President Jokowi: Traditional Procession in Kaesang Pangarep's Wedding is to Preserve Indonesian Culture

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The ceremonial wedding of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's youngest son Kaesang Pangarep with Erina Gudono was held at the official residence of Surakarta Mayor, Loji Gandrung, on Sunday, December 12, 2022.

Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep, officially wedded to Erina Sofia Gudono after the marriage contract ceremony in Sleman, Yogyakarta, on Saturday.

Jokowi stated that traditional processions taking place during the marriage ceremony of youngest son Kaesang Pangarep with Erina Gudono are to preserve culture.

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"Today, Sunday, December 12, 2022, we (have this) unduh mantu procession for Kaesang Pangarep and Erina Gudono," said the president on Sunday, quoted from Tempo.

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.

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

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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, 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 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 affirmed.

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