RRI.CO.ID, Klaten - The quiet waters of Gemblegan Village pond in Klaten Regency, Central Java, turned into a lively spectacle on Sunday, July 19, 2026, as thousands of residents waded in with handheld nets for the traditional Memet Ikan (mass fish-catching) Festival.

The vibrant communal event was organized to mark the 222nd anniversary of Klaten Regency. From the early hours of the morning, crowds ranging from young children to adults gathered around the embankment, eagerly waiting to secure a harvest.

Armed with traditional fishing tools, participants successfully netted varieties of freshwater fish, with sizes ranging from small fingerlings to heavy catches weighing well over one kilogram.

Supriyadi, a 42-year-old resident from nearby Tambaksari Village, managed to secure several large pomfret after spending about an hour in the mud. "I caught about five large pomfrets. It is quite a good haul, and I will be cooking them for a big family meal at home tonight," he shared, as quoted by Antara.

The event’s organizing committee chairman, Niko Joko Pramono, revealed that preparations for the massive festival had been underway for four months in collaboration with the local village-owned enterprise (BUMDes). Together, they stocked the community pond with approximately two tons of fish, primarily consisting of pomfret, tilapia, and catfish.

"Memet Ikan translates loosely to a 'fish Eid' or a fish-harvest holiday. The initial goal was simply to provide free entertainment for the grassroots community, but over the years, the tradition expanded from a small neighborhood gathering into a major official regency event," Pramono explained.

He added that increasing the consumption of fresh fish is a vital part of the local strategy to boost family nutrition and eradicate childhood stunting.

Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo, who attended the festivities, praised the event as a beautiful combination of cultural gratitude, civic joy, and public health advocacy.

"Alhamdulillah, this year we are able to distribute two tons of fish to be harvested together by the community. Aside from the fish, we also introduced event mascots and distributed door prizes, including refrigerators and irons, to add to the excitement," Regent Hamenang noted.

The Regent emphasized that the mass harvest serves as a structural vehicle to accelerate the government's national Love Eating Fish program. By fostering a collective habit of incorporating fresh fish into daily diets, the local administration aims to sustainably raise health and intelligence indicators across the region.

"Our hope is that this festival fosters a culture of sharing blessings, strengthens community solidarity, and champions the love for eating fish. We hope that festivals of this nature will significantly drive up the fish consumption rate throughout Klaten Regency," Hamenang concluded. ***