RRI.CO.ID, Sleman: The Labuhan Merapi ceremony was held in Kinahrejo Hamlet, Umbulharjo Village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to commemorate the 38th anniversary of the accession of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X to the throne.

Labuhan Merapi was a ceremony held to show gratitude and pray for the safety of the King of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat.

The Deputy Regent of Sleman, Danang Maharsa, participated in the ceremony as well. Along with guardian of Merapi Mountain (juru kunci), Paring Dalem Surakso Hargo or Mbah Asih and other courtiers from the Yogyakarta Palace, he carried ubarampe (traditional offerings) from the Pendopo Museum of Mbah Maridjan's Relics.

Upon arriving at Sri Manganti Hargo Merapi, the ceremony continued with a ritual procession, prayers, and the distribution of rice and side dishes to the surrounding community. Both the people and tourists who witnessed the ceremony enjoyed this sharing of blessings.

Danang is glad that locals and visitors are drawn to this traditional ceremony. "Hopefully, more people will understand and appreciate the Labuhan Merapi ceremony. This Labuhan draws attention as both ritual and tourist attraction. This is special for us," Danang said on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

He said this traditional ceremony is held to ask for God's blessings and to preserve culture. He expressed his belief that it is important to get closer to nature and to God, as well as to unite and care for nature.

Danang added that the Sleman Culture and Tourism Agency continues to monitor and evaluate the traditional procession to ensure it runs smoothly.

"Our hope is that this Labuhan, besides being a special ritual, will continue to be a tourist attraction in the future, especially for those who want to experience this cultural activity firsthand and help preserve the culture of Sleman Regency." (Misni Parjiati/Bambang MBKA)