The Pesarean Gunung Kawi area in Malang Regency, East Java, has recently come under public spotlight following the circulation of a price list or pricelist in the area. Wild assumptions linking the price list to rates for pesugihan rituals had spread widely among the public.
Responding to the issue, Padmo Adi, an Anthropology lecturer at Brawijaya University (UB), provided clarification. Based on research he conducted, the price list is completely unrelated to specific mystical practices. The amounts listed represent operational costs for organizing selamatan traditions provided by local residents to facilitate the needs of pilgrims.
"That is not a pesugihan rate, but rather costs for selamatan needs, such as tumpengan or ruwatan wayang performances. Local residents try to help pilgrims who wish to offer prayers of gratitude without the hassle of preparing the equipment independently," Padmo revealed.
Echoing the academic's view, Recha, a local resident who grew up around the Mount Kawi area, stated that the fee schedule has long been part of the religious tourism service. According to her, the services cover various thanksgiving needs, ranging from aqiqah to other forms of prayers of thanks to local ancestors.
Recha added that activities in the region have been an economic driver for residents for decades. The diverse backgrounds of pilgrims visiting Pesarean Gunung Kawi reinforce the area's status as a religious tourism destination open to people from various backgrounds and faiths.
