Thousands of Visitors Liven Up the Syawal 1447 H Ketupat Gerebeg at Bukit Sidogura, Klaten

Thousands of visitors livened up the Gerebeg Ketupat Syawal 1447 Hijriah at Bukit Sidogura, Krakitan Village, Bayat, Klaten, on Saturday (28/3). This generational cultural tradition was enlivened with music entertainment and a procession of ketupat mounds. The Syawal ketupat gerebeg at the Bukit Sidogura tourist attraction was also attended by Regent Hamaneng Wajar Ismoyo, DPRD Chairman Edy Sasongko, Forkopimda, Acting Regional Secretary Jaka Purwanto, heads of Regional Device Organisations (OPD), and the Director of Klaten’s Regional-Owned Enterprise (BUMD). Acting Head of the Culture, Youth, and Sports Office, and Tourism (Disbudporapar) of Klaten, Purwanto, reported that this Syawal gerebeg aims to nguri-uri or preserve the generational cultural tradition that we have long maintained together. In addition to efforts to preserve ancestral heritage traditions, the Gerebeg Syawal 1447 H was held as a means of silaturahmi between the community and local authorities, and as a promotional medium for flagship tourist attractions in Klaten Regency. “With the theme of harmony in silaturahmi, this year’s Syawal gerebeg began with a procession of 18 ketupat mounds. The ketupat mounds will be contested by visitors. In addition, visitors were provided with 1,000 portions of ready-to-eat ketupat,” said Purwanto. Before the ketupat mounds were contested by visitors, Bayat Sub-District Head Rokhmad Sya’hbani symbolically handed over a ketupat mound to the Klaten Regent, and Kalikotes Sub-District Head Kliwon Yoso handed over a ketupat mound to the Klaten DPRD Chairman. Meanwhile, Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo in his speech said that the Syawal gerebeg tradition at Bukit Sidogura after 30 days of fasting is a special event to gather with the community for handshakes and mutual forgiveness. “On a personal note and on behalf of my family, as well as representing the local government, I convey minal aidin wal faizin, please forgive me physically and spiritually. May we be granted blessings and health, so that we can meet again at next year’s Syawal gerebeg,” he added. The Syawal gerebeg tradition at Bukit Sidogura is part of nguri-uri (preserving) the culture that has been carried out by ancestors. This annual generational event held a week after Idul Fitri must continue to be maintained and secured. “This year’s Syawal gerebeg with 18 ketupat mounds is extraordinary. However, it is hoped that in the future the ketupat mounds can be increased or multiplied. Because this Syawal gerebeg event is also aimed at promoting tourism in Klaten Regency,” he stated. One of the Syawal gerebeg visitors, Suyono, a resident of Salatiga, told Media Indonesia that he has come to Bukit Sidogura several times. This cultural tradition event organised by the local government is extraordinary and deserves appreciation. “This time, I came with my wife, Rini, riding a motorbike together. My goal is to compete in seizing the Syawal ketupat at Bukit Sidogura. Alhamdulillah, I got two, and I will plant this ketupat in the rice field to ward off rat pests,” he said.