Peeking at Mount Selok-Srandil, Spiritual Tourism Hunted by Officials

Mount Selok and Srandil are spiritual tourism destinations in Cilacap, Central Java, which you can stop by if you are traveling along the southern coast of Java.

Mount Selok is in Adipala District. The location is close to Sodong Beach.

The sea water on the beach is often high tide, so to get to the foot of the mountain you have to go through a bridge. Not a few people come on pilgrimage or meditate in these two locations. Those who came came from various backgrounds, ranging from ordinary citizens to officials. In fact, the second president of the Republic of Indonesia, Soeharto, was said to have been to the two mountains.

On Mount Selok there are about 40 caves. The popular ones are Rahayu Cave and Naga Raja Cave.

The name Rahayu Cave is taken from Sanskrit which means safe, prosperous, far from misfortune or deprivation, while Naga Raja Cave is so named because it is the longest cave on Mount Selok resembling a dragon.

We entered Rahayu Cave, followed the cave for about 100-200 meters. Inside the cave there is water that continues to flow from above. Right in front of him there is a jug of offerings and a big rock.

After leaving the cave, we then met the caretaker of Rahayu Cave, Trisno Jember. His residence is right in front of the cave.

Trisno said that the water in Rahayu Cave comes from tree roots which are believed to have medicinal properties. The water is usually used for drinking and bathing.

Meanwhile, the big rock perched in it is called Eyang Kencana Wati. The visitors usually circle the stone all night if they want to have a wish, including political wishes.

"Want to be lurah, want to be governor, want to be regent, there are so many. There were those who didn't sleep last night, just playing around," said Trisno.

He said that the cave was indeed visited by many officials or people who wanted to get a position. According to Trisno, they believe their wish will be granted quickly if they pray in the cave.

"People who want to increase their rank and have a good degree come here. People ask," he said.

President Soeharto called Trisno having been to Rahayu Cave. He came before and while still serving as president. Trisno admitted that he witnessed it himself.

"Yes, I've been here, bathed here, then continued up (Mount Selok)," he said.

After bathing in Rahayu Cave, visitors usually continue their journey to Padepokan Jambe Pitu which is on top of Mount Selo. Trisno said that the former president even had inspiration there.

Wangsit from Mount Srandil

Suharto was also said to have received wangsit or instructions on Mount Srandil before. Arwan Tuti Arthas in the book Spiritual World of Soeharto, writes that Suharto received a vision on Mount Srandil.

"The stairs leading to Padepokan Langlang Buana Gunung Srandil Cilacap, Central Java. Pak Harto once received inspiration here," wrote Arwan in a photo caption in his book.

This was also confirmed by Trisno. "I got Wangsit at Srandil first and then at Jambe Pitu," he said.