Mothers' Innocent Act of Removing Sandals While Greeting Sultan HB X
A unique sight occurred at the community gathering event with the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) at the Kepatihan Complex in Yogyakarta City today. Some mothers removed their sandals just before ascending to the Kepatihan Pavilion to shake hands with Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.
Observations by detikJogja showed that Satpol PP officers had set up a queuing line for the public. Groups of people with disabilities and the elderly were prioritised for handshakes. The queue snaked towards the Pavilion.
At the final queue point before ascending to the Pavilion, several middle-aged mothers could be seen removing their sandals and neatly placing them under the tent poles. However, this action was only carried out by some of the women.
“That’s the info, right? No sandals allowed, so I just took them off. These are mine,” said a resident from Muja Muju in Yogyakarta City, pointing to her sandals on Monday (30/3/2026).
The DIY Regional Government had previously required attendees of this gathering to dress modestly and not wear flip-flops.
However, Ditya Nanaryo Aji, Coordinator of Substantive Matters in the Public Relations Section of the Bureau of General Affairs, Public Relations, and Protocol at the DIY Regional Secretariat, stated that the mothers’ action was their own initiative.
“There was no instruction from us (to remove sandals); it was the mothers’ own initiative,” Ditya explained.
It was reported that this community gathering event was held again after a similar event with the Governor and Deputy Governor of DIY or last year’s open house was cancelled due to budget efficiency.
This year, Ditya said, the gathering differed from previous years’ open houses, particularly regarding refreshments for invitees and the general public.
“Unlike previous years when we provided food in buffet form, this year we are holding it more simply, as per the leadership’s directives,” Ditya explained when met at the Kepatihan Complex on Friday (27/3/2026).
In place of the buffet, the DIY Regional Government provided 70 carts featuring various culinary MSMEs from residents, such as angkringan stalls, soto, and others. All were available for free to be enjoyed by attendees.
“We are returning it from the people to the people by partnering with MSMEs. The spirit is gathering with simplicity, and the hope is that the economy keeps circulating,” Ditya explained.
The gathering was open to invitees and the general public, not just Yogyakarta residents. However, there was a time restriction. The event would open from 10:00 WIB to 12:00 WIB, after which it would close, only clearing the existing queues inside.
“Because usually the queues are long from the morning. We finish with those who want to shake hands with him. In terms of budget, it’s more efficient and reaches more people,” Ditya said.
As in previous years, the public was only allowed to shake hands with the Governor and Deputy Governor of DIY without extended conversation sessions or selfies. This was done to avoid lengthening the queues.
Attendees were also required to wear neat and modest clothing and were prohibited from wearing flip-flops. For residents with disabilities, special facilities and access would be provided to prioritise them.
“As in previous years, the format is just handshakes. Later, it will be complete with the Governor, GKR Hemas, the Deputy Governor, and Gusti Putri,” Ditya said.
“For photos, as in previous years, there will be a team from the Regional Government’s Public Relations that will take the photos. The results will be shared with the public via a link for download. Because of the long queues, extended chats aren’t possible, just greetings,” he concluded.