Thousands scramble for 2 tons of fish at Klaten Festival
The 222nd Klaten anniversary event also promotes fish consumption to help improve family nutrition.
Thousands of residents gathered at the Gemblegan Village pond in Kalikotes, Klaten Regency, Central Java, on Sunday (19/7), to catch 2 tons of fish at the 2026 Memet Ikan Festival. The event, part of the 222nd anniversary celebration of Klaten Regency, drew participants from various areas who came carrying nets. Organizers released assorted fish, mainly bawal, as well as nila and lele, raised for around four months with the local BUMDes. Committee chairman Niko Joko Pramono said Memet Ikan was an old tradition that has now been expanded into a regency-level event. Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo said the festival was both a gesture of gratitude for the region's anniversary and part of the Gemar Makan Ikan program to help meet residents' nutritional needs.