Successful Event: Royal Courtiers and Palace Servants of Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace Hold Genduri Ageng Nusantara at Joglo Dalem Ageng Kyai Muhammad Besari Ponorogo

PONOROGO || metrowilis.com – The Royal Courtiers (Sentono Dalem) and Palace Servants (Abdi Dalem) of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace in Ponorogo successfully held the Genduri Ageng Nusantara 2026 at the cultural heritage complex of Joglo Dalem Ageng Kyai Ageng Muhammad Besari in Jetis, Ponorogo, East Java, on Saturday (May 26, 2026).

Carrying the theme “Preserving Tradition within the Frame of the Archipelago,” the event served as an effort to preserve traditional customs, spiritual values, and the local wisdom of Javanese culture so they remain alive amid the rapid development of modern times.

The event was attended by several Sentono Dalem and Abdi Dalem of the Surakarta Palace who had officially received royal appointments (kekancingan) directly from Sinuwun Pakubuwono XIII and Pakubuwono XIV. Also present were Special Representatives of the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace, the Acting Regent of Ponorogo represented by the Head of the Culture, Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office (Disbudparpora), Judha Slamet Sarwo Edi, Chairman of the Ponorogo Regional House of Representatives K.R.A. Dwi Agus Prayitno, S.H., M.Si, Chairman of PKHN Ponorogo K.R.A. Suwito Nagoro, Sentono Dalem and Abdi Dalem from various regions such as Trenggalek, Ngawi, Tulungagung, and Sragen, as well as representatives of the Dalem Ageng Besari Traditional Institution.

The Chairman of the Ponorogo DPRD, who is also a Sentono Dalem, K.R.A. Dwi Agus Prayitno, S.H., M.Si, stated that the event aimed to preserve and revitalize Javanese culture so it can continue to be passed down to future generations.

“This activity is intended to preserve and keep alive Javanese cultural traditions, especially those related to the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace. In the future, we hope the event can become even more vibrant by involving more related elements,” he said.

According to him, the kenduri tradition in Javanese culture is not merely a communal feast, but also a means of prayer, an expression of gratitude to Almighty God, and a way to strengthen mutual cooperation, harmony, and respect for ancestors.

He emphasized that preserving regional culture and history is a shared responsibility that must continue to be maintained by all elements of government and traditional institutions in order to safeguard the nation’s identity.

Meanwhile, Head of Disbudparpora Ponorogo, Judha Slamet Sarwo Edi, expressed appreciation for the efforts of traditional leaders in protecting the region’s cultural heritage.

“Culture is the identity of a nation that must be protected and preserved. This event is very important because it strengthens the historical relationship between Ponorogo and the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace, while also preserving the heritage values of this approximately 300-year-old cultural heritage site,” he stated.

The chairman of the organizing committee as well as traditional leader, K.R.A. Suwendi Wijoyonagoro, S.H., M.Si, explained that the Genduri Ageng contains profound philosophical values regarding communal life.

“Genduri Ageng is not merely a cultural ceremony, but also a medium for instilling the values of togetherness, gratitude, simplicity, harmony, and mutual cooperation. This activity aims to ensure that the spirit of Javanese culture remains alive and connected to the historical roots of our ancestors,” he emphasized.

The series of activities began with pilgrimages to the graves of the founders and respected ancestors of Ponorogo, namely the tombs of Batoro Katong, Ki Ageng Mirah, Patih Seloaji, and Kyai Ageng Muhammad Besari, founder of the Gebangtinatar Tegalsari Islamic Boarding School.

The event then continued with the core traditional ceremony, cultural messages, and the kenduri procession as a symbol of gratitude and togetherness.

In a separate statement, the Secretary of Senopati Narendro Ponorogo, K.R.T. D. Fajar Karyodipuro, S.H., accompanied by Surakarta Palace Abdi Dalem K.R.T. Agus Zahid Wartodipuro, expressed gratitude for the successful and meaningful implementation of the event.

“We are deeply grateful for the positive response and support from all parties. In particular, we would like to thank the caretakers of the ancestral graves and all administrators of Dalem Ageng Kyai Muhammad Besari for their permission, assistance, and warm welcome. The presence of Sentono Dalem and Abdi Dalem from various regions has further strengthened our brotherhood,” he said.

Through this event, the Ageng Senopati Narendro Ponorogo Family invited the public to understand that Javanese culture is not merely a legacy of the past, but also a moral foundation, a social bond, and a national identity that must continue to be preserved across generations.(AZ/red)