The internet was recently stirred by wild speculation accusing Ruben Onsu's ex-wife, Sarwendah, of performing a "pesugihan" (wealth-seeking black magic) ritual at Mount Kawi, East Java. This narrative spread rapidly, drawing various negative responses on social media. However, the news has been confirmed to be untrue or a hoax by the parties involved.
Jordi Onsu, Sarwendah's former brother-in-law, clarified that their visit to the area several years ago was purely for professional purposes, specifically for filming horror content for the 'Kakak Beradik Podcast'. Sarwendah's legal team also emphasized that the circulating rumors are a form of negative framing that damages their client's reputation. Furthermore, the Keraton Gunung Kawi, represented by Sanggar Pamujang's Ki Hijo, has issued an apology for the negligence of a local caretaker (kuncen) who used the artist's name in a viral video clip.
Behind the buzz of these mystical rumors, Mount Kawi actually has a historical track record far removed from negative magical connotations. The Pesarean Gunung Kawi area in Wonosari District, Malang, is the final resting place of Eyang Jugo (Kyai Zakaria II) and Raden Mas Iman Soedjono. Both were noblemen and Islamic scholars, loyal followers of Prince Diponegoro, who were known as powerful healers and generous figures during their lifetimes.
The spiritual appeal of Mount Kawi lies in its value of tolerance. At this location, a grand mosque stands side by side with a Chinese temple (klenteng), reflecting cross-cultural harmony. Many pilgrims, including those of Chinese descent, come there to pray and emulate the virtue of these figures, rather than merely seeking instant wealth.
The myth of the "lucky tree" associated with the area is tied to the existence of the Dewandaru tree. Local people believe that parts of the tree that fall naturally bring blessings. Today, Mount Kawi has transformed into an established religious tourism destination, as well as a creative economy hub that supports the livelihoods of local residents through a legal and government-recognized tourism sector.
