RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The historic streets of Sumedang were transformed into a vibrant corridor of tradition as the West Java Provincial Administration, alongside the Keraton Sumedang Larang, launched the Binokasih Mulang Salaka cultural parade. The event serves as a grand showcase of Sundanese identity, bringing together all 27 regencies and cities in a massive display of regional pride.

Sumedang Regent Dony Ahmad Munir noted that the event is a vital synergy between regional and provincial authorities to celebrate West Java’s history. "This is an event that synergizes the provincial administration and Sumedang Regency" he said, highlighting the parade's role in educating the public on the transition from the Pajajaran Kingdom to the Sumedang Larang era.

The emotional heart of the parade is the procession of the Mahkota Binokasih, a sacred royal crown. Escorted by a majestic convoy of horses and ornate royal carriages (kereta kencana), the crown was paraded from the Sumedang Square toward the Administration Center.

This symbolic journey reflects the theme Mulang Salaka, honoring the return of ancestral values to the modern community. As the host, Sumedang Regent opened the festivities with a Massive Umbul Dance, which featured hundreds of performers in a creative blend of folk satire and pencak silat.

The parade also showcased a variety of distinct traditional spectacles from across the province, such as the iconic Sisingaan (lion dance) from Subang and the towering, masked Bebegig Sukamantri from Ciamis. Additionally, the event featured the elegant and rhythmic Tari Topeng (mask dance) from Cirebon, the energetic Surak Ibra from Garut, and the unique, mystical Jurig Saréngséng from Banjar.

Head of the West Java Tourism and Culture Agency, Iendra Sofyan, explained that Sumedang was the natural choice for the start of the carnival due to its role as the custodian of the Mahkota Binokasih. The parade is set to culminate in Bandung, serving as a powerful reminder of the mega-diversity found within West Javanese culture. (Naura Sofia/Bambang MBKA)