Gunungkidul Regent: Petik Laut Embodies 'Memayu Hayuning Bawono' Philosophy

The Sadeng Coastal Fishing Port (PPP) once again held the traditional Sedekah Laut or Petik Laut ceremony on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The ceremony is a collective manifestation of gratitude from the fishing community for the abundant blessings of the sea. Under the scorching sun of the southern coast, thousands of eyes were fixed on the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean, which bore silent witness to the return of a grand tradition. This event is not merely an annual celebration, but an ancestral cultural heritage containing deep spiritual meaning. The ritual embodies the philosophy of ‘Memayu Hayuning Bawono’, a human endeavour to maintain harmony in relationships with God, fellow human beings, and the universe. ‘This culture affirms that we are a nation with a strong identity,’ said Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih. On this occasion, the Regent quoted the message of the proclaimer Bung Karno about a resilient and tenacious nation. This message was specifically addressed to the Mino Rejo fishermen, who face great challenges in the ocean every day. ‘May through this Petik Laut ceremony, the Almighty God always provide protection, keep the fishermen safe at sea, and grant them an abundant catch,’ the Regent prayed before the invited guests. The Yogyakarta Special Region Government is also paying special attention to the development of the Sadeng area. Head of the DIY Marine and Fisheries Service, Heri Sulistiyo Hermawan, conveyed his commitment to optimising the port’s benefits for the community. One concrete step this year is the dredging and deepening of the port channel to ensure that fishing activities can run more professionally and smoothly. In addition to infrastructure, the government is also focusing on empowering and increasing the institutional capacity of fishermen. Agus Sujoko, the Organising Committee Chair, stated that the tradition holds a sense of gratitude to God Almighty for the safety, health, and sustenance that continues to flow for the fishermen. A mass religious gathering was also held as a reminder to continuously increase faith and piety. The series of events for this year’s Sedekah Laut began with various social and sports activities to strengthen community bonds, such as the Sadeng Cup III Volleyball Tournament as a means of fostering sportsmanship. There were also Penjor competitions and an art stage showcasing local cultural values. The peak of the event on 7 July was marked by a cultural parade, a Tayub dance performance, and the most anticipated procession, the ‘Larung Sesaji’ (floating of offerings) into the middle of the ocean. The offering procession, in which local officials participated by heading out to sea, accompanied prayers for the coastal community to be granted prosperity, peace, and protection from all danger. As the closing event, a Ringgit Wacucal (Wayang Kulit) performance was held in the evening as a form of preserving the noble Javanese art. The success of this major event rests on a strong pillar of mutual cooperation. Agus Sujoko explained that the total funds required for the event reached approximately Rp 276 million. These funds were collected from fishermen’s contributions, donations from entrepreneurs and traders, sponsors, and support from the Yogyakarta Special Region Privileges Fund.