RRI.CO.ID, Lumajang - The annual Kupatan tradition in Lumajang Regency, East Java, reached a fever pitch on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as thousands of visitors flocked to the coast. Centered around Pantai Bambang and Pantai Mbah Drajid, the event has become the definitive peak of post-Lebaran travel, with crowds significantly surpassing those seen on the first day of Idulfitri.

The Kupatan tradition is a traditional celebration held about a week after Eid al-Fitr, especially in Java, Indonesia. It centers around ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in woven coconut leaves) and has both cultural and spiritual meaning.

This cultural surge has transformed into a vital economic engine for the region, providing a direct financial boost to informal sectors and small-scale entrepreneurs along the southern coast.

The massive influx of tourists from neighboring regencies like Jember and Lamongan has created a thriving marketplace for local vendors. From food stalls to mat rentals and parking services, the "Kupatan effect" is being felt across the board.

Buamat, a local street vendor, noted the rapid turnover, “Praise be to God, it’s very crowded. Usually I sell until the afternoon, but now by midday it’s almost gone," as quoted by Infopublik.id on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Lumajang Regent Indah Amperawati, while monitoring the locations, emphasized that Kupatan is more than just a tradition, it is a competitive advantage for Lumajang’s tourism sector.

“Kupatan is always the peak of visits, even more crowded than the beginning of Eid,” she observed.

Vice Regent Yudha Adji Kusuma added that this growing interest in local travel presents a sustainable opportunity for the regency.

To ensure this momentum lasts, the administration is focusing on comprehensive destination management by strengthening the infrastructure at popular beaches to better handle high-density crowds. This strategy is paired with a commitment to economic integration, which involves connecting local culture and traditional events directly to the people's economy (ekonomi rakyat) to benefit small-scale entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, officials are prioritizing safety protocols by deploying joint security forces to manage the visitor surge and ensure a safe environment for families.

The overall impact of the event was characterized by peak traffic, as visitor numbers at coastal sites officially exceeded those recorded during the initial Eid al-Fitr holiday period. The festival also served as a major regional draw, attracting significant attendance from travelers outside Lumajang and proving the regency's broad appeal.

This influx resulted in widespread sector growth, providing direct financial benefits to transportation, culinary services, and various informal micro-businesses. The Kupatan tradition serves as a prime example of how local heritage can successfully intertwine with modern tourism to create immediate, tangible benefits for the community. ***