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E-Journal of Tourism Vol.6. No.1. (2019): 65-87 

 

http://ojs.unud.ac.id/index.php/eot  65  e-ISSN: 2407-392X.  p-ISSN: 2541-0857  

Reading Anomaly of Tourist Satisfaction in Pilgrimage Tourist Destination 

of Sunan Muria Tomb, Kudus, Central Java 
 

Fahmi Prihantoro
1
, Ghifari Yuristiadhi Masyhari Makhasi

2
,  

and Muhammad Rosyid Abdillah
3 

 
1
Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Universitas Gadjah Mada  

2
Vocational School, Universitas Gadjah Mada 

3
Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Universitas Gadjah Mada 

 

Corresponding author: fahmi_p@ugm.ac.id 
 

 

ARTICLE INFO 

 

 
Received  

14 January 2019 

Accepted   

11 February  2019 

Available online  

18 March 2019 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

 

Satisfaction of tourists is the key success for tourism destination 

sustainability because it is a reason for tourists to return to the 

destination. This research wanted to see the anomaly at Sunan Muria 

Tomb, Kudus, Central Java related to the satisfaction of tourists on the 

limited accessibility which is one of the four components that must be 

owned by a tourist destination according to Cooper, et.al. (1993), in 

addition to attractions, amenitas, and ancillary service. This research 

uses descriptive qualitative method and phenomenological approach. 

Methods of data collection with field observation, in-depth interviews 

and literature study. The results of this study indicate that access to the 

tomb of Sunan Muria, both with the stairs and motorcycle taxi is still 

far from feasible. The stairs are not flat because it is made of stone 

times, quite steep and there is no cover on so if the rain down the stairs 

become muddy and slippery. Although there is motorcycle taxi service, 

but the level of security (riding safety) is also low. This destination for 

tourists still has interesting attractions as pilgrimage destination with 

adequate amenitas (food stalls and lodgings) and ancelery service 

(from the YM2SM or Sunan Muria foundation and the Tourism Office 

of Kudus District Government), although accessibility is very 

problematic. All the visitors complained about this, but that did not 

dampen interest for a return visit. This is an anomaly in the Sunan 

Muria pilgrimage destination. 

 

Keywords: anomaly; tourist satisfaction; pilgrimage tour; tomb of 

Sunan Muria; Kudus Central Java. 

 

INTRODUCTION 

Background 

Discussing pilgrimage tours in 

Indonesia is inseparable from the tomb of 

wali, kings and relatives of the kingdom 

and historic mosques that are still 

associated with the spread of Islam in 

Indonesia. However, if comparing apple to 



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apple between the grave and the mosque 

then the seemingly significant of the socio-

economic dynamics is the tomb. It is 

reasonable because even though almost all 

the tombs of wali are adjacent to the 

mosque, but more intended by the pilgrims 

is the tomb of wali, and not the mosque. 

Chambert Loir and Guillot (2010) read 

there is a factor of public understanding of 

the teachings of tarekat that encourage the 

wave of pilgrimage on the tombs of wali in 

Indonesia. As an illustration, the results of 

field observations and interviews note that 

the number of visits to the tomb of Sunan 

Giri in Gresik every day an average of 

2000-3000 people and the majority of 

visitors directly to the tomb without 

visiting the mosque (Prihantoro and 

Yuristiadhi, 2018). 

Sunan Giri tomb is one of the 

many tomb of wali, king, and royal 

relatives who became pilgrimage tourism 

destination in Indonesia. But of the many 

tombs, which are more visited every day 

are the tombs of Wali Songo spread across 

the north coast of Java, from Cirebon to 

Surabaya. Not a few tourist agencies that 

provide tour packages, two days one night 

to visit the grave of Wali Songo minus 

Sunan Gunung Jati and tour package three 

days and two nights for full version. Tour 

packages provided by this tour agency 

sprang up in order to respond to the 

request of community groups or schools 

that conduct the pilgrimage tour 

(Prihantoro and Yuristiadhi, 2018). 

The pilgrimage phenomenon of the 

tombs of wali who are part of religious 

activities, it can be said that religious 

beliefs, whether spiritualism, religiosity, or 

both can encourage a large surge of tourist 

visits in the tombs of wali, even with 

limited facilities and services. This study 

focuses on the phenomenon of the waves 

of tourists visiting the Tomb of Sunan 

Muria although geographically its location 

is less accessible for tourists because it 

must rise to more than 400 steps. Even if 

using motorcycle taxi, safety reading is 

less attention. From preliminary research 

conducted, it is known that tourists who 

use motorcycles to Muria mount do not get 

enough safety, ranging from helmets, 

speed, as well as capacity of passenger. 

According to Cooper, et.al. (1993), 

there are four components that must be 

owned by a tourist destination, i.e. 1) 

Attractions, 2) Accessibility 3) Amentias 

4) Ancillary Service (institutional and 

human resources supporters of tourism). 

Of these four points, Sunan Muria's tomb 

in the researcher's perspective based on 

preliminary research has the greatest 

problem with accessibility. Therefore the 

formulation of the problem of this research 

is why accessibility should be a problem 

for tourists thus lowering the number of 

their visit to the Tomb of Sunan Muria, but 



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the opposite happened. Tourists do not see 

it a problem even considers it part of the 

attraction of the Tomb of Sunan Muria 

compared to other wali cemeteries. This is 

an anomaly of the satisfaction of tourists 

who want to see further in this study. 

Prior to this research, specific 

research on Sunan Muria was conducted 

by several researchers, including Umar 

Hasyim (1983) and Widodo et al. (2016) 

and Wuryono (2014). The writings of 

Umar Hashim "Sunan Muria between Fact 

and Legend" published by Menara Kudus 

is one of the earliest academic works of 

the Sunan Muria story. Previously 

published books are still a compilation of 

the whole story of Wali Songo. This book 

explains the controversy of the Sunan 

Muria lineage, the family and descendants 

of Sunan Muria, the debate over whether 

Sunan Muria was Chinese, Sunan Muria's 

position amongst Wali Songo and folklore 

around Sunan Muria. While the book 

written Widodo, et al titled "Sunan Muria 

Today". The book, which is the result of 

the research of Diponegoro University 

lecturers, further updated the data that 

Umar Hasyim had presented earlier, 

related to the socio-economic development 

after the tomb of Sunan Muria buried by 

the management foundation. While 

Muryono in his book "Napak Jejak 

Pemikiran Sunan Muria" more review the 

thoughts and philosophy of Sunan Muria 

teachings. 

