Pakualaman strengthens customary preservation and community welfare

The Duchy of Pakualaman in Yogyakarta, commemorating the 214th Hadeging Kadipaten Pakualaman, has held a celebration that not only highlights the preservation of custom and culture but also directly impacts community welfare. “This year’s series of activities is focused on strengthening social values, togetherness (guyub), health, the preservation of traditional arts, and grassroots economic empowerment,” said the General Chairman of Hadeging Puro Pakualaman, Bendara Pangeran Haryo (BPH) Kusumo Bimantoro, in Yogyakarta on Wednesday. According to him, the series of activities for the 214th anniversary, held on 18 June, 20 June, and 21 June and centred at Alun-Alun Sewandanan Pakualaman Yogyakarta, carries the theme “Rinarasing Astutui Nir Ing Sikara”. “This theme contains a profound meaning about the importance of building inner and outer harmony through prayer, gratitude, and hopes offered sincerely to God Almighty,” he said. BPH Kusumo explained that “Rinarasing Astutui Nir ing Sikara” depicts the belief that prayers offered with heartfelt sincerity will bring harmony to life, both personally and in relationships with others. He said the activities began on Thursday (18/6) with Dharma Mulyarja: a free communal circumcision for the community at the official residence of the Regent of Kulon Progo, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). “As a form of social service and concern for children’s health in the DIY region, the Duchy of Pakualaman held a mass circumcision event completely free of charge for the public,” he said. Subsequently, on 20-21 June, Pasar Sewandanan was held with the theme “Sowing Classic Tastes, Harvesting Authentic Economic Activity” at Alun-Alun Sewandanan, enlivened by a jathilan festival, batik-making classes, and art performances. Collaborating with the DIY Agriculture and Food Security Agency (DPKP), the Cooperatives and SMEs Agency, SiBakul Jogja, and the DIY Culture Agency, Pasar Sewandanan serves as a space for appreciation and an economic driver for MSME players.