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s part of efforts to develop Mount Kemukus in the hilly Sumberlawang district, Sragen regency, Central Java, into a religious tourist destination, local authorities have begun raids on rampant prostitution practices disguised as ancient sex rituals for prosperity.

The Central Java provincial and Sragen administration have issued restrictions on prostitution and ritualistic sex practices on the mountain since 2014. Authorities had also closed down the area and have not issued any permits for nighttime activities. However the illicit business returned with stalls and parlors illegally opening again until last year when authorities forcibly shut them down again.

However, in the past two months officials received reports of rampant prostitution practices taking place, again prompting the police to conduct raids and ban sexual acts on the mountain, Sragen regency secretary Tatag Prabawanto said.

“We want to turn Mt. Kemukus into a religious tourist destination. We guarantee there will be no more sex workers, dimly lit stalls and karaoke parlors in October,” he said on Friday.

The regency’s public order agency (Satpol PP) and Sragen AIDS prevention commission (KPA) have started to comb the location. The raids were part of the revitalization program of Sragen regency to develop Mt. Kemukus as an integrated religious tourist spot, which is projected to start next year.

The administration allocated Rp 6 billion (US$445,501) in its 2017 Regional Budget for the revitalization and development of Mount Kemukus as tourist destination for pilgrims traveling to Sragen.

Local people consider the mountain a place to seek blessings because of the tomb of Prince Samodra, believed to be a descendant of the last Majapahit king. Prince Samodra spread Islam into the region, attracting pilgrims to visit the tomb as religious tourists. The tomb was also believed to have powers to grant wishes and provide wealth. For their wishes to come true, pilgrims must perform several rituals such as taking a bath in Sendang Ontrowulan or a local well named after the prince’s lover and stepmother, pray and meditate in the tomb areas.

It was these meditation rituals that later led to prostitution to thrive in the mountain, local resident Wagiyanto, 66, said. Those who sought wealth believed they needed to have sexual intercourse on the mountain seven times with someone other than their legal partner.

“The sex ritual is based on the myth that Prince Samodra had sexual intercourse with his own mother Ontrowulan. Many believe this story which contributed to the mythology of Mt. Kemukus,” he said.

Sragen regent Kusdinar Untung Yuni Sukowati said the rampant practices of prostitution had also raised concerns over the spread of HIV/AIDS.

The administration recorded that there were 18 sex workers in Mt. Kemukus infected with HIV/AIDS as of August, which rose from the previous year’s figure of five to seven people being detected.

“The point of the revitalization program is we want to build a new reputation for the area,” Yuni said.