In addition to the above three 

researchers, the notes on Sunan Muria are 

contained in the Wali Songo story that 

compiled the stories of the guardians who 

spread Islam in Java in the period of the 

XVI century, one of them from Salam 

(1974). One of the controversial books that 

tells about Wali Songo is Mulyana (1968, 

republished 2008) which comes from the 

attachment of Parlindungan book titled 

Tuanku Rao. Of the writings that exist 

about Muria, there has been no historical 

research that describes the research 

method that can be accepted academically 

about the figure of Sunan Muria and the 

journey of his life. Almost all of the 

outstanding writings use the oral tradition 

that developed around the people living 

around the Muria mount, the location of 

the tomb of Sunan Muria today. 

Raj and Griffin (2015) in 

“Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage 

Management: An International 

Prespective” said that pilgrimage tourism 

is closely related to the religious system 

which, by its transcendental concept, 

decreases the activity of visiting holy sites. 

Raj and Griffin emphasize that what 

matters in pilgrimage tourism is 

management because the potential of 

tourists / pilgrims driven on religious 

beliefs is enormous. Ritzer, as quoted by 

Raj and Griffin (2015), said that the 



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tourism phenomenon that binds pilgrimage 

activity is very likely to change the 

concept of a "must-see" destination to a 

"must see" pilgrimage site. Thus, 

pilgrimage tourism will very likely be 

dealing with massive destructive tourism 

phenomenon over pilgrimage sites. 

From the perspective of the impact 

of pilgrimage tourism, it is undeniable that 

this pilgrimage tourism will bring 

promising socio-economic impacts for 

people living around the pilgrimage sites, 

such as souvenir shops, travel agents, 

hotels, and even hospitals (Vijayanand, 

2012). While Ashfaq and Parveen (2014) 

noted changes in the structure of the labor 

force in Matavashino Devi from the 

development of pilgrimage tours. For 

example, the decline in the number of 

people working as farmers from 1961-

2001, also from the household industry 

sector that tends to fall. Sectors that tend 

to increase are laborers and services, 

especially tourism. Libison and 

Muraleedharan (2008) also reveal the 

growing economic impact of the growing 

pilgrimage tour at Pura Sabarimala, 

Kerala, India. The study presented data 

that the presence of tourists in the 

pilgrimage season could bring in an 

average income of Rs 31,000 (or Rp 

6,072,000) and beyond the pilgrimage 

period of Rs. 25,550 (or Rp 5,055,000) per 

month. 

From the perspective of 

management science, creating loyal 

customers is the core of every business 

(Kotler and Koller, 2008). Therefore, 

quoting Don Peppers and Martha Rogers, 

Kotler and Koller convey that "the only 

value a company can create is the value 

created by the customer. A business is said 

to be successful if able to obtain, maintain 

and increase the number of customers. "If 

tourism activity in Sunan Muria is also 

seen as a business activity then the 

perpetrators of tourism pilgrimage tourism 

there, including foundation managers and 

motorcycle taxi drivers should be able to 

create loyal customers with the satisfaction 

that is present in them. Citing Oliver as 

quoted by Tjiptono and Diana (2015) said 

that customer satisfaction is seen from 

three things: 1) the extent to which the 

quality of service impacts the consumption 

value, 2) the extent to which the work 

produces added value is better (extended 

value), 3) where cost-based values shift to 

value-based satisfaction. These indicators 

ware used to read customer satisfaction is 

exactly reversed in the pilgrimage 

destination of Sunan Muria. 

This research is a qualitative 

research with phenomenological approach. 

The design of this research is descriptive 

qualitative. Data collection techniques 

used field observation, in-depth interviews 

and literature study. 



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FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 

Pilgrimage Activities at Sunan Muria  

As one of the Wali Songo who has 

contributed to spread Islam in Java in the 

XVI century, Sunan Muria for most 

Javanese and even Indonesian in general is 

a religious and respected figure. After he 

died, his tomb was visited by many 

pilgrims who wanted to get blessings from 

him. In Widodo, et al (2016: 25), Sunan 

Muria is considered one of wali whose 

prayers are always granted by God. 

Therefore many pilgrims who come to 

expect the saints who have died can be a 

messenger (intermediary) of prayers that 

they want to pray to God. Actually, 

visitors to the tomb of Sunan Muria not 

only come from Indonesia, but also come 

from Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei 

Darussalam and others. 

There are pilgrims who come in 

small groups (riding motorcycles or cars), 

but also some who come in large groups 

using bus. The road from the city of Kudus 

to Colo (village where Sunan Muria tomb 

located) is not too wide and there are at 

some corners that slightly complicate the 

driver because of the narrowness of the 

road, but not dampen the number of 

pilgrims who come there by bus. Arriving 

in the parking lot (the bus is at the bottom 

after the retribution locket, while the car 

and motorcycle right under the stairs to the 

tomb), pilgrims still have to climb 400 

more stairs. That too not dampens the 

steps of the pilgrims to go to the tomb of 

Sunan Muria. Although there are 391 

motorcycle taxis (Widodo, et al, 2016: 

127) which are also ready to deliver to the 

door of the tomb and mosque complex on 

the Muria mount and bring back down, not 

a few of the pilgrims who still choose to 

walk up and down the stairs. 

Many pilgrims crowded the tomb 

of Sunan Muria especially in the month of 

Sura (Muharram), Mulud (Rabiul Awwal), 

Rajab and Sha'ban (Widodo, et al, 2016: 

26). In addition to these months, almost 

every weekend the tomb is also packed 

with pilgrims. Observations conducted by 

researchers, the pilgrims usually have 

arrived in the tomb complex around dawn 

or before dawn. After Fajr Prayer finished, 

the wave of pilgrims began to enter the 

tomb. Due to the incoming and outgoing 

flow of pilgrims already arranged in such a 

way, then there is no stampede between 

the pilgrims who will enter and who will 

come out. However, if visitors want a 

special purpose in their pilgrimage, for 

example, they have to report to the 

foundation's board to be facilitated. Not a 

few pilgrims who intend selametan so they 

bring chickens, goats, even buffaloes to be 

slaughtered there (Widodo, et al, 2016: 26-

27). 

 



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In addition to regular pilgrimages, 

there are certain moments that are used as 

a benchmark by the pilgrims to visit 

(sowan) to the tomb of Sunan Muria, 

among them during the ceremony Ganti 

Luwur  and Guyang Cekatak. 

Ganti Luwur (changing tomb 

cover) Ceremony of Sunan Muria tomb 

was originally performed on 10 Sura 

(Muharram), but since the 1960s by the 

caretaker at that time was changed its 

implementation on 15 Sura due on 10 Sura 

to coincide with haul (date of die) of 

Sunan Kudus and haul of Kiai Mutamakin 

in Kajen Pati. The picking of the Ganti 

Luwur date does not mean that Sunan 

Muria died on that date because there is no 

reliable source and no historical research 

has been constructed from various sources 

when Sunan Muria died. Before the term 

Ganti Luwur is known, the more popular 

earlier term is Salin Luwur. The meaning 

is the same. 

