Klepu is the name of a village situated about one and a half kilometers from the capital of Sooka Subdistrict, 27 km away from the capital of Ponorogo Regency in East Java. This village is home to 2,721 residents who practice various religions, including Kejawen, Islam (both NU and Muhammadiyah), and Catholicism. The religious experiences of the residents of Klepu are unique and varied. Prior to 1965, the majority of Klepu’s inhabitants followed Kejawen Islam, which they referred to as “Natbiti” Islam (circumcision-wedding-death Islam). This meant they practiced Islam only during circumcision, marriage, and death ceremonies. Only a small number of Klepu’s residents adhered to traditional Islamic teachings, particularly those who lived around the old mosque in the Ngapak Hamlet, under the guidance of Kiai Kurdi.
After the events of 1965, the religious landscape underwent a drastic transformation. Some individuals in Klepu began attending the mosque to learn and perform the five daily prayers, possibly due to fear of being associated with communism (PKI). Alongside those who had been devout followers from the start, a small portion of them eventually aligned with NU and Muhammadiyah in Klepu. Another group, led by the then-head of the village, Soemakoen, established connections with the Catholic church in Madiun and eventually became dedicated followers of that faith.
