Mount Bromo and the Tengger People – Kasada Ceremony

Introduction

Mount Bromo, rising to 2,400 meters above sea level, is one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking volcanoes. Its active crater emits white smoke with a distinct sulfur aroma, creating a dramatic landscape that draws travelers from across the globe. Beyond its natural wonder, Bromo is home to the Tengger people, whose traditions and spiritual rituals add cultural depth to the mountain’s beauty.

The Tengger community is known for their honesty, humility, and peaceful way of life. Their daily attire often includes the traditional sarung and kupluk, reflecting their cultural identity. They speak an ancient form of Javanese without the social stratification found in common Javanese language, making their communication unique and egalitarian.

The Legend of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger

The Tengger people trace their origins to the legend of Roro Anteng, a princess of the Majapahit Kingdom, and Joko Seger, the son of a Brahmana priest. The couple settled in the Tengger highlands but struggled to have children. Joko Seger meditated at Mount Bromo’s crater, praying for offspring. His prayers were answered with a divine condition: their youngest child must be sacrificed to the volcano.

Eventually, they had 25 children but forgot their promise. Angered, the gods caused Mount Bromo to erupt. In an act of devotion, their youngest child, Kusuma, willingly sacrificed himself into the crater. This story became the foundation of the Kasada Ceremony, a ritual of gratitude and sacrifice that continues to this day.

Yadnya Kasada (Kasodo) Ceremony

The Kasada Ceremony is the most important annual ritual for the Tengger people. It takes place during the full moon of the Kasodo month (the 10th month of the Javanese calendar).

Annual Schedule: Every year on the 14th day of the Kasodo month (usually June or July).
2025 Dates: June 10–11, 2025.
Location: Begins at Poten Temple at the foot of Mount Bromo, then continues to the crater.

The ceremony starts at midnight with the inauguration of community elders and traditional dances reenacting the story of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger. At dawn, offerings of crops, livestock, and other goods are carried up to the crater of Mount Bromo, where they are thrown into the volcano as a symbol of gratitude and devotion to the gods.

Atmosphere During the Ceremony

The Kasada Ceremony creates a mystical and unforgettable atmosphere:

Sacred Midnight Rituals: Poten Temple glows with torchlight and incense smoke as prayers fill the air.
Community Spirit: Families gather in traditional attire, carrying baskets of offerings in a solemn yet festive mood.
Music and Dance: Soronen music and traditional dances echo across the temple grounds, retelling the Tengger legend.
Journey to the Crater: At dawn, villagers trek together toward Mount Bromo’s crater, creating a breathtaking scene against mist and volcanic smoke.
Sacrifice and Gratitude: Silence falls as offerings are thrown into the crater, symbolizing devotion and thanks to the gods.

How to Join the Kasada Ceremony

Visitors are welcome to witness the Kasada Ceremony, but participation requires preparation:

Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip in June or July, aligning with the Kasodo month.
Access Point: Start from Cemoro Lawang village, the main gateway to Mount Bromo.
Local Guides: Hiring a Tengger guide is recommended for cultural insights and respectful participation.
Tour Packages: Available from Surabaya, Malang, and Probolinggo, including transport and guided access.
Overnight Stay: Stay in Cemoro Lawang or nearby villages to witness midnight rituals and early morning offerings.
Respectful Behavior: Dress modestly, avoid disrupting rituals, and follow instructions from community elders.

Cultural and Tourism Significance

Spiritual Heritage: The Kasada Ceremony reflects the Tengger people’s deep connection to their ancestors and the divine.
Tourist Attraction: Mount Bromo’s natural beauty combined with the Kasada ritual makes it one of East Java’s most unique cultural experiences.
Community Identity: The ceremony reinforces the Tengger people’s values of honesty, humility, and devotion.