Buka Luwur Ceremony of Sunan 

Muria tomb held in a relatively long series 

of events, which is about two weeks. As 

reported by Widodo et al (2016: 30-31), 

the series of Changes of Luwur in Islamic 

year 1435 or BC year 2016 started from 

Monday Pahing (30 Dzulhijjah 1435 H / 5 

November 2016 CE) and ended on 

Tuesday Pahing (15 Muharram 1435 H / 

19 November 2016 M). Among these 

dates there are some events, i.e. the work 

of cleaning the springs Nglaren continued 

by selametan, manaqib, dandan luwur 

pasareyan, istighosah asy-syuro, orphan 

donation, buffalo cuts, khotmil qur'an bil 

ghoib (reading qur’an till finish) for sons 

and daughters, the blessing of public 

figures and external contributors, public 

studies, the installation of the eel and the 

last is the distribution of rice wrap. 

While the ceremony Guyang 

Cekathak is a ceremony begging for rain 

fell. This event is held when the people of 

Java enter the peak of the dry season. This 

ceremony is usually held on Friday Wage 

in September or an important day Jumuah 

Wage dry season (Widodo, et al 2016: 31). 

This ceremony begins with a cekathak, or 

saddle horse relics Sunan Muria from 

Muria Mosque complex to the eyes of 

Sendang Rejoso iar. According to oral 

tradition in the community around Muria, 

Sendang Rejoso is where Sunan Muria 

take  ablution (wudlu). They believe this is 

because it is this spring is the closest 

springs from Sunan Muria mosque. Until 

now Sendang Rejoso still used by the 

public for bathing is also used to fill the 

barrel relics Sunan Muria, after being 

drained every night on 1 Muharram. 

The Guyang Cekathak tradition 

according to Widodo, et al (2016: 32) is 

organized in order to invite people around 

Muria  to preserve the water source 

located north of the Sunan Muria mosque, 



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right on the slopes of  Muria. In this 

springs it is washed and washed. Once 

washed, the water is then sprinkled to the 

residents. It was done as an expression of 

happiness that the life of Sunan Muria, the 

family and society still emit water. After 

the ritual of horse saddle washing then 

continued with the conservation and eating 

together. After the meal, the ritual ended 

with a holy dawet drink which symbolized 

the people's expectation to soon rain. 

From the data collected by Widodo 

(2016: 87-107) it is known that there are 

many motivations that present in the minds 

of the community so encourage them to 

attend the pilgrimage at the grave of Sunan 

Muria. Among the pilgrims wanting 

healing from the disease or delivering 

nadzar because healed from the illness. In 

addition, there are pilgrims who seek the 

smoothness of their wishes, including the 

execution of their children's marriages and 

circumcisions. Pilgrims also have the hope 

of being instantly rewarded, wanting to 

express gratitude for being successful in 

owning a home, solving family problems, 

paying off debts, and even getting a 

motorcycle or car. Additionally, many of 

the major pilgrims from the students who 

applied for prayer to be facilitated in the 

test or grateful have passed the final exam 

and succeeded in ascending class.  

 

 

Tourists Satisfaction at Pilgrimage 

Destination Sunan Muria  

 

Customer satisfaction is key in 

creating customer loyalty. Many benefits 

received by the company by achieving a 

high level of customer satisfaction, in 

addition to improving customer loyalty but 

also to prevent customer turnover, reduce 

customer sensitivity to prices, reduce 

marketing failure costs, reduce operating 

costs caused by increasing number of 

customers, increase advertising 

effectiveness, and enhanced business 

reputation (Fornell, 1992). Neither with a 

tourism destination, customer satisfaction 

should be the main thing that must be 

achieved by the managers. 

Customer satisfaction, in this case 

tourists, in the world of tourism can only 

be achieved if they get everything they 

need and what they want according to their 

initial expectations. According to Barsky 

(1992), customer expectations are often 

accepted as factors that affect customer 

satisfaction, but there is no convincing 

evidence that customers directly lead to 

satisfaction or dissatisfaction. By knowing 

and understanding what tourists need and 

want according to their expectations, the 

manager of a destination will be easier in 

creating maximum tourist satisfaction. 

According to Government 

Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia 

Number 50 Year 2011 concerning Master 



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Plan of National Tourism Development 

Year 2010-2025, tourism destination area 

hereinafter referred to tourism destination 

is geographical area which is in one or 

more administrative area in which there 

are tourist attraction, public facilities, 

tourism facilities, accessibility, and 

interconnected communities and complete 

the realization of Tourism. Damanik and 

Weber (2006) explains, there are at least 

three main components that must be 

owned by a tourist destination that is, 

attractions (attractions and attractions), 

accessibility (ease to reach objects and 

attractions), and amenitas (tourism 

facilities and infrastructure). Meanwhile, 

according to Cooper, et.al. (1993), there 

are four components that must be owned 

by a tourist destination, namely: 1) 

Attractions, 2) Accessibility  3) Amenities 

(4) Ancillary Service (institutional and 

human resources supporting tourism). 

The condition of each component 

above must be good and adequate, because 

it will complement each other in meeting 

the needs and desires of tourists. If one of 

the components is not ideal, it will 

certainly cause bad image for other 

components, so that will indirectly reduce 

the satisfaction of tourists in visiting a 

destination. In order to explore deeper 

perspective to read the anomaly of tourist 

satisfaction at pilgrimage tourism 

destination of Sunan Muria, Kudus, 

Central Java, the author will describe the 

satisfaction form of each tourism 

component above. 

 

Attractions 

The National Tourism 

Development Master Plan 2010-2025 

defines Attraction is anything that has 

uniqueness, beauty, and value in the form 

of diversity of natural wealth, culture, and 

man-made products that are the target or 

destination of tourist visits. The tourist 

attraction found in the pilgrimage tourism 

destinations Sunan Muria tomb quite 

diverse. Tourists who come to enjoy some 

treats other tourist attraction, in addition to 

the tomb of Sunan Muria which is the 

main purpose. Some of the tourist 

attraction is included in the type of cultural 

tourism, nature and also artificial. 

