Pameran Mitoni – Preserving the Traditional Life Cycle Ritual in Kerug Batur Village
Kerug Batur in Majaksingi village is a place where traditional life cycle rituals are still being held. One of the traditional rituals is known as Mitoni aimed at asking for safety for parents and seven-month-old babies in their mother’s womb. Due to the village’s geographic location on a high peak of roughly 650 meters above sea level in the Menoreh Mountains, the village’s traditions have been mostly shielded from the effects of globalization. The Mitoni ritual is just a part of the cultural traditions present in Kerug Batur, which encompass other rituals such as Syura and Saparan and other traditional customs.
In an effort to preserve the village’s heritage, the people of Kerug Batur have organized a series of events titled “Pameran Mitoni” held from 26-30 June 2022. It will take place in a narrow alley leading to the home of one of the village elders, Mr. Ismoyo. The Pameran Mitoni is supported by the Majaksingi village government and Eksotika Desa with funding from the Directorate of Belief in the One Almighty God (Dit. KMA) of the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud Ristek).
The Pameran Mitoni is not only a photo exhibition of the Mitoni procession but also includes props such as jarits, ivory cengkirs, kendis, coconut-shell gentongs, and gayungs. The event also includes trial tour packages, cultural seminars, and reviewing the locals’ hand-written works. The official opening of the Pameran Mitoni was held on 26 June with a speech from the Head of the Majaksingi village, Mr. Sutrisno. On 28 June, trial tour packages were conducted, followed by a cultural seminar and analysis of written works from locals.
The trial tour package itself tells visitors about the Mitoni tradition via photos displayed along the narrow alley leading to Mr. Ismoyo’s residence. Apart from explanations about the meaning and value of traditional foods served during the Mitoni procession, such as Tumpeng Pitu, Liwet Waras, Untup-Untup, jenang abang, putih dan baro-baro, Tumpeng Rasul, Tumpeng Wajar, Ingkung Ayam, Larakan, and vegetable dishes, visitors are also educated on how the food is made and prepared, including how to slaughter a chicken in two different ways, according to the Islamic and Catholic faith.
Various people, including some from Sekolah Satu Atap Majaksingi village, residents of the near vicinity, and the Eksotika Desa team, participate in the trial tour package. According to Mr. Andrianus Endro, one of the members of the organizing committee of Pameran Mitoni and a resident of Kerug Batur, the event is a preservation effort for the traditions of Javanese people, especially the Mitoni tradition, as a part of the life cycle, not just for the people of Kerug Batur but Majaksingi and everyone else who wants to witness it.
In conclusion, Pameran Mitoni is an attempt to preserve cultural heritage, which is important to not be forgotten in the sands of time. The event is organized in coordination with Majaksingi’s government and Eksotika Desa and symbolizes the government’s commitment to developing cultural tourism in the Borobudur area. This event will not only educate the locals but also tourists about the preservation of traditions and spirituality of Javanese people.
