The actions of Marcel Radhival, better known as Pesulap Merah (Red Magician), have once again sparked controversy online. This time, sharp criticism came from Agus, the caretaker (kuncen) of Gunung Kawi, who deemed that the content creator acted inappropriately while filming in the area.
During a discussion on the Jejak Backpacker YouTube channel, Agus highlighted the etiquette that Marcel ignored. According to him, entering specific areas within the Gunung Kawi compound without official permission constitutes an ethical violation against the management and the local community safeguarding the area.
Agus emphasized that his disappointment is not based on the criticism of the "pesugihan" (wealth-seeking ritual) phenomenon often discussed by Marcel, but rather on the manner of presentation and the lack of respect for the site, which is considered sacred. He stressed that all visitors should communicate with the management before filming content in the area.
Furthermore, Agus sought to clear up the negative stigma long associated with Gunung Kawi. He lamented the public perception that only links the location to pesugihan practices, whereas Gunung Kawi is actually a place of worship hosting various religions.
"This place is a house of worship for followers of five religions. There are prayer rooms, churches, Buddhist temples (vihara), Chinese temples (klenteng), and Hindu temples (pura) used for praying with good intentions, not for things related to pesugihan," concluded Agus in his explanation.
