Celebrity Sarwendah came under the public spotlight after being linked to rumors of pesugihan (wealth ritual) practices at Mount Kawi, Malang, East Java. The issue surfaced after a video circulated of an interview with a man claiming to be the caretaker of the location, which was then juxtaposed with documentation of Sarwendah's visit to the same location.
Responding to the unfavorable rumors, Sarwendah finally spoke out during a social media live stream. On that occasion, she was accompanied by Jordi Onsu to clarify what actually happened. Both emphasized that Sarwendah's presence at Mount Kawi was not to perform rituals, but for the production of digital content titled 'Kakak Beradik Podcast' (KBP).
Sarwendah revealed that she was initially reluctant to accept the invitation to visit the location. However, out of professionalism as a guest star on the program hosted by Jordi Onsu, she finally agreed to attend. Jordi also testified that he was at the same location to oversee the shooting process.
Previously, Sarwendah's legal team, represented by Chris Sam Sewu, issued a firm denial regarding this negative narrative. They believed that the circulating video was the result of editing or framing aimed at damaging their client's reputation. The legal team also expressed their readiness to pursue legal action if elements of defamation are found in the spread of the issue online.
