A Series of Traditional Processions in Son's Marriage to Preserve Culture: Jokowi

SURAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that a series of traditional Javanese processions taking place during the marriage ceremony of youngest son Kaesang Pangarep with Erina Gudono are to preserve culture.

"Today, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, we (have this) unduh mantu procession for Kaesang Pangarep and Erina Gudono," the president said during the wedding procession at the official residence of Surakarta Mayor called Loji Gandrung.

The unduh mantu procession, being part of the wedding tradition in Javanese culture - to which Jokowi and his family belong - is a procession to "welcome" a newly-wedded woman to her husband's family.

He said that the unduh mantu procession demonstrated his commitment to continue and preserve the traditional Javanese culture.

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"Our culture is what our ancestors inherit to our generation. Introducing and loving the culture is our common obligation," Jokowi said.

The love of traditional culture must be nurtured to ensure the identity remains among the people, he added.

"It is to ensure that our character, the cultural character, would be more endeared by all of us," the president said.

The unduh mantu procession was started by Kaesang and Erina, who kneeled and kissed the hands of Kaesang's parents, followed by nyebar udik-udik (tossing coins to family members), tumplak punjen (presenting articles to newlywed), and begalan (distributing kitchen utensils) traditions.

During the procession, attended by all of Jokowi's children and their spouses, and grandchildren, he advised his children to maintain harmony in brotherhood. Jokowi also advised his eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who also currently serves as Surakarta Mayor, to set an example for his siblings.

Following the conclusion of the procession, the newlywed departed from Loji Gandrung to Surakarta royal palace Pura Mangkunegaran by a chariot in a parade attracting public interest.

Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, officially wedded to Erina Sofia Gudono after a religious ceremony to solemnize the marriage, known as the akad nikah, in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Source: State News Antara