Klaten. The Indonesian government sees opportunities in driving the local economy by preserving local traditions.

Senior economic minister Airlangga Hartarto visited Central Java's Klaten on Friday where he witnessed the so-called "Grebeg Ageng Andum Apem Yaaqawiyyu" traditions of the Muslim scholar Kiai Ageng Gribig. This tradition of distributing snacks made from rice flour or apem dates back to Kiai Ageng Gribig. It was also one of his ways to spread Islam in Java.

Aside from the religious activities, the celebrations saw a week-long arts and culture festival along the Jatinom highway, among others. Airlangga, who is a descendant of Kiai Ageng Gribig, even called the locals to maintain the tradition for another 400 years.

Airlangga went on to say that the number of visitors continues to grow each year. Today, an estimated 50,000 visitors attended. He also took this opportunity to express his deep appreciation for the people of Klaten Regency, who have contributed to continuing traditions and promoting Indonesia's rich cultural heritage.

"We hope that Kiai Ageng Gribig's teachings will continue, especially in promoting the community's economic values ​​and the values ​​of happiness. Once a year, we gather together to enjoy apem or cake," Airlangga said.

Local micro-scale enterprises had even reported soaring income during the week. The cake makers and sellers received huge orders of apem, which could reach up to 7 tons in total. This would even require both the local and neighboring communities to provide supplies.

"Such events can empower the local service sector, be it parking managers, transportation managers, and the people who open the food stalls. They are all able to reap profits from the influx of visitors and tourists," the ministry's spokesman Haryo Limanseto said.

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