Project Description
Thrones of Javanese Muslims look for offerings floating in the waves on Parangtritis Beach. Each Jumat Kliwon on the Javanese calendar brings out thousands who pray to the Queen of the South Seas (Kajeng Ratu Kidul) then to make their prayers come true — as well as for good luck —some will have sex with a host of prostitutes that work this area during this ancient event which happens roughly ever 35 days and is based upon a lunar calendar system. According to legend, The Queen of the South Seas (Kajeng Ratu Kidul), the first Sultan of Yogyakarta and it’s mystical links between the South Seas and the the volcano Merapi, came to Parangkusumo beach, where where volcanic activity occurred. This resulted in a formation of sacred rocks where the Sultan of Yogyakarta and Kajeng Ratu Kidul supposedly met to discuss the well-being of the people of Yogyakarta—and of their love for each other. This love for each other has been interpreted by millions of Javanese as a sacred and helps justify the myth for having sex at this beach. (NOTE: Added mystical details are available upon request) Photo by John Stanmeyer-VII