Welcoming Klaten's 222nd Anniversary, Gemblegan Village to Hold 'Memet Ikan' Tradition

The Gemblegan Village administration in Kalikotes District, Klaten, will hold the ‘memet ikan’ (fish grabbing) tradition on Sunday, 19 July, to welcome the 222nd anniversary of Klaten. To enliven the tradition at the village pond, around two tonnes of fish, including tilapia, pomfret, and carp, have been released for residents to catch. The fish release took place on Wednesday, 8 July, witnessed by Kalikotes District Head Kliwon Yoso, Police Chief Iptu Sumadi, Acting Gemblegan Village Head Kumpul Hartadi, and Memet Ikan Committee Chairman Niko Joko Pramono. Prior to release, the fish were weighed to assure the public of the total amount. Acting Village Head Kumpul Hartadi stated that this year marks the 12th edition of the memet ikan tradition, held to celebrate Klaten’s 222nd anniversary. He noted that memet ikan has become an icon and tradition of Gemblegan Village. The village administration has also prepared ribboned fish as mascots, with attractive prizes for those who manage to catch them. Kalikotes District Head Kliwon Yoso expressed appreciation for the event, stating that besides preserving tradition, the activity supports the tourism village programme and the fish-eating programme to improve community nutrition. Committee Chairman Niko Joko Pramono added that the fish were weighed before release to convince residents, and that the two tonnes of fish are the result of aquaculture by the Gemblegan Village administration.