 Some of the tourist attraction 

contained in pilgrimage tourism 

destinations Sunan Muria tomb include:  

 

Something to See 

Tourist attraction on pilgrimage tourism 

destination Sunan Muria Tomb that can be 

seen by tourists who visit include: 

Montel Waterfalls. This waterfall is 

one of the waterfalls located on the slopes 

of Muria mount, Kudus District. It is not 

far enough from the tomb of Sunan Muria, 

only about 1.5 km. It can be taken using 

motorcycle taxi every day or by walking 



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down the mountain roads up and down. 

Air plunge with a height of about 25 

meters is presenting a quite charming 

scenery with shaded trees are very lush. 

The cold water that falls and the cool air 

that always accompany to provide a sense 

of comfort for the weary travelers after 

traveling. 

Monthel waterfall is managed by 

the Office of Culture and Tourism of 

Kudus Regency. In general, the condition 

of waterfall is quite interesting for tourists. 

However, some negative things are still 

evident from the management of this 

tourist attraction. Based on observations 

made, not many waste bins are provided so 

many tourists throw the garbage 

carelessly. In addition, there is another 

path leading to the waterfall, in addition to 

roads provided by the managers, which are 

managed by local residents by attracting 

illegal levies. Around the waterfall, there 

are also often some traders who "force" 

visitors to buy their merchandise at a price 

that is quite higher than the market price. 

According Aryaguna, it certainly makes 

him feel less comfortable in enjoying the 

existing tourist attraction (interview with 

Aryaguna, 31/8/2016). 

Management of a tourist attraction 

should pay attention to the convenience of 

visiting tourists. The existence of some 

negative things as mentioned above 

certainly can reduce this comfort. So it is 

very reasonable if tourists are reluctant to 

visit back to this place. 

Views of Kudus City from Hilltop. 

Destination pilgrimage tourism tomb of 

Sunan Muria is located on Mount Muria, 

precisely in the north of the capital of 

Kudus District. Geographical location at 

the top of the mountain, making this 

tourist destination has a natural scenery of 

the mountains that can spoil the eyes of 

visitors. In the sunny afternoon, Kudus 

City looks like a vast expanse of green 

fields. When the night, the sight of a small 

light flickering very charming to be 

witnessed. 

Unfortunately, there is no 

convenient location that can be used by 

tourists to enjoy the beauty of this scene. 

The view can be seen by tourists from 

some roadside points with very unsafe 

conditions, because many motorcycle taxi 

that pass this way. However, there are also 

some cafeterias that can be used by 

tourists who want to enjoy the atmosphere 

of natural coolness of Muria mount, 

although the location is below so the view 

was less so visible. 

Mosque. There are several 

mosques that are located around the 

destinations pilgrimage tourism tomb of 

Sunan Muria. However, there is a mosque 

that is believed to be a mosque relic of 

Sunan Muria. The mosque is located close 

to the Sunan Muria tomb. According to 



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Manaf, the current condition of the 

mosque has changed completely, because 

it has done a thorough restoration by the 

previous board (interview with Abdul 

Manaf, 31/8/2016). Despite the mistakes, 

but the current board is not able to do 

much because it has all happened. 

According to him, they are only able to 

save some relics that are currently still 

stored safely. Some relics of the old 

mosque building are: (1) soko support 

(pedestal), (2) wooden frames, (3) barrel, 

(4) wells. 

Tomb. In addition to seeing the 

beauty of the mosque which is located 

near the tomb of Sunan Muria, tourists can 

also witness directly the tomb of Sunan 

Muria located in a Praying or Tawashul 

Room. This room is commonly used by 

pilgrims in prayers and doing tawashul to 

Sunan Muria. This room was built during 

the time of President Abdurrahman Wahid 

(Gus Dur) with architecture dominated by 

wood raw materials. 

Before arriving at the location of 

the Tomb of Sunan Muria, visitors must 

pass through the aisle which is the 

connecting road between the mosque 

complex with the tomb complex. Inside 

this hallway, visitors are required to 

remove their footwear, because it has 

passed through the sacred area that must 

be free from unclean. On the way, we can 

see the security post, YM2SM office and 

the guest desk used by pilgrims to report 

the number of their entourage and hand 

over the infaq that has been collected. 

There is an interesting thing when we pass 

the infaq box guard officer, the officer will 

knock a stick to a wooden box that makes 

a noise. This sound is meant to remind 

pilgrims who have not entered infaq. 

Arriving in the middle tawashul 

space, will appear some other graves 

besides the tomb of Sunan Muria who 

stands the biggest. The tomb is covered by 

a white cloth commonly called Luwur. 

Inside the luwur, there is a large stone nisa 

that can only be seen in the procession of 

the show Luwur. In the upacar, the 

headstone will be cleaned by the officer 

and the luwur will be replaced with a new 

cloth. 

Traditional ceremonies. There are 

two traditional events that can be 

witnessed by tourists by the destination 

pilgrimage tourism Tomb of Sunan Muria. 

The event is the Ganti Luwur and Guyang 

Cekathak. According Widodo et al. 

(2016), Replacement Ceremony Luwur 

Sunan Muria was originally held on 10 

Sura (Muharram), but because on that date 

coincides with haul of Sunan Kudus and 

haul of Mbah Mutamakin from Kajen, 

Pati, the ceremony was changed on 15 

Sura (Muharram). 

 

 



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Something to Do 

Some activities that are usually done by 

tourists when visiting destinations 

pilgrimage tourism Sunan Muria Tombs 

include: 

Pilgrims, praying and tawashul. 

Tourists who visit destinations pilgrimage 

tourism Tomb of Sunan Muria complex 

usually dominated by pilgrims who only 

visited the tomb. Every day there are 

pilgrims who visit this tomb. Even the 

pilgrimage to the sunan’s tomb is an 

annual routine of several community 

groups. Pilgrims are from various regions 

in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and 

Sulawesi. Even some pilgrims come from 

abroad like Malaysia, Singapore and 

Brunei Darussalam. 

There is some time that is believed 

to be the main time in making a pilgrimage 

to the Tomb of Sunan Muria, such as Sura 

(Muharram), Mulud (Rabiul Awwal), 

Rajab, and Sha'ban. In addition, Thursday 

Legi and Friday Pahing also became the 

main day in making the pilgrimage. The 

day is believed to be the day of Sunan 

Muria organizing the study (Widodo et al., 

2016). However, today every day this 

tomb is never deserted from pilgrims. At 

the end of weekend or long holiday, this 

Sunan Muria Tomb will be crowded with 

pilgrims. 

There are various motivations that 

bring tourists to pilgrimage to the Tomb of 

Sunan Muria. This motivation arises from 

the various beliefs that flourished in the 

community about the sanctity and 

greatness of Walisongo, one of which is 

Sunan Muria. Some of the motivations are 

as follows (Widodo, et al., 2016): efforts 

to seek recovery from illness, applying for 

a good wish, hope to have a child, giving 

thanks after having new house, can solve 

family or child problems, can pay off 

debts, get motorcycle or car from arisan 

(regular social gathering which are saving 

and in turn collected money used to buy a 

motorcycle or car interchangeably), have 

passed the final exam or the class increase 

test. 

