INDOPOSCO.ID — The Javanese Christian Church (GKJ) Gandaria held the 2026 Pentecost celebration and Riyaya Undhuh-Undhuh thanksgiving festival with a cultural parade around the church neighborhood at the Mechanized Infantry Battalion (Yonif Mekanis) 201 Jaya Yudha Complex, East Jakarta, on Sunday morning (May 24, 2026).
The event was attended by hundreds of congregants from various GKJ Gandaria ministry areas.
GKJ Gandaria Pendeta Dr. Didik Christian A.C. explained that Riyaya Undhuh-Undhuh is an annual thanksgiving tradition rooted in the agrarian culture of Javanese society.
“Undhuh-Undhuh is an annual thanksgiving celebration. This tradition originated from agrarian life, when farmers, after working throughout the year and experiencing God’s blessings upon their efforts, would present their harvest to the church as an expression of gratitude,” he said.
According to him, the church continues to preserve the core values of the tradition as a form of thanksgiving for God’s care and blessings throughout the year.
“That spirit is what we continue to uphold — that God has sustained and blessed the lives of the congregation. Riyaya Undhuh-Undhuh is a harvest festival and an annual thanksgiving celebration to God,” he added.
He stated that around 400 participants joined the event, representing various GKJ Gandaria ministry groups from areas ranging from Cibinong to Pasar Rebo.
“This is the second year the event has been organized, and it is planned to continue annually,” he said.
Didik noted that the congregation’s enthusiasm had been evident since early morning. Although the worship service began at 8 a.m. local time, many congregants had arrived as early as 6:30 a.m. to take part in the activities.
“They feel this is a shared celebration. The enthusiasm has been extraordinary,” he said.
Participants in the cultural parade came from various age groups, ranging from children to senior citizens. Sunday school children performed traditional dances, while elderly congregants also participated in the parade.
Meanwhile, GKJ Gandaria Council Chair Cahya Nugraha Pancono Putra said the Riyaya Undhuh-Undhuh celebration showcased not only Javanese culture but also Indonesia’s ethnic diversity.
“We are presenting various ethnic cultures, not only Javanese. From Sabang to Merauke, all are represented here.
Although we are called the Javanese Christian Church, our congregation comes from many ethnic groups such as Batak, Papuan, and others,” he said.
According to Cahya, the church remains committed to preserving culture as part of national identity without diminishing religious values.
“As a church council, we want this culture to continue to be preserved. Faith does not diminish our culture and identity as Indonesian citizens,” he said.
During the parade, participants wore a variety of traditional costumes, including Javanese, Batak, and Betawi attire. The Betawi cultural performance drew particular attention with its lively and dynamic musical accompaniment.
Indoposco.id observed at the scene that hundreds of parade participants were escorted by several Provost personnel from Yonif Mekanis 201 Jaya Yudha. The crowd marched along the roads within the complex to and from the church. Traffic congestion occurred at several points but was managed by soldiers in camouflage uniforms. (aro)
