KBRN, Jakarta: This year, Malam Satu Suro (the Eve of the First of Suro) is commemorated on Thursday night June 26, 2025. This moment is always celebrated by several regions in Indonesia, including Solo and Yogyakarta.

Both the Kasunanan Hadiningrat Palace (Solo) and the Yogyakarta Palace will hold ritual celebrations for Malam Satu Suro. Drawing from the official websites of the Yogyakarta Palace and Surakarta City Government, here's an explanation:

1. Origin of the Malam Satu Suro Celebration

Malam Satu Suro is the night before the first day of the month of Suro. According to the Javanese calendar, Suro is the first of the twelve months. For most Javanese Muslim communities, Malam Satu Suro is also associated with the month of Muharram, as Malam Suro is observed on the night before the start of Muharram.

2. Malam Satu Suro Celebration in Yogyakarta

The Yogyakarta Palace also preserves the Malam Satu Suro tradition. The Yogyakarta Palace holds the ritual of Topo Bisu Lampah Mubeng Benteng (Silent Walk Around the Fort) to commemorate this Islamic New Year. This ritual will begin with the recitation of Macapat (Javanese poetic form) after the Isya prayer. This is then followed by preparations for the Mubeng Benteng, which the public can participate in.

3. Malam Satu Suro Celebration in Solo

Malam Satu Suro is commemorated with a kirab (procession) which has become a tradition at the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat (Solo Palace). This procession has been ongoing since the reign of King Pakubuwono X, starting in 1893. The meaning of this Malam Satu Suro procession is a moment for reflection and introspection to become a better person. The Satu Suro procession is identical with the kebo bule or white buffaloes. ***

Translator: Naura Sofia

Editor: Bambang MBKA