Catholic Pilgrimage in Bali and Banyuwangi: A Multicultural Perspective

Abstract: The establishment of Catholic Marian shrines in predominantly non-Catholic areas is an interesting religious phenomenon in the context of multiculturalism in Indonesia. The Marian shrines of Air Sanih in Singaraja, Bali, and Jatiningrum in Curahjati, Banyuwangi, are situated within communities that are predominantly Hindu and Muslim. The existence of these Marian shrines demonstrates that Catholic devotional spaces can thrive and be accepted within socially diverse communities, thereby fostering open interfaith encounters. This study aims to understand the background of the cave's construction, analyze the forms of involvement of non-Catholic communities, and explain the social and symbolic meanings that emerge from interfaith pilgrimage practices. The method used is qualitative, involving data collection through in-depth interviews with local communities around the cave, cave users, religious leaders, and cave administrators, as well as observations and document studies. The study's results demonstrate that the Maria Cave possesses dual legitimacy, deriving from both spiritual legitimacy from the church and social legitimacy from the surrounding community. The involvement of the surrounding community in Jatiningrum affirms a pattern of human tolerance and appreciation of local culture. Airs Sanih is interpreted as a place of tranquility and social openness, while Jatiningrum is seen as a symbol of healing and hope.