Thousands Flock to Gemblegan Fish Festival in Klaten, One Fatality Reported

The Memet Ikan Festival 2026 in Gemblegan Village, Kalikotes District, Klaten, was thronged by thousands of residents from various regions on Sunday. The 7,500-square-metre pond transformed into a sea of people as participants scrambled to catch around two tons of fish, including pomfret, catfish, tilapia, and carp, provided free of charge. Attendees began arriving at 6:00 AM, eagerly entering the pond before the scheduled opening by the Klaten Regent.

The festival, marking the 222nd anniversary of Klaten and the 81st Indonesian Independence Day, was attended by Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo and Central Java DPRD member Kadarwati. Gemblegan Village Head Kumpul Hartadi expressed gratitude for the massive turnout, noting the event has become an icon for the village and attracts visitors from across the Soloraya region and Yogyakarta. He pledged to enhance the festival in the coming years.

Kalikotes Sub-district Head Kliwon Yoso stated that the annual event aims to promote a culture of fish consumption in support of the Golden Indonesia 2045 vision and to aid the government’s stunting reduction acceleration programme. Central Java DPRD member Kadarwati also voiced her support, emphasising that a fish-eating culture is crucial for growth, nutritional improvement, and stunting prevention.

Tragically, the festival was overshadowed by the death of a visitor. Suheri, a 46-year-old resident of Bayat, died while participating in the fish hunt. According to Klaten Police officer Iptu Djarot DH, the victim had a history of hypertension and heart disease, and his death was confirmed as resulting from these conditions. The family has accepted the incident as a misfortune and issued a statement to that effect.