Pasuruan, en.SERU.co.id – The Culture and Tourism Office (Dinas Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata) of Pasuruan Regency organized the Festival Bluk Gebluk on the evening of Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Pondok Pesantren (Traditional Islamic Boarding School) Hamdi in Rembang Village, Rembang Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency.
The lively event was held to preserve local cultural heritage while boosting tourist visits to the area. It carried the theme “Preserving Culture, Driving Tourism” (“Merawat Budaya, Menggerakkan Pariwisata”).
Nurul Puspitaningrum, S.IP., M.M., Secretary of the relevant division at the Culture and Tourism Office, stated that the festival aimed to conserve traditional arts and promote the region’s tourism sector.
“This activity is fully supported and funded by the Culture and Tourism Office. Today, we are at Pondok Pesantren Roudlotul Hamdi in Rembang Subdistrict, Pasuruan Regency, and we are very grateful,” she exclaimed.
She also extended apologies on behalf of the organizing committee for any shortcomings in the event’s execution: “Thank you; representing the Culture and Tourism Office as the committee, I apologize if there were any deficiencies and kindly ask for your understanding regarding the services provided.”
Nurul added that, should budget support be available in coming years, the office plans to hold similar festivals with more optimal preparations.
The festival was attended by Nurul Puspitaningrum; Rembang Subdistrict Head Yudianto, SH., M.M.; Zainul Arifin, S.Pd.I., Chairman of Lesbumi MWC NU Rembang Subdistrict; the caretaker of Pondok Pesantren Roudlotul Hamdi; the Village Head of Rembang; the local police chief (Kapolsek); representatives from the military command (Danramil); community leaders; religious figures; and 28 participants in the Bluk Gebluk performances, most of whom came from the Rembang Subdistrict area.
Bluk Gebluk is a traditional art form unique to Rembang Village. It is performed using a simple tool, a pillow beaten rhythmically to produce sounds (the name derives from the distinctive “bluk” and “gebluk” noises).
In the past, this art served as a medium for Islamic scholars (ulama) to conduct dakwah (spreading Islamic teachings) among the community, often through rhythmic chanting of religious poetry (syi’iran) in Javanese or Madurese, accompanied by pillow beats and hand claps. Typically performed by groups (often women), it conveys moral and religious messages.
Through this festival, the local government and community aim to strengthen and preserve Bluk Gebluk as a cultural identity of Rembang society, with efforts directed toward designating it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (Warisan Budaya Tak Benda).
Rembang Subdistrict Head Yudianto expressed his appreciation for the event.
“I am thankful to be able to attend this occasion. Just with the aid of pillows being beaten, it sounds truly impressive and extraordinary. I believe this is something very good and deserves to be preserved by everyone,” said Yudianto.
He hopes future festivals can expand to include participants from other subdistricts in Pasuruan Regency, while maintaining Rembang as the host.
“Thank you to the Culture and Tourism Office. Our hope is that next year, it won’t be limited to the Rembang Subdistrict level alone. Perhaps participants from other subdistricts can join, but Rembang remains the host,” he added.
Zainul Arifin also conveyed thanks to the Culture and Tourism Office for entrusting Pondok Pesantren Roudlotul Hamdi as the venue.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Culture and Tourism Office of Pasuruan Regency for the trust and for selecting Pondok Pesantren Roudlotul Hamdi as the host for this Bluk Gebluk festival,” Zainul gratituded.
The event concluded with the awarding of prizes to the Bluk Gebluk competition winners, distribution of door prizes, and a collective prayer. Throughout its duration, the festival proceeded safely, smoothly, orderly, solemnly, and in a conducive atmosphere. (rif/ono)
