Thousands participate in silent 'Mubeng Beteng' ritual around Yogyakarta Sultanate walls

Thousands of residents gathered in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to participate in the Tapa Bisu Mubeng Beteng, a traditional silent procession held around the walls of the Sultanate's palace. The ritual took place on the night of 1 Suro, the first month of the Javanese calendar, drawing a large crowd despite its midnight start.

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The release of the Mubeng Beteng procession is carried out exactly at midnight, with a route around the Yogyakarta Sultanate's walls, approximately five kilometers long.

The procession, which follows a roughly five-kilometer route along the ancient fortifications, is a significant cultural event. It begins precisely at midnight, marked by the chiming of bells, and proceeds counter-clockwise. Participants walk in solemn silence, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. This practice is considered a form of spiritual preparation and introspection.

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The tradition of mubeng beteng is an intangible cultural heritage that has been designated since 2015.

Officially recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in 2015, the Mubeng Beteng tradition includes a preliminary ceremony featuring 'tembang macapat' – traditional Javanese poetry sung to convey hopes for a better new year. The silent walk itself is the core of the ritual, emphasizing mindfulness and inner reflection. Despite the large number of participants, the atmosphere remains profoundly quiet and personal, with only the soft sound of footsteps breaking the silence. The tradition continues to attract considerable public interest, notably including the younger generation.

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The essence of this tradition is Tapa Bisu, which is the process of walking around the Yogyakarta Sultanate's fortress, solemnly without uttering a single word.