Jakarta, IO – In Gunungkidul regency, Yogyakarta, there is a unique settlement called Kampung Pitu which is located in the hilly area to the north of the peak of the Nglanggeran volcanic mountain — in Nglanggeran subdistrict, to be exact.
The word ‘pitu’ is Javanese which means seven because this village is only inhabited by seven households. At first glance, it is no different from other areas in Gunungkidul. One thing that is unique is the house which were built quite far apart from one another due to the hilly terrain, per Kompas.
The history of Kampung Pitu began with two brothers named Iro Dikromo and Tirtosari who took part in a palace contest with the prize of land for anyone willing and able to look after a sacred tree called Kinah Gadung Wulung around Telaga Guyangan. The winners were allowed to live in an empty area around the lake.
Surono, 106, a descendant of Iro Dikromo, said his father Redjo Dimulyo is the fourth generation to live in the village.
Surono said that in fact there is no standard rule regarding the number of households allowed to live in the village. It’s just that, Surono said that every time the number of households exceeded seven, those new families would move because they did not feel comfortable.
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Furthermore, Surono explained that before 2014 visiting the village was very difficult. In addition to unreliable electricity supply, steep roads made it difficult to pass. In 2016, improvements to road access to enter the village began.
A prayer room was also built near the village gate. Upon arriving at the village, visitors can enjoy majestic views of one of the peaks of the volcano. (un)