Slamet Susanto, Yogyakarta – Thousands of Yogyakartans assembled on Sunday along the famous Jl. Malioboro in a mass gathering symbolizing their resilience in the face of the destruction brought upon them by Mount Merapi's weeks-long dose of epic volcanic eruptions, and to show they were ready to receive tourists again.
The street was closed down for the gathering where hundreds of tumpeng (a cone of rice served with side dishes) were laid out on a 1-kilometer stretch of road as a symbol to God of their appreciation for being given the strength to endure the disaster.
Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X said in his speech at the event that the Yogyakarta people's togetherness and cooperation were the key to bouncing back.
"With togetherness, let's face a better life in the future. Yogyakartans' togetherness is the main factor of revival," said the sultan, who has been in the public spotlight of late following the government's plan to pass a bill on the special status of Yogyakarta that would put an end to the monarchy's current entitlement to the governor's seat.
The Sultan said it was important for Yogyakartans to quickly resume their normal activities.
Yogyakarta Mayor Zudianto said the provincial administration would allocate a bigger budget for promoting tourism, which was badly hit by the eruptions, which killed more than 300 people.
The gathering itself, he said, was supported by the public and private sectors, especially those involved in tourism.
Recent reports showed that tourism accounted for more than 50 percent of the administration's revenue, especially tourism in Sleman regency and Yogyakarta municipality. Tourism also fuels other sectors, such as the handicraft sector.
The Yogyakarta branch of the Association of Indonesian Economists estimated the eruptions had caused Rp 5 trillion (US$555.5 million) in losses, including damage to infrastructure and public buildings and the fisheries and tourism sectors. Yogyakarta's Adisutjipto International Airport was closed down for days due to the eruptions.
After praying together, Mayor Herry asked the people to eat the tumpeng. "By having a meal together we show that we are united in facing any conditions," he said.
Abdul Azis, a Maluku student at the Gadjah Mada University, said activities in the city had returned to normal. "It's safe now, no more volcanic ash," he said.
Meanwhile, Ngatilah, a 57-year-old villager of Bantul, expressed hope that "Yogyakarta would still be normal and remain prosperous just like before the eruptions".
Many people brought home the tumpeng for their families. "This tumpeng was blessed. I will bring it home so that my family is also blessed," said 49-year-old housewife Sri Mujiyati.
Mud floods in the city caused by thousands of tons of mud washed down from the slopes of Merapi by heavy rains forced the authorities to close down the Muntilan-Yogyakarta road at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, but it was reopened three hours later.
Magelang Regency disaster mitigation agency head Eko Triyono said people living along the city's rivers should stay alert to the possibility of flooding, Antara news agency reported.
The alert status of Mt. Merapi was lowered late Friday, but authorities have repeatedly warned those living on the slopes of the volcano to remain alert.