Gorontalo Regency, Kominfotik – Deputy Minister of Transmigration (Wamentrans) Viva Yoga Mauladi was welcomed with the Mopotilolo traditional ceremony upon his arrival at Djalaluddin Tantu Airport, Gorontalo, on Wednesday (4/8/2026). The Deputy Minister’s arrival was received by Governor Gusnar Ismail at the old airport’s VIP lounge.
Deputy Minister Viva Yoga arrived on a Garuda Indonesia flight at approximately 09:00 WITA. He was accompanied by the Secretary of the Directorate General of Transmigration Area Development and Construction, Wibobo Puji Raharjo, and the Director of Transmigration Area Development, Elis Sampe Andi.
Mopotilolo is a series of traditional ceremonies used to welcome high-ranking state officials who are visiting Gorontalo for the first time. The welcome was conducted by the traditional leaders of U Duluwo Limo Lo Pohalaa (the traditional council of the five traditional domains).
The first stage of the ceremony is mopodungga lo adati, which consists of wise words spoken in the Gorontalo language. This is followed by mopodungga lo uyilumo, or the offering of a drink. Traditional cakes, each laden with symbolic meaning, are served to welcome the guest, followed by a prayer.
The Mopotilolo concludes with the mongabi procession, an official statement from the traditional leaders declaring that the official being welcomed has received the blessing to visit Gorontalo.
Deputy Minister Viva Yoga is scheduled to be in Gorontalo for three days. Following the airport reception, he and Governor Gusnar and their entourage will head to the transmigration area in Pulubala District, Gorontalo Regency.
On the second day, he is scheduled to visit the transmigration area in Sumalata District, North Gorontalo Regency. The inauguration of the rehabilitated SDN 14 Sumalata school and the river embankment in East Bulontiyo Village are on his agenda.
Reporter: Isam
Translated by Fera
