HARIANEXPRESS, BLITAR – The 702nd Anniversary celebration of Blitar Regency officially began with a meaningful traditional pilgrimage. The Blitar Regency Government conducted a solemn pilgrimage to several national figures’ tombs and historical sites on Monday, August 3, 2026, to honor the spirit of past struggles.
This dignified ceremony was led directly by Blitar Regent Rijanto. He was accompanied by members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), heads of Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD), and leaders of various local women’s organizations, including TP PKK, Perwosi, and Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP).
Honoring National Heroes and Ancestors
The entourage retraced the footsteps of predecessors by visiting several significant locations. These included the Tomb of Aryo Blitar, the Petilasan of Syekh Subakir, the Pangeranan Tomb, and the resting place of Indonesia’s First President, Ir. Soekarno (Bung Karno). This pilgrimage is not just an annual ceremonial event, but a deep tribute to the historical legacy, values of struggle, and culture carved by the nation’s founders and Blitar’s ancestors.
Regent Rijanto emphasized that the tomb pilgrimage serves as a crucial moment for reflection. He stated that the historical values left by heroes are the primary foundation for planning the direction of regional development in the future.
“This pilgrimage is our highest form of respect for the ancestors who have bequeathed history, exemplary values, and the spirit of struggle. Through this step, we want to ensure that future generations never lose their historical roots,” said Rijanto.
Furthermore, the Regent expressed hope that this activity would strengthen the spirit of togetherness and ignite community concern for preserving cultural heritage. He affirmed that regional development would not be strong without a solid historical foundation.
Wider Tributes and Upcoming Events
On a broader scale, the Blitar Regency Government also paid respects to other national figures. Before the series of pilgrimages in Blitar, the delegation had visited the tomb of the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.M. Soeharto, and the tomb of national hero Pangeran Sambernyawa. This underscores the region’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s collective memory.
The series of 702nd Anniversary celebrations is ongoing. The peak of the festivities will be marked by the traditional Pisowanan Agung ceremony, scheduled for August 5, 2026. This year, Blitar Regency carries the theme “Manggih Raharja Blitar Kuncara,” which embodies a hope and determination to develop the region through a spirit of mutual cooperation.
“The values of leadership and dedication of our predecessors are an inspiration that must not fade. With the spirit of collaboration and hard work from all community elements, we are optimistic that Blitar Regency will advance further, prosper, and be able to bring equitable welfare to its citizens,” Rijanto concluded.
This 702nd anniversary serves as an important milestone for Blitar Regency to continue moving forward, maintaining harmony between sustainable development and the preservation of its historical identity.
