Javanese Traditional Ceremonies

By Aditya Nugraha

So many ceremonies are held by local Indonesian customs that are a part of Indonesian culture—for instance, the Labuhan Procession to commemorate 1 Suro. The attendants usually wear traditional Javanese custom apparel. The procession starts with Lorotan Dalem. Lorotan Dalem means a handover of personal stuff of Mangku Alam II, for example: clothing, trousers, underwear, and other stuff. This handover is a symbol of honor, before this stuff is thrown into the southern sea.

After this handover, the ceremonies continue in Pantai Parangkusumo. It starts with a procession and prayer together, which is represented by one of Keraton’s prominent families. Sentonos and Abdi Dalem also have a crucial role in this ritual. After praying, they will offer offerings like crops, fruits, traditional food, coconut, and other items. This procession is held every year and could be attended by tourists.

Other ceremonies like the Api Homa and Adat Suran Malam Purnama ceremonies are also held. These ceremonies were held in Borobudur Temple and attended by tribal figures, Buddhist preachers, the local headstate, and tribal representatives from many regions. The Api Homa procession is a sacred present to be given for safety and peace in the universe. This procession is continued by the Pradaksina Procession, in which attendees will walk around the temple clockwise while holding a torch and five colored candles.

In this procession, the women wear a traditional Javanese kebaya with a yellow scarf, while the men wear traditional apparel like surjan, jarik, and blankon. This procession is not only held as a mere ceremony but also to strengthen spiritual ties between the people of Indonesia.