Klaten Holds 2026 Cultural Carnival, Visualising Ancient Mataram Civilisation

Thousands of residents watched the Klaten Regency 2026 Cultural Carnival on Jalan Pemuda Klaten on Tuesday (18/8). The carnival was held to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of Klaten and the 81st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

The Klaten Regency 2026 Cultural Carnival was attended by Regent Hamenang Wajar Iswoyo, Chairwoman of the PKK Driving Team Fahrani Hamenang, the Chairperson of the Klaten DPRD, Forkopimda, Acting Regional Secretary Jaka Purwanto, the Regent’s Expert Staff, and heads of Klaten OPD.

Presenting historical stories, traditions, and regional potential, the cultural carnival this year carried the theme ‘Klaten Mandala Peradaban-Saka Sandyakala, Tumuju Cahya’ and visualised the grandeur of civilisation from the Ancient Mataram era.

Carnival participants travelled 1.5 kilometres, and upon arriving at the stage of honour in front of the Regent’s Official Residence, they performed cultural arts and showcased regional potential. After their performances, they took photos with the Regent and Forkopimda.

Acting Head of the Klaten Culture, Youth and Sports, and Tourism Office (Disbudporapar), Purwanto, explained that all 28 contingents from 26 districts presented current artistic creations and regional potential.

‘So, the contingents presented cultural arts and regional potential. For example, Prambanan District presented the story of Roro Jonggrang, Kemalang District showcased the potential of Mount Merapi, and Jatinom District displayed the tradition of sebar apem,’ he said.

Through this carnival, the regional government wanted to convey the message that civilisation does not stop. The cultural heritage, skills, agriculture, arts, technology, and spirit of mutual cooperation of previous generations continue to be preserved today.

Meanwhile, Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo conveyed the importance of reviving the historical roots of the Klaten region. The hope is that Klaten will not be known solely as a transit city between Yogyakarta and Surakarta.

‘It should be noted that the history of Klaten is an important part of the civilisation of the Medang Kingdom or Ancient Mataram, with the great figure of King Rakai Pikatan. So, this carnival is a momentum to reintroduce past glory,’ he said.