Clutching a worn photograph, Ibu Ujang remembers a time when Vihara Sapta Ronggo teemed with life. This Vihara Sapta Ronggo stands as a testament to faith and healing. Vihara Sapta Ronggo’s story is interwoven with the life of Suhu Acong.
Suhu Acong’s journey began far from Jakarta. He journeyed from China. He followed his brother to seek his fortune. They sold clothes in Glodok. Life was hard. Suhu Acong slept on newspapers.
One night, Suhu Acong dreamt of Eyang Djoego from Mount Kawi. Eyang Djoego tasked him with helping people. Suhu Acong started healing the sick.
Word spread. Soon, a grateful patient donated a house. This house became Vihara Sapta Ronggo. A space for healing and worship was created. A space for Eyang Djoego Gunung Kawi was also built.
Ibu Ujang remembers those early days at Vihara Sapta Ronggo. She started working there in 1966. The Vihara Sapta Ronggo was always busy. People sought healing and guidance. Suhu Acong could see into people’s hearts.
Thursdays were especially crowded at Vihara Sapta Ronggo. Cars lined the streets. Flower vendors thrived selling offerings. Suhu Acong shared his wealth with the needy. He was generous.
Even during the tumultuous times of the G30S/PKI, the Vihara Sapta Ronggo offered solace. Ibu Ujang recalls the difficulty of traveling to Jakarta. Travel permits were needed.
Before becoming a respected Suhu, Acong was a simple man. He wore a sarong. He met Ibu Ujang’s husband at a food stall. He then invited him to work as a cook. Vihara Sapta Ronggo became known. It was also known because of Eyang Djoego Gunung Kawi. Suhu Acong even sponsored children from poor families.
The Vihara Sapta Ronggo stands. More than half a century has passed. The crowds have thinned. Many old devotees have passed away. Younger people now visit Vihara Sapta Ronggo. They come to pray on Thursdays.
The racial riots of May 1998 deeply impacted Vihara Sapta Ronggo. The Vihara Sapta Ronggo became much quieter. Before that, after Suhu Acong passed away in 1991 it was still busy.
Suhu Acong’s adopted children managed Vihara Sapta Ronggo between 1991 and 1998. Some felt uncomfortable with how the donations were handled.
Even after his death, people still held ceremonies. But road closures around Roxy made access difficult. The construction of the busway added to the congestion. Getting to Vihara Sapta Ronggo became a challenge.
The spirit of Suhu Acong lives on. He always reminded people to live honestly. He told them to walk a straight path. Avoid shortcuts to wealth. Following this advice leads to peace.
Ibu Ujang still fetches water from Mount Kawi. She maintains her Muslim faith. The Vihara Sapta Ronggo welcomes all. It stands for humanity. It stands for a life lived with integrity.