Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Nestled in the southern region of Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia, Alas Purwo National Park is known for its vast landscapes and natural beauty. However, beyond the verdant trails and diverse wildlife lies an aura of mystery that captivates the local community and visitors alike. Believed to be the oldest forest on the island of Java, this national park harbors a wealth of folklore and supernatural tales passed down through generations.
A Place of Beginnings and Sacred Origins
The name “Alas Purwo” translates to “the first forest” or “the original forest,” symbolizing its status as the starting point of Java’s creation. Local mythology holds that Alas Purwo is where Sang Hyang Widhi, the Creator Deity in Javanese tradition, was born. These stories cast a sacred and enigmatic light on the park, weaving a narrative that sees it not just as a natural wonder but as an ethereal realm.
Myths of the Supernatural and Ghostly Encounters
Alas Purwo’s thick, towering trees create a dense canopy that shrouds its trails in semi-darkness, even under the midday sun. This natural gloom has fueled countless tales of ghostly encounters and eerie occurrences. The forest is widely regarded as the seat of a mystical kingdom, a gathering place for spirits and supernatural beings. It is said that those who wander into the forest must tread carefully, respecting the unseen forces that inhabit the land.
Local lore warns of a haunting call that, when heard, must not be answered. If a person hears a soft voice calling their name and turns to find its source, they may invite misfortune or risk being taken to a hidden realm from which few return. Those who manage to come back are believed to face a lifetime of misfortune.
Guidelines for Navigating the Supernatural
The legends of Alas Purwo outline strict precautions for those who venture into the forest. One well-known guideline is to never look back while navigating its paths. To do so is to risk becoming lost in a realm beyond the physical world, potentially sealing one’s fate.
FBI Warning! Avoid Public Charging Stations to Prevent Juice Jacking Attacks
Some believe that only individuals with strong spiritual powers can navigate the deeper, more mystical parts of the forest. There are numerous caves throughout the park, with one in particular rumored to be guarded by a powerful spirit at its entrance. These caves were once used by ancient kings for meditation and to hold secret meetings. Today, they are still viewed as sites of immense spiritual energy, sometimes visited by those seeking supernatural assistance or fortune—practices that often involve ritualistic offerings.
A Place of Sacred and Dark Practices
Among the myriad legends surrounding Alas Purwo, the forest is said to house those who seek mystical means to fulfill their desires, sometimes at a steep cost. Tales of individuals engaging in “pesugihan”—a practice of making deals that require sacrificial offerings for material gain—add a darker dimension to the forest’s reputation. This mix of historical reverence and supernatural dread cements the forest’s status as one of Indonesia’s most mystical and fearsome sites.
The Legacy of a Mystical Enclave
While tourists and nature enthusiasts visit Alas Purwo for its ecological wonders, the forest’s reputation as a supernatural hotspot endures. Stories of ghostly apparitions, enchanted pathways, and hidden kingdoms enrich the folklore of East Java. These accounts, rooted in local beliefs, add to the allure and mystique of the region, making Alas Purwo not just a national park but a compelling tapestry of nature and legend that invites both awe and caution.
Beneath its serene beauty lies a place rich in myth and an otherworldly atmosphere that is both fascinating and unsettling at the same time.
(Raidi/Agung)
