RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Currently, Muslims in Indonesia are conducting worship in the holy month of Ramadan. During this sacred month, various unique traditions continue to thrive in different regions across the country.

One of them is the Malam Selikuran tradition, a cultural heritage of the Yogyakarta Palace held to welcome the coming of Lailatul Qadar. This tradition is usually carried out during the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights.

In the Javanese language, the term malem selikur means the twenty-first night, where malem means night and selikur means twenty-one. The Malam Selikuran tradition is believed to have existed since the time of the preaching of the Wali Songo and continues to be preserved within the Yogyakarta Palace.

In Islamic teachings, the last ten nights of Ramadan are believed to be the time when Lailatul Qadar occurs, a night honored by Allah SWT and considered better than a thousand months. Malam Selikuran is interpreted as “sing linuwih ing tafakur,” meaning a moment to deepen reflection and draw closer to God.

The tradition serves as a reminder for Muslims to increase acts of charity, perform i’tikaf, and engage in various forms of worship in order to seek the blessings of Allah SWT. The series of Malam Selikuran activities generally begins several hours before the time for breaking the fast.

The event starts with a religious sermon, recitations of verses from the Holy Qur’an, and the chanting of the declaration of faith, followed by a communal iftar. In addition, the activities include prayers for the ancestors of the Yogyakarta Palace as well as prayers for the well-being of the Sultan, the royal family, the Abdi Dalem (palace courtiers), and the wider community of Yogyakarta.

One of the most anticipated parts of the Malam Selikuran tradition is the procession organized by the Yogyakarta Palace on the twenty-first night of Ramadan. Hundreds of Abdi Dalem carry lampu ting (traditional lanterns) along with a procession of gunungan tumpeng, which symbolize gratitude.

The procession usually moves from the Palace complex to the Great Mosque of Kauman, creating a solemn yet festive atmosphere illuminated by lantern lights and accompanied by prayers. Malam Selikuran tradition also attracts great attention from both local residents and visitors who come to witness the procession.

In addition, many people gather along the route to watch the Abdi Dalem parade and experience the strong religious atmosphere combined with Javanese cultural elements. This public enthusiasm shows that Malam Selikuran is not only a palace tradition, but also an important part of Yogyakarta’s cultural identity that continues to be preserved by its people.

Malam Selikuran is not merely a tradition to welcome Lailatul Qadar, but also a manifestation of the preservation of spiritual and cultural values passed down through generations. The tradition serves as a moment of reflection and motivation to improve the quality of worship, not only during Ramadan but also in everyday life.