VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Some regions in Indonesia have unique traditions which are conducted to welcome the holy month of Ramadhan. One of them is Dugderan tradition from Semarang, Central Java. Dugderan tradition has been conducted since 1881 and until now, it is still conducted by Semarang people. The difference is that today’s Dugderan is folk party such as dances, carnival, and Bedug percussion. The name of Dugderan comes from “Dug” which is the sound of Bedug, and “Der” which is the sound of explosion of firecracker. The name is a sign of fasting month; it is begun by Bedug and ended by firecracker. The tradition is held to remind residents that the month of Ramadhan has closed. For one week, before Ramadhan, there will be market which sells various kinds of stuffs and there is mascot related to the festival, namely “Warak Ngendok”.Dugderan will be over one day before fasting and the peak event of the dugderan tradition contains of cultural carnival. The carnival is begun from the yard of Semarang City Hall. Opening of the event is signed by beating Bedug by Semarang mayor. After the opening, the mayor rides Kencana cart which is guarded by Pandanaran troops to Semarang Kauman Great Mosque. Over there, the mayor will be welcomed by Warak Ngendok. Warak Ngendok represents acculturation of the culture from diverse ethnics in Semarang, namely China,  Arab and Java. Dugderan tradition has been begun since 1881 in the government of Regent Kyai Raden Mas Tumenggung Purbaningrat, based on his awareness on peace of Semarang people, because there was movement which has disunited since the arrival of the Dutch colonial.  As a result, there were groups of communities in Semarang. Dugderan tradition is aimed at assembling the whole communities in a joyful atmosphere in a bid to unite, to gather and to greet without differences. Besides, it is ensured that the beginning of the month of Ramadan is strictly and simultaneouslybased on agreement of regent and priest of the mosque. So, there is unifying spirit felt in the tradition.