Klaten, indomaritim.com – Thousands of residents gathered at a village pond in Indonesia’s Central Java on Sunday for a traditional fish-catching festival celebrating Klaten District’s 222nd anniversary and promoting community ties and fish consumption.
According to Antara News Agency, the annual Memet Ikan, or Fish Festival, took place at a pond in Gemblegan Village, Kalikotes Subdistrict, drawing residents from across Klaten carrying hand nets to catch fish released into the water.
Children and adults waded into the pond in a lively atmosphere, catching fish ranging from small sizes to specimens weighing more than 1 kilogram.
Supriyadi, 42, a resident of Tambaksari Village, said he spent about an hour in the pond and caught several fish of different sizes.
“I caught about five pomfrets, which was pretty good. There were some large ones too,” he said.
He said he planned to cook the fish for his family.
Event committee chairman Niko Joko Pramono said organizers and the village-owned enterprise had spent the past four months raising about two metric tons of fish for the festival.
The pond was stocked with pomfret, tilapia and catfish, with pomfret making up the largest share, he said.
Pramono said organizers wanted residents to enjoy the catch with their families while providing free entertainment for the community.
He added the event also aimed to improve household nutrition and support efforts to reduce childhood stunting by encouraging fish consumption.
The festival has been held for many years as a village tradition before expanding into a regency-level celebration, Pramono said.
He said this year’s event formed part of the celebrations marking Klaten District’s 222nd anniversary.
Klaten District Head Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo attended the festival, describing it as one of several events commemorating the anniversary.
He said about 2 metric tons of fish were released into the pond, while visitors also enjoyed mascot performances and prize giveaways.
Door prizes included household appliances such as refrigerators and irons, adding to the festive atmosphere, he said.
Ismoyo described the festival as an expression of gratitude for the regency’s anniversary and part of its campaign to encourage fish consumption.
He said higher fish consumption would help improve public health and children’s development.
The festival also promotes community solidarity and a culture of sharing while encouraging residents to include more fish in their diets, Ismoyo said. (Dul)
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