This is certainly out of left field. For those who don’t know, Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country. In Indonesia adultery is an illegal activity. Yet despite many Muslims being conservative, there is a shrine in the Javanese village of Solo that hosts the most unusual of practices. Once every 35 days, devout Muslims will flock to the shrine to commit adultery with strangers. But why?
Believe it or not, but many believe that by committing adultery at the shrine it will bring them good luck. This is in stark contrast for most people who engage in the activity who will usually face criticism and embarrassment, or in Indonesia itself, criminal charges. The entire activity is steeped in history and mysticism.
The hilltop Islamic shrine near Solo, Gunung Kemukus, in Indonesia is the location for the extramarital sex. At the shrine there’s a lone grave that is said to be the resting place of prince Pangeran Samodro and his stepmother Nyai Ontrowulan. Legend has it that they ran away together and lived at Gunung Kemukus. Many believe that if you do something even more shameful there, such as having an affair, it will bring you good luck. But it can only be done on Jumat Pon, which is when the Friday meets the five days of the ancient Javanese calendar. This occurs every 35 days.
But it’s not exactly a swingers party. Before getting down and dirty the participants must pray and offer flowers at the lone grave of Pangeran Samodro and Nyai Ontrowulan. After that they must then wash themselves at one of the springs on the hill, then they can pick a stranger to have sex with. But don’t be thinking it’s a one night stand.
As with many rituals there are rules, and this one also has some. The person chosen must be a complete stranger, and the sex must be done seven times, essentially meaning that it’s a year long relationship.
It might even surprise you to learn that the most people who engage in the ritual are not middle aged or young men. Most of the people who participate are small business owners who hope it will bring success to their business venture.