In addition to some of the 

motivations mentioned above, there are 

several other motivations that also lie 

behind the pilgrims to visit. One of the 

most common motivations expressed by 

pilgrims is to pray for Sunan Muria and 

recite the tahlil and verses of the Qur'an 

for him. This is as revealed by Hasyim, 

one member of the pilgrim entourage from 

Blitar district. He claimed to be the first 

time following a group of yasinan groups 

near his home (Interview with Hasyim and 

Suparman, 30/8/2016). 

Other motivations have been 

excavated by the author as revealed by 

Aziz and Iqbal. Aziz claimed to be visited 

by Raden Umar Said or Sunan Muria and 

asked him to come to visit the Tomb of 



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Sunan Muria. He claimed to have received 

the call since 2005, but only had a chance 

at night that day. Has a strong inner bond 

with the Walisongo so as to be able to 

communicate with them. According to this 

man from Pekalongan regency, he left 

alone though only first visit to the tomb of 

Sunan Muria and stay in this mosque for 

three days (Interview with Aziz, 

31/8/2016). 

Not unlike the recognition Iqbal, 

visitors from the District Sukabumi, West 

Java. He also admitted to getting a call 

from Sunan Muria through a dream, which 

asked him to come on a pilgrimage. 

According to him, he would not dare to 

come to this grave if not get a call from the 

owner of tomb. Iqbal said he had been 

staying for 3 days and just like Aziz, he 

also came alone by public transportation. 

(Interview with Iqbal, 31/8/2016) 

Drinking Water form Gentong 

(Barrel). The agenda of pilgrims after 

completing prayers,  tahlil, and tawashul is 

out through the exit that has been 

provided. At the end of the passage, 

visitors will find a barrel of water 

commonly drunk by pilgrims. Barrel is 

one of the remains of Sunan Muria that 

still original. Currently, the barrel is 

planted in the ground for the safety of the 

barrel itself (Widodo et al, 2016). Pilgrims 

do not have to bother taking water from 

the barrel, because there are officers who 

will pour it into the glasses that have been 

provided. 

Barrel is always filled with water 

from Sedang Rejoso until the 1980s, 

because more and more visitors who need 

water and water supplies from Sendang 

Rejoso not sufficient, the Sunan Muria 

Foundation officer took water from Laren 

spring which supposedly became a place 

of taking ablution and wash for Sunan 

Muria and family (Widodo et al, 2016). 

Water barrel is believed to provide 

blessing for the drinker, so do not be 

surprised if many pilgrims who bring jerry 

to bring home this water. 

Following the Ganti Luwur and 

Guyang Cekathak Ceremonies. As has 

been explained before, tourists who come 

also can follow the series of events that are 

held. Only, this ceremony is held at certain 

times only so that not every day can be 

enjoyed by tourists. It is better for tourists 

who want to follow these ceremonies to 

prepare themselves from afar, because the 

complex of the tomb of Sunan Muria will 

be filled with pilgrims on those days. 

Enjoying the view. Tourists who 

come to visit by walk can enjoy the 

scenery around Muria hill. But pity, there 

is no special spot that can be used by 

tourists to enjoy the beauty. Roads that can 

be used by tourists to enjoy the beauty of 

this nature are also quite dangerous, 

because many motorcycle taxis are milling 



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about carrying passengers at high speed. 

As if, the pedestrian should be succumbing 

to motorcycle taxi rider. 

Figure 1. Attention sign for pedestrian 

 

Resource: personal document 

 

Something to Buy 

According Widodo et al. (2016), 

there are three types of merchants who sell 

around the destination pilgrimage tourism 

Tomb of Sunan Muria, the traders who sell 

in stores, stalls and hawkers. The condition 

of shops and stalls that are in the 

destination pilgrimage tourism Sunan 

Muria Tomb has been very representative, 

comfortable and clean. The shop near the 

grave site is owned by Yayasan Masjid 

and Makam Sunan Muria (YM2SM) of 

Foundation of Sunan Muria, while other 

shops and stalls are owned by Perhutani 

(institution which managed owned 

government forest) and private property. 

Merchants who sell at pilgrimage 

tourism destinations Sunan Muria Tomb 

incorporated in several groups of 

merchants in accordance with the location 

and organization that overshadow. 

Merchants selling at the foundation's 

stores are merged into the YM2SM 

Merchant Union. Merchants who do not 

occupy the land belonging to the 

foundation belong to the PADAMU group, 

including traders selling around the Tomb 

of Sunan Muria. While traders which sell 

in the parking lot (lower terminal) are 

incorporated in the organization group 

Kinanti. The entire group of merchants is 

also incorporated in a large organization 

P3KW (Union of Merchants Kiosk and 

Warung). They used to do devotional work 

every Saturday Legi. (Widodo et al., 

2016). 

Merchandise sold by traders is very 

diverse, ranging from knick-knacks 

inscribed Sunan Muria such as pens, pins 

and other items. It also sells various 

accessories such as bracelets, rings, 

necklaces, agate rings, monel rings, 

sandals and shoes, as well as empty bottles 

or jerry cans that pilgrims will use to bring 

water back to the barrel. There are also 

traders who sell snacks (snacks) that can 

be used as souvenirs. There are also some 

unique items that may be difficult to find 

in other areas such as Wood Dragon Muria 

which is believed to drive rats, parijotho, 

ganyong and wrinkle. 

 Tourists who want to relax for a 

moment enjoys the food can also stop at 

the stalls that sell food and soft drinks. The 

price offered is also not much different 



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from other areas so that tourists will not 

feel too expensive. Although still often 

encountered some naughty traders who fix 

the price is too high, especially to tourists 

from outside the region. 

Based on observations made, 

generally all the tourist attraction that is in 

the destination pilgrimage tourism Tomb 

of Sunan Muria is very interesting to visit 

tourists. Unfortunately, Sunan Muria's 

grave and cultural activities that are 

closely related to the tomb still dominate 

other tourist attractions, so that some of 

the supporting tourism resources in this 

tourist destination lacks the interest of 

tourists to visit. The reason, tourists who 

come in general is a group of pilgrims who 

come just for a pilgrimage course, without 

any intention to visit other tourist 

attractions. 

