Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has responded to the polemic surrounding pilgrimage activities at Gunung Kawi, East Java. He emphasized that the practice is an integral part of the mosaic of old traditions and culture that have lived and developed amidst the diversity of Indonesian society.
This statement comes following widespread discussions on social media linking the pilgrimage practice in the area to issues of occultism or wealth-seeking rituals (pesugihan). However, Fadli Zon views this phenomenon through a broader lens, namely as a rooted social reality that has become part of the cultural identity in various regions of the country.
Furthermore, Fadli Zon added that the government appreciates every cultural activity as long as it does not disrupt the social order and is able to provide concrete benefits to the economy of the local community. According to him, as long as the tradition runs harmoniously and does not violate regulations, this activity can be positioned as a driving force for the cultural economy.
For information, the Pesarean Gunung Kawi complex in Malang Regency is the burial site of historical figures, namely Raden Mas Soeryo Koesoemo (Eyang Djoego) and Raden Mas Iman Soedjono. This destination is routinely crowded with pilgrims from various regions, especially during the Islamic New Year or 1 Syuro celebrations, which are often enlivened by cultural parade processions and flower-scattering rituals by local residents.
