KBRN, Yogyakarta: Yogyakarta Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan, alongside residents of Wirogunan Village, officially launched the region's signature culinary product, Wajik Wirogunan, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.

Wajik was chosen as the flagship product due to its symbolism of unity and its reflection of the 5K principles in the Gandeng Gendong program initiated by the Yogyakarta City Administration.

Wajik Wirogunan is packaged modernly, positioning it as a potential signature souvenir from Yogyakarta.

Wawan Harmawan praised the enthusiasm of the Wirogunan community in creating a local signature product.

He deemed the launch of Wajik Wirogunan a strategic step in strengthening Yogyakarta's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.

"This is an extraordinary innovation from the residents and Wirogunan Village, capable of launching their local signature product," Wawan said after the inauguration, rri.co.id reported.

Yogyakarta Deputy Mayor Wawan Harmawan inspected the Wirogunan Ramadan Bazaar booth on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Photo: Doc. Yogyakarta City Administration)

According to Wawan, Wajik Wirogunan has significant potential for growth due to its attractive and high-quality packaging.

He recommended that product development remain oriented towards historical values and market needs to increase appeal.

"There must be a unique story behind this product, such as why wajik was chosen and its special features compared to other wajik," he said.

As a form of support, Wawan assured that the Yogyakarta City Administration is ready to assist in marketing Wajik Wirogunan, including using it for official meeting consumption and guest receptions at City Hall.

"The packaging is already good. Now, we need to promote it more widely to increase its recognition," he added.

In addition to launching Wajik Wirogunan, Wawan also opened the Ramadan Bazaar, which was held in the courtyard of the former Wisanti Hotel, Jalan Tamansiswa.

He encouraged the community to support local MSMEs by purchasing products made by residents. "The products we buy must be from our residents so that the economic circulation remains in Yogyakarta," he explained.

Wirogunan Village Head Siti Mahmudah Setyaningsih explained that Wajik Wirogunan is part of the 5K Gandeng Gendong program, which involves elements of campuses, communities, corporations, financial communities, and the city administration.

"We chose wajik because of its unifying meaning. Hopefully, this product can strengthen community togetherness and improve welfare," said Siti.

Besides having a shelf life of up to five days at room temperature, Wajik Wirogunan also has distinctive green and yellow colors, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Meanwhile, the Ramadan Bazaar features 30 MSME booths selling culinary and fashion products. This event is expected to strengthen the community's economy and serve as a promotional platform for local businesses in Wirogunan.

Wajik is a traditional Indonesian sweet made from glutinous rice, sugar, and coconut milk. It has a chewy texture and a rich, sweet flavor, often with hints of coconut.

Typically, wajik is cut into diamond or square shapes. Its history dates back centuries, with variations found across Indonesia. It symbolizes hospitality and is often served during special occasions.

Wajik Wirogunan distinguishes itself with its characteristic green and yellow hues, setting it apart from the more common dark brown wajik. ***