There needs to be a study that will 

formulate strategic steps to increase the 

length of stay of tourists who visit this 

destination. Generally, tourists who come 

is a group of pilgrims who have bought a 

package tour pilgrimage Walisongo. When 

the pilgrimage to Sunan Muria has been 

felt enough, they will soon rush to leave 

the detection of this tour to continue the 

journey to the next tourist destination. 

Increasing the length of stay of tourists 

certainly can increase the economic 

income of local communities. 

 

Accessibility 

According to the National Tourism 

Development Master Plan 2010-2025 the 

accessibility of tourism is all types of 

transportation facilities and infrastructure 

that support the movement of tourists from 

the region of origin of tourists to the 

Tourism Destination and movement within 

the area of Destination Tourism in relation 

to the motivation of tourist visits. 

Accessibility is a central component in any 

development of a tourist destination. 

Accessibility is what will bring tourists to 

come to visit a tourist destination. 

Accessibility to destinations 

pilgrimage tourism Tomb of Sunan Muria 

is all forms of transportation modes and 

supporting facilities used by tourists to this 

tourist destination. The geographical 

location of pilgrimage tourism destination 

Sunan Muria Tomb located at the top of 

Mount Muria, making the road as the main 

access road winding and filled incline. 

These conditions require tourists who visit 

to be careful in driving their vehicles, 

especially when the rainy season comes. 

Road conditions that climb, buy and 

slippery can pose a danger to its users. 

Conditions of accessibility to 

destinations pilgrimage tourism Tomb of 

Sunan Muria can be said is sufficient. The 

road conditions are well paved and wide 

enough to make it easier for transportation 

to pass, even though the bus is large. In 



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addition to using private vehicles and 

rental, the existence of public 

transportation to tourist destinations is also 

quite adequate, although the condition is 

worrying. This condition of adequate 

accessibility is not yet supported by 

adequate parking area. In the peak season 

of the visit, parking location will not be 

able to accommodate the number of 

vehicles to be parked. So to be able to park 

the vehicle, the carrier vehicle pilgrims 

should be queuing alternately with pilgrim 

vehicles that will leave the location. 

Accessibility that still needs to get 

serious attention and be a keen spotlight is 

access from vehicle parking location to the 

tourist attraction that is there. There are 

two ways that can be selected by tourists 

to get to some existing tourist attraction, 

namely by walking or using motorcycle 

taxi services. The thing that needs to be 

serious attention is, the condition of the 

road for pedestrians to reach the attraction 

of the Tomb of Sunan Muria is a ladder 

with a length of approximately 500 meters. 

This, it is very exhausting for elderly 

tourists and children and women. On the 

other hand, motorcycle taxi services that 

can be used also very not pay attention to 

passenger safety and comfort. 

According to Manaf, the 

revitalization plan of stairs and roads used 

by motorcycle taxi to the Tomb of Sunan 

Muria has been planned. He targeted at 

2016 should be done, but because there is 

a delay in submitting proposals to the 

Provincial Government, the plan should be 

postponed until 2017. It is considered 

important to increase the comfort and 

security of tourists in the destination 

pilgrimage tourism Tomb of Sunan Muria. 

(Interview with Abdul Manaf, 31/8/2016) 

The steps that can be used by 

tourists to the Tomb of Sunan Muria 

numbered hundreds, because it is located 

at the top of Mount Muria. These stairs are 

used by tourists who choose to walk, either 

to go to the grave or down from the tomb. 

Along the steps, to the right and left, there 

are many merchants who peddle their 

wares both in shops, stalls and in halls. 

The offered merchandise is also diverse as 

described previously. 

For tourists who are reluctant to 

use stairs, can use the asphalt road 

commonly used by motorcycle taxi in 

delivering it’s passengers to the Tomb of 

Sunan Muria. If using this road, tourists 

should be very careful, because the 

condition of the road uphill and narrow 

often filled by motorcycle taxi rider who 

drive a vehicle at high speed, either to rise 

or fall from the tomb. This motorcycle taxi 

carpenter does not seem to care whether 

there is a passing pedestrian, or passengers 

who he was dispatched. 

As mentioned earlier, tourists who 

feel heavy to walk, then the choice is to 



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use motorcycle taxi services. The Sunjite 

Muria is a member of PASMM (Muria 

Motorcycle Cohesion Group) which has 

been established since 1988 (Widodo et 

al., 2016). The number of its members 

reaches 391 people which is divided into 

two shifts: day shift and night shift The 

morning shift begins at 05:00 to 17:00, 

while the night shift begins at 17:00 until 

05:00 motorcycle taxi activity lasts for 24 

hours in one day. 

It should be known beforehand by 

tourists who want to use the services of 

motorcycle taxi of Muria destination. The 

uphill road conditions forced the 

motorcycle taxi rider to drive their 

vehicles at high speed. However, 

according to Manaf, it is very natural to 

remember the contours of land that is 

uphill, if motorcycle taxi builders do not 

take square from the possibility of the 

vehicle will not be strong uphill. In 

addition, safety equipment is also not 

provided to passengers, such as helmets or 

protective coats. It is certainly very 

dangerous for the safety of the passengers 

themselves, because the narrow road 

conditions sometimes cause the 

motorcycle taxi rider almost touched each 

other. (Interview with Abdul Manaf, 

31/8/2016) 

Hasyim, a tourist who claimed to 

be the first time to join the pilgrimage with 

Yasinan group near his house, said that he 

came to the Tomb of Sunan Muria by 

using motorcycle taxi services. The 

reason, he felt far away if you have to 

walk down hundreds of stairs. In addition, 

he felt too old and unable to walk far. 

According to him, using services 

motorcycle taxi much better because it will 

be faster until, just that, he confessed fear 

when motorcycle taxi rider spur the 

vehicle with high speed. In addition, the 

atmosphere of the night was very cold 

especially after rain. (Interview with 

Hasyim, 31/8/2016) 

Observations show that tourists 

expect a change in the accessibility side to 

the Tomb of Sunan Muria. Generally, they 

complain that the commonly used staircase 

is tortuous and inhuman, while when using 

motorcycle taxi services, they have to risk 

their lives and the safety of their lives. 

Conditions of accessibility to the tourist 

attraction Sunan Muria Tomb can be said 

is still bad, because many get the negative 

spotlight from tourists who come. 

In addition to the condition of 

stairs and also motorcycle taxi services 

that many complained of tourists, the 

condition of parking area also get negative 

criticism from tourists. Researchers 

themselves experienced when the car 

parking tariff that used felt very high. 

There are no clear rules governing the 

amount of parking rates, so most parking 

managers charge fees as they see fit. The 



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existence of parking locations that occupy 

private land can indeed be the reason for 

the irregular parking tariff, but it is good to 

be held the amount of clear parking tariff 

so that the tourists will feel more 

comfortable. During this time, tourists feel 

cheated and harmed by the large parking 

rates. 

