RRI.CO.ID, Depok - The vibrant sounds of celebration and the splashes of community spirit filled the air in Cipayung on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, as the city officially launched Lebaran Depok 2026. The five-day cultural festival began with the much-anticipated Ngubek Empang, a traditional communal fish-catching event that serves as a cornerstone of local Betawi-Depok heritage.

Deputy Mayor of Depok Chandra Rahmansyah, who inaugurated the festivities, described the event as a vital reflection of the city’s social fabric. He emphasized that the gathering is more than just a celebration; it is a manifestation of keguyuban, the deep-rooted sense of togetherness and communal harmony that defines the region.

“Lebaran Depok is a part of cultural representation that must continue to be preserved,” Chandra said, highlighting the administrationt’s commitment to keeping local traditions alive in a modernizing urban landscape, as quoted by Antara.

The highlight of the opening day was undoubtedly the Ngubek Empang, where hundreds of residents waded into local ponds to catch fish and ducks by hand. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as participants searched for a special goldfish which the committee allowed to be exchanged for a cash prize.

Beyond the pond, the festival serves as a living museum of local customs, offering visitors the opportunity to witness and participate in several traditional practices over the coming days. One such highlight is Ngaduk Dodol, which involves the rhythmic and communal stirring of large vats to create the sweet, toffee-like treat.

Attendees can also observe Numbuk Uli, the traditional process of pounding sticky rice into a smooth consistency to make uli (a kind of snack) Furthermore, the event features traditional crafting sessions, providing live demonstrations on the intricate process of making authentic local attire.

“This reflects Depok as a happy city, because everyone gathers here," Chandra remarked, noting that the event brings together people from all walks of life.

The Deputy Mayor expressed his hope that this annual celebration would do more than just entertain; he envisions it as a tool to strengthen brotherly bonds and social awareness across the city. By centering the city's progress around its cultural identity, the administration aims to ensure that no citizen feels left behind.

As the festivities continue through May 9, Lebaran Depok stands as a powerful reminder that while the city grows, its heart remains firmly rooted in the shared joy and unity of its people. ***