1.000 Blangkon Festival Colors the Cultural Kirab Grebeg Suro 2026 in Singkawang

JAKARTA - Cultural procession has always been a special moment that showcases the richness of tradition as well as strengthening solidarity among residents. In this case, the Singkawang City Javanese Association (PJKS) is preparing to hold the 1,000 Blangkon Festival as part of the 2nd Grebeg Suro Cultural Festival series which will take place on June 20-27, 2026 at Kridasana Parking Park, Singkawang.

The Chairman of the PJKS, Sutopo Aryanto, said that the festival will be one of the main agendas on the opening night, as well as introducing the cultural richness of Java to the wider community.

"On the opening night, a 1,000 Blangkon Festival will be held in Singkawang City as a symbol of preserving Javanese culture," he said.

In addition to the 1.000 Blangkon Festival, a series of events will also be enlivened by the Reog and Jaranan Festival throughout West Kalimantan, cultural kirab parade, and the gunungan tradition which is a hallmark of the Grebeg Suro celebration.

Various supporting activities have also been prepared, ranging from art and cultural exhibitions, traditional games, the selection of Arjuna and Srikandi PJKS, a Javanese fashion show, to a colossal dance performance involving many participants.

Sutopo explained that the blangkon is not just a head cover, but has a deep philosophical meaning in Javanese culture.

"Blangkon symbolizes simplicity in thinking so as not to be excessive or neko-neko. This is the value we want to convey through this festival," he explained.

He also added that the implementation of Grebeg Suro is expected to increase tourist visits to the City of Singkawang, as well as encourage the growth of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the City of Singkawang, Dwi Yanti, expressed the full support of the local government for the activity.

According to him, Grebeg Suro is not only the property of the Javanese people, but has evolved into a part of the cultural identity of the City of Singkawang which reflects diversity.

"Through this activity, we want to strengthen cross-ethnic brotherhood as well as confirm Singkawang's identity as a tolerant city," he said.

He hopes that PJKS can continue to be a strategic partner of the government in regional development, especially in maintaining harmony and advancing the cultural sector.

"With mutual cooperation and thorough preparation, Grebeg Suro 2026 is expected to become a symbol of cultural revival as well as a driver of harmony in the city of Singkawang," he said.