Gunungkidul Preserves Ngalangi Tradition as Gratitude for the Sea

RRI.CO.ID, Gunungkidul - Gunungkidul preserves the Ngalangi tradition as a cultural expression of gratitude for the sea's resources. The tradition is held at Wediombo Beach by residents of Jepitu Village, Girisubo.

Gunungkidul has a 72-kilometer coastline where many residents depend on marine resources for their livelihoods. Ngalangi reflects their gratitude while strengthening the connection between coastal communities, nature, and cultural heritage.

Ngalangi is traditionally held on Thursday Wage after the rice harvest and fishing season. The tradition takes place after several days of preparation involving ceremonial offerings, food, and agricultural and marine produce.

The name Ngalangi comes from the practice of using fishing nets to block fish and other marine life. During the ceremony, residents spread nets in the coastal area before collecting the catch and distributing it among the community.

Residents also prepare symbolic foods and a large ceremonial arrangement using local agricultural and marine products. These offerings are carried toward Wediombo Beach, where residents gather for collective prayers before sharing food together.

Some offerings are later released into the open sea as an expression of gratitude for nature's resources. The practice also symbolizes a hope for abundant harvests, safe livelihoods, prosperity, and community welfare.

The Gunungkidul Culture Office said Ngalangi has been officially recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2021. Cultural Heritage Staff at the Gunungkidul Culture Office, Hadi Rismanto, emphasized the importance of preserving the tradition across generations.

He said Ngalangi represents an ancestral tradition that carries important cultural values for the local community. Similar coastal traditions, including Petik Laut and Sedekah Laut, are also practiced across southern Gunungkidul.

The tradition also attracts tourists who visit Wediombo Beach and document the ceremony through photographs and videos. The Indonesian government continues developing cultural traditions as tourism attractions while encouraging their preservation within local communities.