Major changes must be made by 

the management Foundation of the Tomb 

of Sunan Muria and Local Government as 

responsible for the provision of tourism 

supporting infrastructure. The condition of 

the rungs should be improved to be more 

humane to use, while motorcycle taxi 

service management should also be 

changed by providing security and safety 

means such as helmets and protective 

jackets. In addition, the existence of life 

insurance for customers will also provide a 

sense of security for passengers who use 

the services motorcycle taxi it. Conditions 

of parking area should also get attention, 

so there is a clear parking rates so as not to 

cause harm to tourists. 

 

Amenities 

Amenities are any means and 

infrastructure supporting tourism used by 

tourists to meet their needs. Public 

facilities become one of the pillars of 

amenities that also must exist in a tourist 

area. According to the National Tourism 

Development Master Plan 2010 - 2025 

Tourism Facilities are all types of facilities 

specifically aimed at supporting the 

creation of convenience, comfort, safety of 

tourists in making visits to Tourism 

Destination. 

Some examples of amenities part 

of them, hotels or inns, restaurants, gas 

stations, souvenir shops, shopping centers, 

public toilets and so forth. The availability 

of such facilities and infrastructure will 

provide extra comfort for tourists who 

come. The condition of inadequate 

amenities will reduce the satisfaction of 

tourists, because they will have difficulty 

to meet the needs of his life during a tour. 

Based on the results of 

observations that have been done, the 

condition of amenities in destinations 

pilgrimage tourism Sunan Muria Tomb is 

sufficient, it's just that some components 

of amenities is not there at all there. There 

are still many hotels and inns, limited food 

stalls, souvenir shops, shopping malls, 

public toilets and vehicle parking 

locations. Some components of amenities 

that do not exist in this tourist destination 

among others, Automated Teller Machine 

(ATM) and also gas stations, though looks 

trivial but some tourists will need this 

facility. 

The existence of hotels and inns in 

the area of destinations pilgrimage tourism 

Tomb of Sunan Muria the number is still 

limited. There is only one hotel belonging 



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to the Government of Kudus Regency, 

namely Graha Muria Hotel. While the 

existing lodging, is a house owned by local 

people who are used for small business 

lodging. This lodge only greets guests who 

come in groups, because the calculation of 

the cost amount is calculated based on the 

number of buses used by the entourage. 

According Widodo et al. (2016), the cost 

of stay is calculated per one big bus Rp. 

200.000, - with cost sharing Rp. 100.000, - 

for realtor giving order and Rp. 100.000, - 

for homeowners. Usually one bus will be 

accommodated in two houses, so that 

every homeowner will get Rp. 50.000, -. 

In 2009, the number of listed 

lodgings was as many as 18 pieces, 

although the number of unregistered more. 

Revenue earned from renting a house as a 

lodging is small, but people earn other 

income by selling drinks and food and 

other necessities to their guests, so that 

income will be more (Widodo et al., 

2016). 

Has been explained in the previous 

discussion, that the traders who sell the 

destination pilgrimage tourism Sunan 

Muria Tombs there are three types, who 

sell in stores, stalls or by hawk. It has been 

described also the types of merchandise 

sold by the traders. The number of traders 

who occupy the shop owned by YM2SM 

amounted to 165 people divided into three 

groups, namely: (1) Top groups, ranging 

from serial number 1 to 91; (2) middle 

group, starting sequence number 92 to 

146; and (3) Under group, starting 

sequence number 147 to 165 (Widodo et 

al., 2016). 

Traders who sell at stalls, not 

YM2SM's, some occupy land owned by 

Perhutani, and some occupy their own 

private land or rent to landowners. These 

traders have been selling for quite a while; 

some even have been selling for 28 years. 

They are incorporated in the PADAMU 

organization, although many traders do not 

participate in this organization, so the 

numbers are quite difficult to know 

(Widodo et al., 2016). While hawkers who 

sell around the destination pilgrimage 

tourism Sunan Muria tombs in number is 

also very fluctuating, adjusting the hectic 

visit to this tourist destination. For tourists 

who feel hungry and want to buy food, 

drinks, or souvenirs for families at home, 

they can buy from these merchants. 

The next amenity facility is public 

toilets; toilets located around Sunan Muria 

Tombs belong to YM2SM. The toilets are 

managed by the foundation and become 

voluntary economic foundations of the 

foundation. The toilet is a form of 

YM2SM service to the coming pilgrims. 

In addition to toilets belonging to the 

foundation, there are also private 

community-owned toilets located on either 

the street or close to the parking lot of the 



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vehicle. This toilet becomes the economic 

income of the surrounding community. 

In addition to the above mentioned 

amenities, the existence of places of 

worship is also an absolute thing in the 

availability of tourism infrastructure 

facilities. As a pilgrimage tourist 

destination, of course the existence of 

places of worship can be ascertained. 

There are several mosques in the 

destination pilgrimage tourism Tomb of 

Sunan Muria. The mosque which is near 

the Tomb of Sunan Muria condition is 

very representative. Very comfortable and 

quiet when used to worship and unwind. 

While some other mosques are located 

near the settlement society is also very 

adequate conditions. Many pilgrims use it 

as a place of rest for a moment before 

continuing the journey to the tomb. 

 

Ancillary Service  

According to the National Tourism 

Development Master Plan Year 2010 - 

2025, Tourism Institution is an integral 

element and its network is developed in an 

organized manner, covering the 

Government, Local Government, private 

and community, human resources, 

regulation and operational mechanisms, 

achievement of objectives in the field of 

Tourism. While the Tourism Organization 

is an institution both within the 

Government and the private sector 

associate with the conduct of tourism 

activities. 

The organization officially 

responsible for the management of 

pilgrimage tourism destinations Sunan 

Muria Tomb is the Foundation of Masjid 

and the Tomb of Sunan Muria (YM2SM). 

In accordance with notarial deed Sulchan 

Abdul Malik, S.H., Number 30, ladder 

August 19, 1998, this foundation stands 

and is based in Kudus. Ratification of the 

management of Masjid and Tomb of 

Sunan Muria by YM2SM based on the 

Decree of the Minister of Law and Human 

Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, 

Directorate General of Administration of 

General Law, Number: S-

2218.HT.02.TH.2007 (Widodo et al., 

2016). 

After the establishment of 

YM2SM, the management of the Mosque 

and the Tomb of Sunan Muria became the 

responsibility of this organization in its 

entirety. Good environmental management 

in and around the tomb, as well as 

cooperating with the Colo villagers in 

management in the wider environment. In 

addition, it is also responsible for the 

management of infaq and shodaqah 

income distributed by pilgrims. Indirectly, 

the management of ongoing tourism 

activities should also be the responsibility 

of YM2SM. 

