TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thousands of Indonesian Hindu worshipers from the Special Region of Yogyakarta and surrounding areas flocked to Ngobaran Beach in Saptosari, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
They gathered to participate in the Melasti ceremony in anticipation of the Sacred Day of Nyepi for Saka New Year 1948, which falls in 2026.
The chair of the Melasti Ceremony Committee, Punaji, explained that Melasti is a purification ritual for oneself and the universe ahead of Nyepi.
"After the procession at this beach, the activity will continue with the Tawur Agung Kesanga ceremony at Prambanan Temple in about two weeks," he said.
Punaji added that Ngobaran Beach is expected to become an annual event with improved management, given its potential impact on local tourism.
"Ngobaran Beach is now not only a place of worship but also a key tourist destination that can improve the welfare of local residents," he said.
Ritual Purification and Tourism
The Melasti ceremony, held annually at Ngobaran Beach, symbolizes spiritual purification and the preservation of harmony in the universe before Nyepi.
According to Punaji, the procession reflects the values of Tri Hita Karana, which promotes a harmonious relationship between humans and God, among humans, and with nature.
Ngobaran Beach itself represents regional tolerance, where the Segara Wukir Temple stands alongside other historical sites, demonstrating that diversity is a cultural treasure to be preserved collectively.
The ceremony encourages worshipers to uphold harmony through the spirit of Sak Eko Kapti (unanimous commitment) and fulfill the moral principle of Hamemayu Hayuning Bawono, which emphasizes the preservation of the universe.
Nengah Lotama, chairman of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Parisada (PHDI) in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, noted that Gunungkidul has become a home for diversity. "The celebration of Nyepi, including today’s Melasti procession, shows that tolerance and togetherness must be continuously preserved," he said.
Tourism and Infrastructure Development
Gunungkidul Regent Endah Subekti Kuntariningsih, who attended the event, expressed hope that the sacred ceremony would bring peace, clarity of mind, and strengthen interfaith harmony in the regency.
Endah added that starting in 2027, the Melasti ceremony will be included in the official tourism calendar.
"This policy aims to provide facilities equal to other religious celebrations and to promote religious tourism that can attract visitors to Gunungkidul," she said.
The government is also investing in infrastructure to support the event. The 800-meter Simpang Kepek–Ngobaran road, the main access to the religious tourist site, has been completed.
"We plan to enhance Ngobaran Beach to make it a more beautiful and comfortable destination for worshipers and tourists alike," Endah said.
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