The 25th annual Lima Gunung Festival began on Friday in Magelang, Central Java, with a traditional tree-planting ritual known as Nandur Eling, or “Planting the Memory.” Running from July 10 to 12, the three-day event brings together 1,274 artists from 85 performing groups to explore the theme “Makin Goblok Bareng,” a concept intended to encourage humility and a harmonious life with nature. The festival is hosted in Warangan Hamlet, the site of the event’s 2002 inaugural celebration.
Ceremonial Beginnings and Cultural Roots
The opening ceremony featured five community leaders who planted saplings—specifically Krengsek, pule, Jamaican cherry, guava, and durian—on village-owned land. The participants included local elder Darto, 76, hamlet head Budiono, village secretary Solichin, Lima Gunung Community chairman Sujono, and cultural figure Sutanto Mendut. The Lima Gunung Community, established by Mendut in 1997, derives its name from the five mountainous areas surrounding Magelang: Mount Merapi, Mount Merbabu, Mount Andong, Mount Sumbing, and the Menoreh hills.
Preserving Heritage Through Artistic Expression
The festival serves as a platform for various performances including dance, music, poetry, and cultural parades. An exhibition curated by local artist Gentur showcases works accompanied by the sounds of traditional percussion instruments, truntung and bende. Additionally, senior community figure Haris Kertorahardjo, also known as Lie Thian Hauw, opened an exhibition featuring 15 paintings, photographs, and historical documents that chronicle the festival’s history and the broader Magelang region.
According to chairman Sujono, the Nandur Eling ritual is designed to remind residents of the importance of protecting local wisdom and passing values like mutual cooperation, kinship, and compassion to future generations. Hamlet head Budiono stated that the planting of the saplings symbolizes gratitude for life, community ties, and the environment. Organizers encourage the wise adoption of technology to improve daily life without abandoning the noble values inherited from ancestors.
Future Outlook for the Lima Gunung Community
The festival is expected to continue its focus on self-reliance as it moves through its second and third days. Given the participation of artist groups from various Indonesian cities alongside local farmer-artist collectives, the event acts as a hub for cross-regional cultural exchange. As the community continues to balance traditional practices with the demands of the 21st century, the festival will likely remain a critical venue for documenting the resilience of mountainous farming regions in Central Java.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the festival theme “Makin Goblok Bareng” signify?
The theme is intended to encourage humility among participants while focusing on building a better life in harmony with nature.
Who founded the Lima Gunung Community?
The community was established in 1997 by cultural figure Sutanto Mendut.
What is the significance of the Nandur Eling ritual?
According to chairman Sujono, it is a ritual to “plant memories” to sustain cultural values such as mutual cooperation, kinship, courtesy, compassion, harmony with nature, respect for ancestors, and devotion to God.
How do you think rural communities can best balance traditional cultural values with the rapid introduction of new technologies?
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