Rain Shaman Rara Becomes Centre of Attention at Jakarta Ogoh-ogoh Parade

Jakarta, Kompas.com – The appearance of rain shaman Rara Isti Wulandari, also known as Mbak Rara, drew the attention of residents amid the Ogoh-ogoh parade of the Nyepi Festival 2026 at Bundaran HI, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (8 March 2026). According to Kompas.com’s observations, although she did not participate in the parade, Rara came to perform a ritual to ward off rain. Wearing a green kebaya and batik cloth, she walked on foot from Sarinah towards Bundaran HI. Rara then stopped in front of the Pullman Jakarta Indonesia Hotel on Jalan MH Thamrin. At that location, she closed her eyes while muttering words, pressed her hand to the asphalt, then raised it to the sky. Rara then took a golden bowl and a percussion instrument, and struck them while praying. Rara’s actions drew the attention of onlookers around the area. Many of them recorded the moment with cameras and mobile phones. The rain, which had been heavy, changed to drizzle and persisted until the Ogoh-ogoh parade began and finished. However, after the parade concluded at around 08:30 WIB, rain fell heavily again at Bundaran HI.