Yogya police deploy 1,000 officers for 1 Suro rituals

YOGYAKARTA: Police have deploying at least 1,000 personnel to guard traditional prayer rituals for the observance of Islamic New Year, or 1 Suro, across Yogyakarta, officials said Wednesday.

They said the officers would be assigned to various places where local people would hold rituals, including at Parangtritis Beach, Samas, Pandan, Somo, Glagah, Kauman Grand Mosque, Imogiri cemetery, Boko Temple and Prambanan temple.

Islamic New Year, which is a national holiday, falls on Friday.

Under Javanese tradition, the night of Islamic New Year is a sacred time, as it is believed to be full of divine blessing. People will traditionally gather at certain places for rituals to pray for safety in life.

Among the rituals residents in Yogyakarta traditionally hold is the Tobo ceremony, in which participants surround Keratin fortress, while praying and refraining from talking. Various rituals will be held in Yogyakarta according to the traditions of local residents.

For example, at Parangkusumo Beach, Bantul regency, local residents will observe the event night by releasing offerings into the sea.

"In certain places, residents stage various 1 Suro rituals according to their respective traditions," Yogyakarta provincial administration spokesperson Anny Pudjiastuti said Wednesday. - JP