Minister of Culture Fadli Zon responded to the alleged practice of pesugihan (wealth-seeking rituals) in the religious tourism area of Mount Kawi, East Java, which has once again become a hot topic among the public. He emphasized that Mount Kawi is an integral part of the mosaic of old traditions passed down through generations in Indonesia.
According to Fadli, the phenomenon at Mount Kawi reflects the diverse ways Indonesian people practice their beliefs and traditions. He views the destination as a space for pilgrims to offer prayers and express gratitude, which is a cultural right of expression for the public.
Furthermore, Fadli stated that activities at Mount Kawi can be viewed positively as long as they deliver a real impact on the local economy and do not cause damage to public facilities or the surrounding environment. He invited the public to view this phenomenon as part of a pluralistic social reality.
In line with that statement, the official management of the Mount Kawi area has also issued a clarification via their social media accounts. The management firmly denied narratives linking the pilgrimage site to pesugihan practices, reaffirming that the main focus of the area is as a religious tourism destination and economic empowerment for local vendors.
