Java has a multi-faceted image, which is already quite

Java has a multi-faceted image, which is already quite
familiar to the international community -- comprising its ageless
traditions, culture and arts, to mention a few.

Sleman is an area located in the northern outskirts of
Yogyakarta, a city which is renowned as one of Java's oldest
cultural centers. Unmistakably, the typical and unique features
of the Javanese culture and tradition are dominant in Sleman
regency and have developed into major attractions worthy of
exploration. In addition, Sleman also offers beautiful panoramas
and convenient shopping facilities.

Saparan Bekakak, a ritual consisting of a symbolic sacrifice
to ward off evil, is one of Sleman's characteristic traditions
preserved for centuries. Bekakak, as the offering in this
ceremony, takes the form of puppets representing a "pair of
newlyweds" made of sticky rice flour with brown sugar syrup
inside. The ritual takes place at Ambarketawang Gamping village
in the regency.

The puppets are "slain" in the course of the ritual to prevent
mishaps, typically the death of newly married couples, believed
to be inflicted by Gunung Gamping, a limestone mountain that is
quarried by its surrounding villagers as a source of livelihood.

Yogyakarta's first monarch, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, ordered
this sacrifice in the hope of reducing the number of victims to
the mountain, in response to the local people's animistic belief
of the time that although normally benign, nature could turn
hostile once in a while.

A one-kilometer-long procession is part of this event,
starting from the Ambarketawang village hall to the male and
female limestone posts, accompanied by various local art with
magical properties -- yet another unique attraction for tourists.

Labuhan in Kinahrejo village of Cangkringan subdistrict is no
less appealing. This rite, a long established custom in Sleman,
signifies the sacrifices the king offers to God and the respect
humans accord to nature, and is performed at certain locations
having magical and sacred values.

As part of the ceremonies of worship marking the enthronement
of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X as the present king of Yogyakarta,
Labuhan features the offering of diverse articles of royal
clothing along the central slope of Gunung Merapi. Upon
completion of this ceremony to ensure the welfare of the king and
his people, the leaders of the rite will report to the Sultan by
delivering sulfur, grass and other materials taken from the
mountain.

Kirab Pusaka, a parade of sanctified objects, is another
religious cultural heritage of Sleman. Legend has it that Ki
Ageng Wonolelo, founder of Wonolelo village and descendant of
King Brawijaya V of the ancient Majapahit Kingdom, accomplished
religious propagation by wandering through the land and
reclaiming barren soil with only a pendulum and stick.

Today, the Kirab is conducted by descendants of Ki Ageng
Wonolelo and the local community, who carry his clothes, cap,
pendulum, stick and the Holy Koran from the Wonolelo Mosque to
his tomb. The people of Sleman believe that by eating the apem
cakes -- made from rice flour and coconut --- distributed to them
after the rite, they will stay young and be free from illnesses,
and that their harvest will not be plagued by pests.

These unique rituals are scheduled to take place in April and
September 2003, and are open to tourists.

The Kirab will take place on April 3 at 7 p.m. and the Saparan
on April 18 at 2 p.m., while the Labuhan on Gunung Merapi will be
from September 26-27, commencing at 6 a.m. at Kinahrejo village.

For reservations and further information, please contact the
Tourism Office of Sleman regency, at (0274) 869 613/865 559.

Caption for photo:

One of rituals in Sleman regency, Saparan Bekakak, to ward off
evil against newlyweds.