RRI.CO.ID, Klaten - Thousands of people gathered for the Yaqowiyu Tradition in Klaten on Friday, July 31, 2026. The annual celebration preserves one of Indonesia's centuries-old Islamic cultural traditions.

The event took place at Oro-oro Sendang Klampeyan near the Ki Ageng Gribig Cemetery Complex in Jatinom Subdistrict, Klaten Regency, Central Java. Residents from across Indonesia waited under the midday sun for the traditional apem cake distribution.

The tradition began after Friday prayers at the Great Mosque of Jatinom. Two mountain-shaped offerings, known as Lanang and Wadon, were paraded to the ceremony grounds for prayers.

Following the prayers, around five tons of apem cakes were distributed to the crowd. The cakes were thrown from two towers, while thousands of people eagerly tried to catch them.

According to local history, the tradition originated with Ki Ageng Gribig, an Islamic scholar during the Mataram Sultanate era. After returning from the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, he shared apem cakes with residents, inspiring a tradition that has continued for more than four centuries.

Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Ki Ageng Gribig Heritage Preservation Organization Muhammad Daryanto said the celebration carries a deeper spiritual meaning. He emphasized it preserves the religious teachings and cultural legacy of Ki Ageng Gribig.

"This tradition is not merely an annual celebration, but also a legacy of Islamic preaching taught by Ki Ageng Gribig," he said.

Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo said this year's celebration was especially meaningful after the regency's 222nd anniversary. He encouraged residents to continue embracing Ki Ageng Gribig's values while preserving Indonesia's cultural heritage.