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Sacred Solo ceremony a must-see for culture enthusiasts
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Sitting on the throne, Surakarta Sultan Pakubuwono XIII Hangabehi watches the Bedhaya Ketawang dance during Tingalan Jumenengan, or the ceremony of the 13th anniversary of the crowning of the Surakarta sultan, on April 22. (The Jakarta Post/Ganug Nugroho Adi)
S
urakarta, or Solo, in Central Java has held strong to its Javanese roots, preserving heritage buildings such as the Keraton (palace) Surakarta.
A city known for its culture, Solo is home to numerous traditional rituals that have been passed down from generation to generation, including a ceremony called Tinggalan Dalem Jumenengan, which commemorates the sultan’s coronation.
Read also: Hangabehi takes control of Surakarta palace
The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on a Saturday with the marching of royal guards accompanied by traditional gamelan music. A traditional sacred dance, Bedoyo, is then performed by nine female dancers to gamelan music.
Around 4,000 guests attended this year's ceremony, including Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, Solo Regent FX Hadi Rudyatmo and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo’s mother, Sujiatmi Notomihardjo. The city itself is the birthplace of Jokowi.
Read also: Former archer seeks to save ancient archery art form jemparingan
According to Tourism Ministry marketing development deputy Esthy Reko Astuti, the ceremony is not merely a tourist attraction -- it is also a way to bring together the royal family of Keraton Solo, who have long faced internal conflicts.
“I hope the Tinggal Dalem Jumenengan ceremony can unite the Keraton Solo royal family and that they work hand in hand to preserve traditional Javanese culture,” said Esthy. (kes)
