak fell during Ramadan on 13 March. Therefore, we have combined them into one unit in the spirit of simplicity,” Ditya remarked.
Ditya emphasised that the event is open to all societal layers without any limit on numbers. However, the public is expected to wear modest attire and is prohibited from using flip-flops.
Additionally, residents are forbidden from taking selfies or recording videos while shaking hands with local leaders to keep the queue flowing smoothly.
“Our team from the Regional Government’s Public Relations will provide photographers on site. The public need not worry about missing moments, as we will provide a free download link for photos after the event,” he revealed.
Regarding accessibility, the Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta ensures the event is inclusive for all citizens. Pathways for people with disabilities will be separated and prioritised for comfort during the greeting process.
Learning from the experience two years ago, when public enthusiasm reached 5,000 to 10,000 people, the Regional Government of the Special Region of Yogyakarta is implementing stricter queue management. Public visits will be served from 10:00 to 12:00 WIB. The gates will close promptly at 12:00 WIB to clear the existing queue.
The strategy of placing culinary offerings outside the Bangsal Kepatihan area aims to disperse crowds. The Bangsal area will be a clear zone dedicated to the handshake procession with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, GKR Hemas, Sri Paduka Paku Alam X, and Gusti Putri. After shaking hands, attendees can immediately enjoy the culinary offerings in the open area.
Assistant Secretary of the Regional Secretariat of the Special Region of Yogyakarta for General Administration, Srie Nurkyatsiwi, said that around 70 carts to be presented on Monday (30/03) at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta are ready to serve as a warm meeting space between the public and local leaders.
The presence of dozens of these carts is part of the populist economy concept promoted in the Peak Commemoration of the 271st Anniversary of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Various dishes are provided, from classic angkringan fare like nasi kucing and fritters, to soto, various types of jenang, and other local SME culinary products.
“We want this silaturahmi momentum not only to be a ceremony but also to deliver real economic impact for the lower strata of society. Involving small business actors reflects the spirit of guyub rukun while revitalising our local culinary SMEs,” Siwi stated.
This year’s Eid al-Fitr silaturahmi agenda also marks the peak of the 271st Anniversary commemoration of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. The event is designed to be more effective and efficient by integrating two major moments, in line with directives from the central government to limit activities.
Siwi explained that involving business actors through 70 angkringan carts and SMEs is a tangible form of local government support for the grassroots economy, allowing them to directly benefit from the regional event.
“We want to ensure direct economic circulation is felt by the public. This also highlights Yogyakarta’s local wisdom of guyub rukun and provides comfort for attendees according to the available capacity,” Siwi concluded.