Indonesia, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, is a land rich in spiritual traditions. While many associate Islamic pilgrimage with the annual hajj to Mecca, there are important local pilgrimage practices throughout the Indonesian archipelago that hold deep cultural significance. These pilgrimages, known as ziyarah, blend local tradition and Islamic faith providing a thorough spiritual experience for many Indonesian Muslims who seek blessings and connection to their religious heritage.
One of the most prominent Islamic pilgrimage sites in Indonesia is the city of Demak, often referred to as the birthplace of Islam in Java. Located in Central Java, Demak is famous for its 15th century Great Mosque (Masjid Agung Demak), one of the oldest mosques in Indonesia. The mosque is said to have been founded by the Wali Songo, the Nine Saints, who played an important role in spreading Islam throughout the archipelago. Pilgrims who visit Demak visit the tombs of the Wali Songo, particularly Sunan Kalijaga –a revered Islamic mystic and saint. The site serves as a center for reflection on the history of Islam in Java, combining religious observance with a celebration of the region’s own cultural and historical heritage.
Another important pilgrimage destination is the island of Lombok, often referred to as the “island of a thousand mosques”. Lombok’s religious landscape is dotted with shrines, mosques and burial sites of influential Muslim scholars. Among the most famous is the tomb of Sheik Maulana Malik Ibrahim, a respected Islamic scholar credited with bringing Islam to the Sasak people of Lombok. Visiting this sacred site, pilgrims seek blessings and spiritual renewal.
Further east, the city of Banten, on the western tip of Java, is another important pilgrimage site. The Sultanate of Banten once flourished here, and the great mosque of Masjid Agung Banten bears witness to this royal past. The mausoleum of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, the first Sultan of Banten, is a common destination for pilgrims who honor his role in spreading the faith. The Banten pilgrimage attracts visitors from all over Indonesia, many of whom come on Islamic holidays –or the sultan’s anniversary.
While these pilgrimages are not a formal religious obligation like the Hajj or Umrah, they offer Indonesian Muslims an opportunity to engage in devotional practices without the need for international travel. For many, these pilgrimages provide spiritual depth and a way to preserve Indonesia’s religious heritage.
In addition to visiting tombs and mosques, pilgrims often engage in prayer, recitation of the Quran, study, and meditation, or participate in rituals that bring Islamic practices together with pre-Islamic local customs –offering prayers for the deceased or seeking blessings for personal well-being. These practices, associated with ziyarah, bridge Islamic orthodoxy and Indonesia’s cultural diversity, making them a unique expression of faith within the Muslim world.
By participating in these local pilgrimages, Indonesian Muslims honor their faith and celebrate the historical and cultural tapestry of their nation. Whether in the bustling city of Demak, the peaceful island of Lombok, or the historic sites of Banten, these spiritual journeys preserve the history of Islam in Indonesia.
