RRI.CO.ID, Blora - The ancient Manganan Janjang tradition, held annually in Janjang Village, Blora, Central Java has been officially designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia. The recognition was formalized through two certificates issued by the Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, and presented by Blora Regent Arief Rohman during the festivities on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The ceremony took place at the sacred tomb complex of Mbah Janjang (Jatikusumo and Jatiswara). In addition to the national honor, Regent Arief Rohman issued a decree officially establishing Janjang as a Cultural Village, solidifying its status as a primary hub for cultural preservation in the region.

The term Manganan refers to a communal act of sharing food as a form of thanksgiving for the year’s harvest. Thousands of pilgrims from Central and East Java trekked to the hilltop site, carrying tumpeng ingkung (ceremonial cones of rice with whole chicken) to be shared with fellow visitors.

The event features several unique cultural hallmarks that blend tradition with a strong sense of community. As part of the teak leaf tradition, all rice and side dishes are served in thousands of teak leaves, creating a display of eco-friendly tradition where visitors wait in long queues using the leaves as their primary "ticket" for the distribution of blessed meals.

The atmosphere is further enriched by Wayang Krucil, a rare and local puppet performance inherited from the village founders that provides the musical and storytelling backdrop for the day.

Regent Arief Rohman highlighted that the tradition is not only a spiritual journey but a massive economic driver for the village. "This Manganan Janjang is extraordinary. Its potential is great for driving the village economy," the Regent noted, pointing out the hundreds of local vendors lining the 300-meter path to the tomb, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

Improved infrastructure, including the recently completed road from Cabak to Janjang, has made the remote site more accessible, contributing to the record-breaking turnout this year.

For residents and visitors like Sumirah (56) from Bojonegoro, Eat Java, who has attended six times, the draw is the sense of harmony (guyub rukun).

"Initially, I just wanted to pray and get the teak-leaf rice, which tastes delicious. But lately, I bring my own food to share to give back to others," she shared.

The tradition is held every Jumat Pon (a specific Friday in the Javanese calendar) following the Eid al-Fitr holidays, ensuring that the spirit of forgiveness and togetherness continues throughout the month of Syawal. ***