The Pesarean Gunung Kawi religious tourism area in Malang has once again become the epicenter of heated discussion in cyberspace. Various social media content now actively links this historical site to alleged pesugihan practices, a stigma strongly attached to it for years. The debate flared up again after several content creators, including Pesulap Merah (Red Magician), conducted a direct investigation at the location.
In his investigation, Pesulap Merah delved into activities around the tombs of Mbah Jugo and Raden Mas Iman Soedjono. Observational findings show that visitors have highly diverse motives, ranging from simple pilgrimages to praying for business success and prosperity. However, differing interpretations of ritual objects and the guest book at the site are often misunderstood by netizens as proof of instant occult practices.
Amid the clamor of speculation, the names of several public figures have been dragged into the vortex of this issue. One of those back in the spotlight is the past mystical experience of presenter Ruben Onsu. Although Ruben once shared stories about the disturbances he experienced—such as strange phenomena at his home and experiences during filming—he firmly stated that he still chooses a spiritual path by surrendering to God, rather than following rituals suggested by outsiders.
To date, it must be emphasized that all circulating narratives, regarding both the alleged involvement of celebrities and pesugihan practices, remain unilateral claims and subjective testimonies. There are no authentic facts or empirical evidence capable of validating the accusations circulating on social media.
This phenomenon highlights how differing perspectives between local traditions and modern perceptions often trigger polemics in the digital space. For local communities, Mount Kawi is still viewed as a religious tourism site rich in historical value, while for some netizens, the area remains shrouded in an aura of mystery often seasoned with baseless speculation.
