Four Anniversary Celebrations of Indonesia's Oldest City
Indonesia is a country rich in history and culture, including its cities, which have a long history. Jakarta, for example, will be 497 years old in June 2024, which is celebrated with the Jakarta Fair (PRJ) and other activities. But did you know that some other cities in Indonesia are just as old or even older than Jakarta? These cities' anniversaries are precious moments to celebrate history, culture, and local pride. Here are four cities with the oldest anniversary celebrations in Indonesia.
- Yogyakarta, 267th Anniversary
Yogyakarta, often called Jogja, was founded on October 7, 1756, by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. The city was born from the Giyanti agreement that divided the Mataram Sultanate into the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and the Surakarta Sultanate. Yogyakarta later developed into an important cultural and educational center in Indonesia. Yogyakarta's anniversary is celebrated with a series of cultural activities, such as Grebeg Maulud, Kirab Pusaka, and traditional art performances in the square. These activities involve the palace, the public, and arts and culture performers who display Javanese culture in the form of music, dance, and food. - Surabaya, 731st Anniversary
Surabaya celebrates its anniversary based on an important event on May 31, 1293, when Raden Wijaya defeated the Mongol army. This event marked the establishment of the Majapahit Kingdom, with Surabaya as one of its strategic centers in terms of trade and military power. Surabaya's anniversary is celebrated with major events such as the Flower Parade and Cultural Parade, art and music festivals, and traditional ceremonies highlighting historical and heroic values. One of the iconic events is the People's Parade, which involves many communities and cultural elements from all over Surabaya. - Banda Aceh, 828th Anniversary
Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province, was founded on April 22, 1200, AD, by Sultan Johan Syah. The city was an important center of culture and trade during the time of the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the Sultanate became one of the largest maritime powers in the region. Banda Aceh's anniversary celebrations usually include cultural and religious festivals involving traditional Acehnese art performances, food bazaars, and traditional competitions. One of the highlights is “Peusijuek,” a traditional Acehnese ceremony to bestow blessings. - Palembang, 1,341st Anniversary
Palembang is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, and its history dates back to the Sriwijaya Kingdom. Palembang's anniversary is commemorated based on the Kedukan Bukit Inscription found on Siguntang Hill, which is dated June 17, 683 AD. This inscription marks the establishment of a large settlement in the region, which became the center of the Sriwijaya Kingdom's maritime power. Every year, Palembang celebrates its anniversary with a series of traditional and modern events, including bidar boat races on the Musi River, cultural exhibitions, traditional art performances, and a festival of Palembang culinary specialties, such as pempek and tekwan.
Celebrating the anniversaries of Indonesia's oldest cities is an opportunity to celebrate each city's rich history and culture. With their long historical heritage, these cities are not only a silent witness to the passage of time but also a center of pride for the local community.
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