RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - The Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat in Yogyakarta has officially confirmed that elephants will no longer be part of the gunungan and pareden, central elements of the Grebeg ceremonies held by the Yogyakarta Palace, procession during the upcoming Grebeg Syawal 2026 (Garebeg Sawal Dal 1959). The Grebeg is a traditional ceremony held by the Keraton (Palace) to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Chief Marshal of the Palace Soldiers, KPH Notonegoro, said that this policy is in compliance with Circular Letter Number 6/2025 issued by the Ministry of Forestry. The directive concerns the cessation of riding elephant demonstrations at conservation institutions across Indonesia.

“Starting from this Garebeg Sawal Dal 1959, elephants will not participate in the procession or the parade of the gunungan and pareden,” Notonegoro announced on Friday, March 13, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The Grebeg Syawal is a centerpiece of the Palace's ceremony to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah. The main procession is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026.

The timeline for the event begins at 06:30 WIB with the preparation of the bregada soldier units at the Kamandhungan Kidul Complex. Following this, at 09:00 WIB, the soldiers and the gunungan mountain-shaped offerings will descend from Siti Hinggil toward the Pagelaran area.

Leading up to the main parade, the Palace will perform the Numplak Wajik ceremony on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This ritual marks the initial phase of crafting the gunungan using wajik (sweet sticky rice) as the base material. The ceremony will take place at the Panti Pareden in the Magangan Complex after the Asar prayer.

The Palace authorities have invited the public to witness these traditional ceremonies while emphasizing the importance of order. KRT Kusumonegoro, Penghageng II of Kawedanan Reksa Suyasa, urged attendees to provide a clear path for the soldiers and the gunungan before the offerings are eventually distributed to the community.

Additionally, a strict no-fly zone for drones will be enforced. For the safety and sanctity of the procession, the operation of drones or similar unmanned aerial vehicles is prohibited within the Palace area up to an altitude of 150 meters. ***