INFOKU, BLORA -There was something special at the Manganan Janjang which was held by the residents of Janjang Village, Jiken District, Blora Regency, at the Mbah Janjang Tomb and Tapaan complex (Jatikusuma, Jatiswara), Friday (27/3/2026).
Namely, two certificates were handed over by the Regent of Blora, Arief Rohman, who came directly to the manganan tradition, accompanied by the Chairperson of the PKK TP, Deputy Regent, Sri Setyorini, and the Forkopimda ranks.
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The two certificates submitted were a certificate and charter from the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, number 169/WB/KB.00.01/2025, which contains the determination of Manganan Janjang as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Indonesia.
At the same time, the handover of the Decree of the Regent of Blora number 400.6/487/2025 dated December 19, 2025 was also carried out, which designated Janjang Village as a Cultural Village in Blora Regency.
"Hopefully, the Minister of Culture's certificate awarding Manganan Janjang as an Indonesian Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Regent's decree designating Janjang as a Cultural Village, will further solidify Janjang Village as a center for cultural preservation in Blora Regency. This is already well-established, and we must continue to preserve Manganan Janjang. Besides being a religious tourism attraction, it can also be a driver of village economic growth," said the Regent.
In this year's Manganan Janjang tradition, thousands of residents from various regions were seen, taking turns walking up the steps of the Gedong cemetery complex from morning to give alms and send food in the form of chicken ingkung or rice blessings.
The food was distributed free of charge to all visitors after visiting Mbah Janjang's tomb.
Therefore, it is called "Manganan", sharing free food with each other as a form of gratitude for the harvest of the past year.
The village government also slaughters animals such as cows and goats in the cemetery complex. The meat is then cooked together and distributed free of charge to all visitors and pilgrims.
All meals are wrapped in teak leaves
Uniquely, all the rice and spices distributed are wrapped in teak leaves, according to the pilgrims' arrival order. The committee provides thousands of teak leaves for the pilgrims.
Each person took a teak leaf to form the base of the queue for the distribution of the blessed rice from the committee, which was opened in the gazebo north of the main tomb.
The event also featured performances of Janjang's traditional puppetry, a legacy of Mbah Jatikusumo Jatiswara.
A portrait of local culture that continues to be preserved as an accompaniment to the Manganan Janjang event.
Sumirah (56), a resident of Bojonegoro Regency, East Java, admitted that she often comes to the Manganan Janjang event with her husband and children.
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"This is my sixth time participating in Manganan in Janjang. Initially, I wanted to visit and find the delicious rice wrapped in teak leaves. But recently, I've been handing out ambeng ingkung (rice cakes) to share. I've been giving alms to others. The event is great; everyone seems to be working together harmoniously," said Sumirah.
Meanwhile, Adit (25), a resident of Rembang, Central Java, also said he was happy to be able to attend the Manganan Janjang event in person. He admitted that this was the first time he had attended a Manganan Janjang event.
"I was curious because a relative told me about it. Well, it just so happened that while I was visiting Blora, I decided to visit Janjang. It's great that the tradition is still strong. Despite its remote location, it attracts thousands of visitors from various regions. The roads are also in good condition, and the atmosphere is fresh and cool in this complex. I feel at home," said Adit.
Regent Arief, along with the Deputy Regent, Chair of the TP PKK and the Forkopimda ranks, mingled with the local residents.
He came riding a Vespa with his entourage, the Regent got off at the Village Head's house, then performed Friday prayers at the Al Kautsar Mosque, then continued on foot to the Mbah Janjang Tomb complex.
"This Manganan Janjang is extraordinary. It's the most popular and most visited cultural tradition of giving alms to the earth in Blora Regency. It has great potential to stimulate the village economy. Hopefully, the Janjang Village Head can manage it better in the future. This is a manifestation of harmony, togetherness, and a portrait of the spirit of sharing with others. It also demonstrates the solidarity of the village community, praying together for the safety of Janjang Village and Blora Regency. Moreover, the road access from Cabak to Janjang has been completed, making it more convenient to get here," said Regent Arief.
Meanwhile, the Head of Janjang Village, Ngasi, expressed his gratitude that this year's Manganan Janjang event was busier than last year.
This Manganan tradition is held every Friday Pon after Eid al-Fitr every year.
Separately, the Deputy Regent of Blora, Hj. Sri Setyorini, said that this was her first time participating in the Manganan Janjang event.
"I've been to Janjang several times. But this is a different event. This is my first time at Manganan Janjang. It's incredibly popular. The potential is incredible. I also got some thanks to the teak leaf wrapper, which tastes delicious and uniquely rural. I'll definitely be back next year. Janjang is awesome," said the Deputy Regent (Endah).
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