Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, responded to the phenomenon of pilgrimage at Mount Kawi, East Java, which has recently returned to the public spotlight. According to him, the pilgrimage practice is an inseparable element of the rich traditions and culture that have been deeply rooted in Indonesia for a long time.
Fadli Zon stated that the diverse perspectives of the community regarding pilgrimage sites, including Mount Kawi, reflect the vast mosaic of archipelago traditions. He emphasized the importance of respecting the diverse ways people express local cultural and spiritual values across various regions.
The tomb complex on Mount Kawi itself is widely known as a pilgrimage destination that consistently attracts people from various backgrounds. Visiting activities reach their peak at certain moments, especially during the celebration of the Islamic New Year or 1 Suro in the Javanese calendar.
During each of these commemorations, the Pesarean Gunung Kawi area is routinely crowded with residents participating in cultural parade processions and flower-scattering rituals. This tradition has become part of the social and cultural identity of the local community, which continues to be preserved to this day.