 



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According Widodo et al. (2016), 

the role of manager and stakeholder of 

Tomb Suanan Muria seen in the purpose 

of the foundation, namely: 1) Securing and 

preserving the Mosque and Tomb of 

Suanan Muria as an asset of National 

Heritage Objects 2) Managing Masjid and 

Tomb of Sunan Muria in accordance with 

Islamic law Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah 3) 

Facilitate service for pilgrims at all times 

and times 4) To accommodate the interests 

of Mosque Management and Sunan Muria 

Tombs with the government and 

community of Colo Village and its 

surroundings 5) Assisting the Government 

of the Republic of Indonesia in the mental-

spiritual development based on the Islamic 

teachings of Ahlussunnah wal Jama'ah. 

In addition to stand alone as an 

organization responsible for the 

management of pilgrimage tourism 

destination Sunan Muria Tomb, YM2SM 

also involves the cooperation of the people 

of Colo Village in running all its activities. 

Quoted from Widodo et al. (2016), such 

conditions are indicated through the 

following: 1) Distribution of funds to the 

community in need. Some operational and 

Maintenance Funds for Masjid and 

Makam Sunan Muria are used for social 

activities such as death benefit, donations 

for orphans, spiritual activities, 

development assistance, social and 

religious education and education. 2) 

Donation of four buffaloes to four villages 

of Colo Village by the foundation at the 

time of alms of the earth on the Moon 

Dzulqo'idah (Wulan Apit) 3) Organizing 

merchants in an organization container 

called PPYM2SM which incorporates 

several pre-existing merchant 

organizations. 4) In cooperation with two 

motorcycle taxi organizations called Muria 

Motorcycle Transportation Association 

(PASMM) and Rural Motorcycle taxi 

Association (POP). These two 

organizations have owned and formed 

their own rules and management, so as not 

to cause any unrest. 5) Manage the 

finances used for social, religious and 

educational support, care and development 

of YM2SM and operational funds of 

YM2SM. 6) Development of Mosque 

environment and Sunan Muria Tomb 

adapted to the rules of handling Heritage 

Objects. 

In addition to elements of the 

organization and surrounding communities 

who are responsible for the management 

of pilgrimage tourism activities in the 

destination of tourism pilgrimage Tomb of 

Sunan Muria directly, Local Government 

should also have the same responsibility. 

The role of the Local Government of 

Kudus Regency in the management of 

pilgrimage tourism destinations Sunan 

Muria Tombs include: 1) Provision of 

facilities and infrastructure to support 



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tourism activities such as accessibility. 

This can be seen from the plan of road 

construction as well as the steps that will 

be done soon. As Manaf points out, the 

revitalization plan of stairs and roads used 

by motorcycle taxi to Sunan Muria Tomb 

has been planned. This year should be 

done, but because there is a delay in 

submitting proposals to the Provincial 

Government, the plan should be postponed 

until next year. It is considered important 

to increase the comfort and security of 

tourists in the destination pilgrimage 

tourism Tomb of Sunan Muria (interview 

with Abdul Manaf, 31/8/2016); 2) 

Provision of amenitas facilities, one of 

which is the hotel and inn owned by the 

Local Government of Kudus, Grha Muria 

Kudus. This hotel is one of the Regional 

Owned Enterprises (BUMD) Kudus 

District which is often crowded by tourists 

when the holiday season arrives. The price 

offered is very affordable for tourists who 

want to stay there; 3) Development of 

Retribution Locket (TPR) used to attract 

user fees that will enter the destination of 

tourism pilgrimage Tomb of Sunan Muria. 

This levy is local revenue (PAD) that will 

be reused as operational fund of the local 

government of Kudus Regency. 

In general, institutions that already 

exist and run on the destination pilgrimage 

tourism Tomb of Sunan Muria can be said 

to have been very good. This is evident 

from the cooperation established between 

various stakeholders (stakeholders) who 

are responsible for the management of 

tourism activities there. Each stakeholder 

has understood and knows the extent of 

their main duties and functions, so there is 

no overlapping of interests. Any form of 

mismatch will be discussed until there is 

agreement between various parties 

involved. 

 

CONCLUSION 

 

The complex of mosque and tomb of 

Sunan Muria when viewed from four 

aspects that become the standard of the 

feasibility of a destination, i.e. attractions, 

amenities, accessibility, and ancillary 

service can be said to have met the 

standard of destination eligibility. As a 

pilgrimages site, the tomb of Sunan 

Muria has a strong appeal because the 

figure of Sunan Muria is highly respected 

and even cultured by society because of 

its religiosity. Thousands of people make 

pilgrimage to the grave of Sunan Muria 

mainly on weekends or certain days, such 

as haul and ganti luwur, also with the 

amenities. In the frugal traveler, the 

facilities provided in the mosque complex 

and the tomb of Sunan Muria is complete 

enough that includes bathrooms, lodging, 

food stalls, souvenir sales, and parking 

lots to motorcycle taxi services. In 



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addition, the strong authority of the 

complex management foundation also 

strengthens the institutional role in 

relation to the management of mosque 

and tomb complexes. However, in the 

tourist records access to the tomb of 

Sunan Muria, both with the stairs and 

motorcycle taxi is still far from feasible 

because the stairs are not flat because it is 

made of stone times, quite steep and there 

is no cover on so if the rain down the 

stairs to be muddy and slippery. Although 

there is motorcycle taxi service, but the 

level of security (riding safety) is also 

low. This destination for tourists still has 

interesting attractions with adequate 

amenities (diner, lodging) and ancillary 

service (from the YM2SM of Sunan 

Muria foundation and the Tourism Office 

of Kudus District Government), although 

accessibility is very problematic. All the 

visitors complained about this, but that 

did not dampen interest for a return visit. 

This is an anomaly in the Sunan Muria 

pilgrimage destination. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

 

The researchers expressed gratitude 

for the  Research Grant given by Faculty 

of Arts and Humanities, Universitas 

Gadjah Mada for academic year 

2016/2017.  

 

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Interviewees 

 

Abdul Manaf (61), YM2SM (Sunan 

Muria Foundation) Head 

Abi Aryaguna (22), student, Klaten, 

pilgrim 

Suparman (49), farmer, Blitar, pilgrim 

Aziz (61) building worker, Pekalongan, 

pilgrim 

Iqbal (33), enterpreneur, Cirebon, pilgrim 

Hasyim (56), farmer, Lamongan, pilgrim