Minister of Culture Fadli Zon responded to the controversy surrounding the pilgrimage tradition at Mount Kawi, Malang Regency, which has recently drawn public attention on social media again. He emphasized that the practice of pilgrimage is an inseparable element of the mosaic of tradition and culture deeply rooted in the long history of the Indonesian nation.
According to Fadli, the diversity of public perspectives in preserving ancestral heritage across various regions should be understood proportionally. As long as the tradition positively impacts the local economy and does not violate norms or damage the social fabric, the government views it as a natural reality of life.
The spotlight on Mount Kawi had indeed intensified online, particularly regarding narratives associating it with pesugihan (wealth rituals). In fact, the site is actually a highly revered Pesarean (tomb complex), the final resting place of two historical figures, namely Eyang Djoego (Kiai Zakaria II) and Raden Mas Iman Soedjono.
To this day, Pesarean Mount Kawi remains a spiritual destination visited by people from all corners of the country. The peak of crowd gatherings usually occurs during the Islamic New Year celebration or 1 Suro, where a series of events such as cultural parades and communal prayers are held, serving as a major attraction for the religious tourism sector in East Java.
