However, they do not observe Islamic practices like the five daily prayers, fasting, pilgrimage, or giving alms. This is because they believe that ancestral spirits and “sing mbau rekso,” the guardian spirits of Java Island and Tutup Ngisor, will grant their wishes as long as they continue to perform important rituals, especially the “Suran” ritual.
The second, much smaller group follows Islamic teachings such as the five daily prayers, Ramadan fasting, almsgiving, and some have undertaken the Hajj pilgrimage. This group not only dutifully follows Islamic teachings but also strongly values local customs, traditions, and rituals in Tutup Ngisor. A minority of Tutup Ngisor’s population is devoutly Catholic, attending church regularly while still adhering to the local customs, traditions, and rituals.
Together, they wholeheartedly participate in the Suran, Riyaya, and the 17th of August rituals. These three rituals are distinctively and specifically practiced by every resident of Tutup Ngisor, with unique significance and methods differing from those observed by the broader society beyond Tutup Ngisor.