International Journal of Human Research and Social Science Studies

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.

Catholic pilgrimage, Maria Cave, tolerance, multicultural society

1. Ardhana, I.K, Soenaryo, F.X, Sulandjari, Suwitha, I.P.G, Putra, I.B.G. (2011). Masyarakat Multikultural Bali Tinjauan Sejarah, Migrasi, dan Integrasi. Denpasar: Pustaka Larasan.
2. Dhewandari, M. (2025). Pengaruh Lingkungan Terhadap Minat Ziarah Rohani Kaum Muda Katolik Sulawesi Di Yogyakarta. In Theos: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama dan Teologi.5 (5), 214 – 223.
3. Hakim, N. (2025). Permasalahan Izin Pendirian Dan Tempat Ibadah Dan Problematika Toleransi Keagamaan Di Indonesia. Jurnal Sosiologi, Ilmu Sosial, dan Kajian Masyarakat. 1 (1),1-5.
4. Handoko. P.M. (2023). Tujuan Ziarah Ke Gua Maria, https://parokilangsep.org/2023/02/02/tujuan-ziarah-ke-gua-maria/
5. Iko, I.J., Pujiyanto, Nurfitri, R. (2020). Perancangan Katalog Gua Maria Puhsarang Sebagai Media Informasi Pariwisata Religi di Kabupaten Kediri. Mavis. 2(1), 8-15.
6. Ino. I. (2025) Mengapa Orang Tidak Boleh Mendirikan Gua Maria Sesuka hati? Suara keheningan.  https://www.suarakeheningan.org/suara-keheningan-rp-inosensius-ino-ocarm/mengapa-orang-tidak-boleh-mendirikan-gua-maria-sesuka-hati.
7. Krestanto, H. (2018). Potensi Goa Maria Sendang Jatiningsih Sebagai Objek Wisata Rohani Di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Jurnal Media Wisata. 16(1), 748-756.
8. Laksana, A. B., Hariandja, W.C., Taruna, R. B. (2023). Pilgrimage in A Complex and Plural World: The Role of Shrines and The Practice of Catholic Pilgrimage in The Church’s Evangelizing Mission. Indonesian Journal of Theology .11 (1),165-196.
9. Mardika, I.P. (2023). Goa Maria Air Sanih Wisata Spriritual Bagi Umat Katolik. https://jembranaexpress.jawapos.com/seputar-bali/2234539951/goa-maria-air-sanih-wisata-spiritual-bagi-umat-katolik
10. Miles, M.B.,& Huberman, A.M. (1994). Qualitative Data Analysis: An Expanded Sourcebook (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, C.A: Sage Publications.
11. Moa, A., Ara, A, Firmanto, Fx. H.2023 Pembentukan Ruang Sakral Bagi Yang Kudus Pada Gua Maria Dalam Perspektif Sosiologi Agama. Logos. Jurnal Filsafat-Teologi. 20(2), 200-217.
12. Musi, F. E., Samdirgawijaya, W, Lio, Z. D, 2021. Praktik Kesalehan Umat Melalui Devosi Kepada Bunda Maria Di Stasi Santa Maria Maluhu Paroki St. Pius X Tenggarong. Gaudium Vestrum: Jurnal Kateketik Pastoral.5(2), 75-83.
13. Putnam, R.D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon& Schuster
14. Putri, R. N. H., Andini, V. D. (2025). Analisis Kasus Penolakan Pembangunan Gereja di Cilegon dan Penyelesaiannya Dengan Menggunakan Pendekatan Teori Moderasi Beragama. Nusantara: Jurnal Pendidikan, Seni, Sains dan Sosial Humaniora. 2 (2), 1-15.
15. Rudiyanto, A., Sugiarto, E. 2025. Persepsi Umat Katolik Terhadap Kehadiran Wisatawan (Studi Kasus Di Gua Maria Sendang Jatiningsih). Jurnal Pendidikan Sejarah dan Riset Sosial Humaniora (KAGANGA). 8 (1), 47-58.
16. Satrya I D.G., Wono, H.Y., Kaihatu, T.S , Minantyo, H. (2024). Pathways of Peace: Discovering Unity Through the Pilgrimage to Indonesia's Maria Caves. Religious: Jurnal Studi Agama-Agama dan Lintas Budaya.8 (2), 127-140.
17. Sigalingging, I.S, Silali,  E , Situmeang, D. M. (2023). Wisata Religi Sebagai Tradisi Masyarakat Katolik. Pediaqu: Jurnal Pendidikan Sosial dan Humaniora. 2 (3), 11498-11511.
18. Wiharjokusumo P, Saragih, N. R. (2023). Religious Tourism as a Tradition of the Christian Community. Jurnal Akomdasi Agung. X(2). 41-52.
19. Yayuk, (2025). Gereja Jatiningrum dan Gua Maria Jatiningrum Banyuwangi : jejak Iman dan Budaya di Ujung Timur Jawa. Kompasian.com. https://www.kompasiana.com/yycorjesu/6863748ded641538bc694972/gereja-Jatiningrum-dan-gua-maria-jatiningrum-banyuwangi-jejak-iman-dan-budaya-di-ujung-timur-jawa