Kelanawisata.id, Bantul - The nighttime atmosphere along Imogiri Timur Street transformed into a sea of people as thousands of residents spread out mats and seating on the side of the road, waiting for the procession carrying symbols of the village’s prosperity amid the glow of the city lights.

At exactly 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening (11/08), a beduk drum was struck to signal the start of the Rebo Pungkasan Traditional Ceremony from the courtyard of the Pathok Negoro At Taqwa Mosque in Wonokromo. The procession moved slowly through the dense crowd of enthusiastic onlookers gathered to witness this annual ritual commemorating the last Wednesday of the month of Safar in the Hijri calendar.

The route traversed the main thoroughfare of Imogiri Timur Street before finally turning toward the center of the celebration in Wonokromo Village. The presence of the Head of the Bantul Regency Culture and Heritage Office, Yanatun Yanadiana, M.Si., representing Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih, underscored the vital role of this tradition in the region’s cultural landscape and identity. This cultural practice was designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2018.

A Symbol of Unity: The Giant Lemper

The main highlight of the procession was a giant lemper carried at the center of the parade. More than just a glutinous rice snack, this lemper embodies a profound philosophy of the unbreakable bonds between community members. The presence of this legendary culinary icon serves as a visual representation of collective gratitude for abundant blessings.

Every bite of lemper made through this collective effort symbolizes a prayer for the safety of all local residents. The community believes that preserving this tradition means maintaining social harmony while nurturing the community’s spirituality from generation to generation.

A Historical Legacy Dating Back to the 18th Century

This celebration has deep historical roots, dating back to 1784. The Rebo Pungkasan ceremony is held as a form of tribute and remembrance of the contributions of Kyai Welit, also known as Kiai Faqih Usman. This figure was widely known among the people of the past for his extraordinary ability to heal various illnesses and provide aid to others. News of his deeds reached as far as Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I.

This procession is the way the residents of Wonokromo honor the collective memory of this healer. Through the historical narrative that is brought to life each year, the community is reminded of the importance of the values of service and social compassion taught by the kiai.

After the procession, the lemper were distributed to residents gathered in Wonokromo Village. Hundreds of residents scrambled for the lemper and gunungan that were handed out to the community. This served as a way for residents to seek blessings as they enjoyed the lemper and gunungan.

An Expression of Gratitude and Prayers for Safety

The enthusiasm of the residents who packed the area all the way to the Wonokromo village office demonstrates that Rebo Pungkasan remains a powerful cultural draw. This event transcends mere ceremonial festivities, transforming into a mass spiritual ritual to seek protection from all dangers.

Through a blend of history, symbolic cuisine, and massive public participation, Wonokromo has once again proven that ancestral heritage can withstand the tide of modernization. That evening, every step of the procession brought new hope that blessings would always shower the Bantul region and its surroundings.