Jonge Lake

A. Overview

Gunungkidul is famous in its rich natural lakes; one of them is called Jonge Lake (Indonesian: Telaga Jonge) located in Jonge Hamlet. Jonge is one of sacred places in the area Semanu located precisely at Jonge Hamlet, Pacareja Village, Semanu District, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta (DIY). According to local belief, the rise of Jonge Lake was begun with the story of Kyai Jonge’s journey, the precursor to the emergence of the lake.

According to story, someone called Kyai Jonge accompanied by his six companions went along to the south coast by boat called Jung to save themselves from the pursuing soldiers of Demak Kingdom. In their attempt to escape, the boat was hit and sunk by the famous malignant south coast wave. However, Kyai Jonge and his six companions were survived and stranded in southeast region of Mount Sewu. Accidently, there were dense trees of joho Pitu near from where they were stranded so they used it to rest for a while. After resting for a while Kyai Jonge and his companions split up to continue their uncertain journey. Kyai Jonge walked alone and finally came to a forest in Pacareja village. The local community call the place where used by Kyai Jonge with his six companions as Jepitu.

The local communities were happy with the present of Kyai Jonge because he showed good behavior and helpful to the others. Kyai Jonge was a powerful man and often helped his neighbors in any need. His expertise in agricultural field made the life of local communities became prosper.

Eventually, his supernatural power and abilities were heard by people outside Pacarejo Village and some came to become his students but not many of them were granted. After his death, the former residence of Kyai Jonge turned into great lake full of water that can support the community. To remember him, the great lake full of water was named Jonge Lake, and the area was later named Jonge Hamlet.

B. Features

Jonge Lake is frequently visited by people from outside the region. The abundance of water and surrounded by huge trees make the visitors to stay for a long time, as the air is also cool. Now the lake is managed by local community to become one of object tourisms in Gunungkidul.

Although it is being used as object tourism, the visitors should pay attention to trusted myths in honoring Kyai Jonge. At the lake, people are forbidden to say dirty words, kissing, or commit adultery.

Once told by the lake keeper, a good behavior man is sometimes encountered by Kyai Jonge, even for those who have more strength or magical power might be able see a tomb believed to be the tomb of Kyai Jonge in the bottom of the lake.

Usually in every Friday Legi night people often do ritual of meditation around the lake. It is often used for ceremonial processions, which one of them known as traditional ceremony of Jonge cleaning. The purpose of this traditional ceremony is an expression of gratitude to Almighty God for the abundance of water used to fulfill their daily needs. It also purposes to honor Kyai Jonge who was considered as the man who made the living of the local community become much prosper. The ceremony is usually held in the days before the beginning rainy season on Friday Legi around the month of October.

The people who came at the time of traditional ceremony are mostly from outside Jonge Village bringing some specific reasons. Most of them comes has purpose for his wishes being granted by God, while doing some ritual of meditation and giving an offering.

To enliven the atmosphere on the night of the ceremony is held art performances. Then on the morning approximately at 08.00 am the ceremony is begun with the slaughter of goat and its head is thrown into the middle of lake, while the rest is cooked.

The village elders and all participants eat together with the desert of lamb curry that has been cooked during the ceremony. Eating together by all village members is considered an accomplishing from what have been done by their ancestors. The local community believes that every person who will hold some party is required to take a little water from Jonge Lake for the cooking. If he forgot to add the water, so the food will be not well cooked.

C. Location

Jonge Lake is located in Jonge Hamlet, Pacarejo Village, Semanu District, Gunungkidul Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta (DIY).

D. Access

Jonge Lake is located within approximately 50 km to the southeast of the city of Yogyakarta. Using some private or public transports, you can take the route of Bukit Pathuk–Pedhotan-Wonosari and when arrived at Wonosari, you can continue to eastward toward Semanu district about 5 km before reaching the Hospital Pelita Husada Mijahan then turn right through the paved road for about 2.5 km. Reaching at the location of small shops then turn right for about 50 m and there the spacious and beautiful Jonge Lake is located.

E. Ticket Price

Visiting Jonge Lake is free of charges.

F. Accommodation and other Facilities

The closest restaurant and lodging facilities in the area of Jonge Lake is located in the downtown of Wonosari.

 

Text: Tri Adi Pramono

English translation: M. Noer Said

Photo source: Indra Jati Prasetiyo

(Primary data and various sources)

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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