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In Indonesia, many people from various walks of life and religions, especially Muslims, engage in grave pilgrimage for various reasons. Some visit their parents' graves every day, while others journey to the graves of saints and religious leaders in groups during certain months with the intention of seeking blessings. Grave pilgrimage is a common practice in Indonesia, especially leading up to the holy month of Ramadan, where nearly all cemeteries become crowded with pilgrims visiting their departed loved ones.



The culture of nyekar, which means visiting the graves of one's parents, can also be found in several regions. For instance, every Jumat Kliwon or the Thursday before Jumat Kliwon, people visit their parents' graves as a sign of filial piety. Even though praying for one's parents can be done anywhere and anytime, visiting their grave at specific times is believed to help children remember their parents' devotion better.


According to Geertz's view, although death signifies separation, the living can still build a harmonious relationship with the deceased by continuously praying and visiting their graves. This is done on the day of their death anniversary (haul), leading up to Ramadan, or when family members fall ill, get married, or dream of meeting the deceased.


H.C. Loir also explains that in Islam, the worship of saints often involves visiting their holy tombs. A saint is a person who, by birth, talent, or through spiritual training, possesses supernatural powers.


In Indonesia, the grave pilgrimage is a common practice that relates to customs, culture, and religion. Indonesian society, especially Muslims, visit graves for various reasons such as sending prayers, seeking blessings, and displaying devotion to their departed parents.


The deceased saints are believed to possess supernatural powers that can help humans communicate with the spiritual realm. Therefore, the worship of saints is done at their gravesites. Worshippers from various social classes and nationalities gather at these sites to visit and seek blessings.


There are "caretakers" at these gravesites who provide holy water, blessings, and talismans. Additionally, there are rules in Islam that must be followed when dealing with a deceased person, such as washing, shrouding, praying, and burying.


Overall, grave pilgrimage is an important culture and tradition in Indonesia that holds high religious and social values. Maintaining and visiting the graves of the deceased is a duty in Islam. Communities that worship saints and visit the graves of holy saints, religious leaders, or revered figures believe that they can act as intermediaries between humans and God. It is believed that through them, prayers can be answered, and God's mercy can be shared.


Visiting the complex of holy graves is a periodic activity that is carried out by many people from different regions and nations, regardless of social status, ethnicity, or religion. There are "caretakers" who manage the gravesites and facilitate pilgrims by providing holy water, blessings, and talismans.


The concept of sacredness, worship, and holy ceremonies are very strong in religious and societal contexts anywhere. Although some may consider such practices extreme or misguided, for those who faithfully engage in them, it is an important part of their spiritual life.


Visiting graves is not merely a periodic ritual, but it is also a daily activity for the surrounding community and serves as a cultural, spiritual, and educational center. There exists a beautiful harmony between the living and the deceased there, where both can "coexist" naturally.