Malang, Indonesia, en.SERU.co.id — The recent designation of July 13 as National Day of Belief in the One and Only God has been celebrated as a milestone for the recognition of indigenous spiritual traditions in Indonesia.
On Monday evening (July 13, 2026), cultural observers in Dusun Bendungan, Desa Landungsari, Kecamatan Dau, Malang Regency, held a heartfelt thanksgiving gathering at Punden Buyut Wader. The event, organized by local cultural advocates Rudi Harianto and Eko Suryadi, featured a traditional tumpengan selamatan meal accompanied by prayers to the village ancestors.
Ketua Lembaga Adat Desa (LAD) Landungsari, Mbah Lawi, led the prayers in Javanese (ikror), creating a deeply sacred atmosphere that was warmly received by attendees, including village officials and residents.
Rudi Harianto, who also serves as Head of Dusun Bendungan, said the gathering will now become an annual event every July 13.
“This serves as a platform for cultural observers to preserve our local customs and traditions. It’s a starting point to build universal awareness, like planting trees that produce oxygen and protect water sources, so that nature’s balance can be maintained,” he explained.
He added that the new national day also provides official space for traditions such as Bersih Desa, Bersih Dusun, and village selamatans, which are deeply rooted in local adat practices.
Budi Karyono of Pelestari Purbakala Budaya Indonesia (PPBI) welcomed the government’s decision, saying it helps shift public perceptions toward a more positive view of indigenous belief systems.
“There are many positive values here. People become more caring toward nature and their fellow human beings. By believing in the One Supreme God, we honor the entire universe,” he noted. PPBI itself frequently organizes tree-planting drives and environmental clean-ups to promote these principles.
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The evening’s program culminated in the ceremonial cutting of the tumpeng, which was then shared among all participants. A discussion followed, reflecting on how the new holiday strengthens Javanese spiritual traditions and encourages greater respect for the environment and inter-community tolerance.
“Hopefully this will raise public awareness about honoring the universe, just as our ancestors taught us, while building stronger tolerance among citizens,” the organizers concluded. (mzm)
Indonesian Version:
Pemerhati Budaya Dusun Bendungan Peringati Hari Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan YME
