Symphony of the Sea and Legends: Tracing World Oceans Day in the Shadow of Nyi Roro Kidul and Paranormal Beliefs

World Oceans Day is celebrated globally every June 8. To commemorate this day, in 2025, the United Nations will observe World Oceans Day with the theme "Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us." 

In keeping with its meaning, this theme highlights the beauty of the sea and its importance to life. The ocean plays a crucial role in providing a source of protein for billions of people and regulating the global climate. In Indonesia, the sea is more than just dangerous waves or blue water. The sea is the main livelihood for people living on the coast. The sea is also an essential part of culture.

In Indonesian culture, one of the most famous seas, renowned for its natural beauty and mythology, is the South Sea. Behind the beauty of the South Sea, there is the figure of Nyi Roro Kidul, who is known as the "Queen of the South Coast". 

In the daily life of the Indonesian people, the figure of Nyi Roro Kidul is very closely related to the lives of fishermen. Fishermen on the coast of South Java often perform various rituals to beg for safety (Nurrachman et al., 2024). The rituals in question are Hajat Laut, Labuhan, and so on.

Not only fishermen, but also the people of Banyuwangi often perform rituals on the coast of South Java. The people of Banyuwangi believe that practicing meditation on the coast of South Java will grant them supernatural powers (Andayani & Jupriono, 2019). In addition to the people of Banyuwangi, those in Blitar, Tulungagung, Trenggalek, and South Pacitan also believe that the figure of Nyi Roro Kidul can bring wealth (Andayani & Jupriono, 2019). Therefore, many people in Blitar, Tulungagung, Trenggalek, and Pacitan do pesugihan to get wealth from Nyi Roro Kidul.

The rituals performed by the Indonesian people are a real example of paranormal beliefs. It is the tendency to believe things that cannot be explained logically or scientifically, as well as being contrary to rational ways of thinking (Betsch et al., 2021). According to Morales et al. (2024) and Tobacyk (1983), there are seven types of paranormal beliefs. The seven types of psychic beliefs in question are as follows.

1. Precognition refers to belief in predictions or future events that have not yet occurred (Morales, 2024; Tobacyk, 1983);
2. Psychokinesis refers to the belief that an object can be changed by the power of the mind (Grimmer & White, 1990; Tobacyk, 1983);
3. Witchcraft is the belief that there are supernatural practices that can harm others (Morales, 2024; Tobacyk, 1983).
4. Extraordinary life forms (ELF) reflect the belief in the existence of living beings other than humans (Clarke, 1991; Tobacyk, 1983).
5. Superstition is the belief that certain events, objects, or rituals can bring good luck and bad luck (Morales, 2024; Reiner & Wilson, 2015). 
6. Traditional religious belief is the belief that evil spirits cause suffering (Clarke, 1991; Morales, 2024; Tobacyk, 1983).
7. Spiritualism refers to the belief that humans can relate to the spirits of deceased people (Tobacyk, 1983).

Among the seven concepts above, the story of Nyi Roro Kidul exemplifies the fourth concept of paranormal belief, namely the ELF belief. ELF beliefs can be indicated by the belief in the existence of other beings whose existence is not recognized by conventional science. These other creatures are still considered real by a person based on cultural narratives, mythology, or subjective experiences (Tobacyk, 2004).

In the context of Indonesian culture, trust in ELF can be reflected in behaviors, such as avoiding the South Coast Sea because it is believed to be the territory of Nyi Roro Kidul. This behavior demonstrates that a person not only believes in the existence of the Nyi Roro Kidul conceptually, but also adjusts their daily actions to avoid distractions or seek protection from Nyi Roro Kidul.

Adjusting the action to the figure of Nyi Roro Kidul can provide at least eight benefits for Indonesia's nature and legends, namely (a) increasing vigilance when visiting the beach; (b) increase concern and respect for nature; (c) the running of the economic wheel through transactions of preparation/implementation of ceremonies; (d) preserving Indonesian legends; (e) strengthening social relations; (f) become a forum for intrapersonal skill improvement; and (g) as a promotion of tourist attractions in Indonesia.

To support Indonesian tourism, the following recommendations are provided for tourists to visit sites related to the figure of Nyi Roro Kidul.

First, Pangandaran Beach. This beach, located in the West Java region, boasts numerous natural attractions that draw the interest of many tourists. Starting from the charm of tropical nature, the expanse of white sand, and the turquoise seawater, Pangandaran Beach has become a special attraction for tourists. In addition to the sand and seawater, this beach is also the best choice for tourists who want to enjoy the sunset, surf, and snorkel.