Sleman Deputy Regent Plants White Banyan to Commence "Lampah Dalu Lereng Merapi"

Sleman Deputy Regent Danang Maharsa attended the procession of planting a white banyan tree and collecting water from Sendang Bagong as part of the “Lampah Dalu Lereng Merapi 2026” activities organised by Hargobinangun Village at Omah Petroek, Pakem, on Monday. Accompanied by Hargobinangun Village Head Amin Sarjito and Romo Sindhunata, Danang planted the white banyan tree and collected water from Sendang Bagong, which will subsequently be paraded in the “Lampah Dalu Lereng Merapi” procession. Danang expressed his appreciation for the cultural event, which forms part of efforts to preserve the traditions and local wisdom of communities on the slopes of Mount Merapi, coinciding with the Islamic New Year or Malam 1 Suro in the Javanese calendar. “The slopes of Mount Merapi are not merely a geographical space, but also a cultural and spiritual space rich in meaning. It is here that the values of local wisdom grow and are passed down from generation to generation,” he said. According to him, the Sleman Regency Government remains committed to safeguarding environmental sustainability through various programmes, including the reforestation of critical land, providing plant seedlings to community groups, conducting motor vehicle emission tests, supplying waste management facilities and infrastructure, and educating the public on waste management. “The Sleman Regency Government consistently supports culture-based activities. We believe that cultural strength is a crucial foundation for building a society that is characterful, competitive, and sustainable. Let us preserve our cultural wealth with love and bequeath a decent environment to future generations,” he said. Romo Sindhunata explained that “Lampah Dalu Lereng Merapi” is part of the Mount Merapi Slope Cultural Festival, held to coincide with the eve of 1 Suro. He said the activity embodies the gratitude of the Hargobinangun community to God Almighty for the gift of natural resources provided through the Mount Merapi slope area. “The community has long derived great benefits from Merapi’s natural wealth to support their daily lives,” he said. Therefore, through the “Lampah Dalu Lereng Merapi” event, the community is invited to continue maintaining a balance between utilising natural resources and efforts to preserve the environment and culture. “We have long utilised Mount Merapi’s natural resources for our daily livelihoods. Hence, this event serves as an expression of thanks while also preserving the culture and natural environment of the Merapi slope area,” he said. The “Lampah Dalu Lereng Merapi” activity represents a form of synergy between cultural preservation, strengthening spiritual values, and environmental awareness, which is continuously upheld by the Merapi slope community together with the Sleman Regency Government.