Ruwatan of dreadlocked children becomes tourist magnet at DCF 2026
More than 2,000 tourists from various regions of Indonesia and abroad packed the Arjuna Temple complex to witness firsthand the hair-cutting procession for dreadlocked children, a tradition of the Dieng community that has been preserved as cultural heritage passed down through generations.
The tradition is a major draw because visitors not only enjoy cultural performances but can also directly observe the local wisdom of the Dieng people, handed down from generation to generation.
A tourist from Jakarta, Nur Asyiah, said her attendance at the procession was a first-time experience that left a lasting impression. “This is my first time attending an event like this. The atmosphere is very lively and impressive,” she said, accompanied by her daughter, Sabrina.
She felt that the atmosphere in Dieng is very different from Jakarta, which is synonymous with hot weather, traffic congestion and air pollution. According to her, the blue sky, beautiful clouds, cool air and unspoiled nature made for an engaging experience during DCF 2026.
“In Jakarta it is hot, congested and polluted. Here the sky is blue, the clouds are beautiful, the air is very cool and nature is still pristine,” she said.
She also considered Dieng to be colder and more natural than other areas. In fact, she said, the air temperature in Dieng means visitors do not need a fan even during the day.
Meanwhile, Sabrina admitted that besides wanting to watch the ruwatan procession, she also planned to visit Sikunir Hill in Dieng after seeing its beauty on social media. However, the plan did not materialise because she and her group were exhausted and overslept.
Nevertheless, she and her mother plan to return to Dieng on another occasion and bring family members to enjoy the natural beauty and local cultural traditions.
A tourist from Kazakhstan, Madina, said DCF 2026 was very memorable as it was her first visit to Indonesia. With a background in journalism education and working in public relations, she deliberately explored Java, including Jakarta and several other regions.
“I am impressed with this festival. The atmosphere is extraordinary and the organisation is very interesting,” she said.
She said the culture, traditions and local community have a strong appeal to study. Madina felt the experience in Dieng was authentic and distinctly Indonesian, and not overly influenced by Western styles.
On a separate occasion, Banjarnegara Regent Amalia Desiana said DCF is not merely an activity of the Banjarnegara Regency Government, but the result of collaboration among various elements of society who care about culture, tourism and the creative economy.
“This activity is a collaboration, a concern of all elements of society who love culture, love tourism and support MSMEs in their creative economy,” she said.
Based on a release from Bank Indonesia, she said, the 2025 DCF had an economic impact in the form of money circulation of around Rp50 billion for the community in the region.