Alas Roban, a historic route that holds mystical stories and tragedies from the past, is now also a center for abundant agricultural products with various types of bananas and typical fruits.
Alas Roban is one of the famous routes on the north coast of Java that holds many mystical stories and dark history. Located in Batang Regency, Central Java, this route is an important part of the history of highway construction in Indonesia.
Apart from being famous for its haunted nature, Alas Roban also has abundant natural resources, especially agricultural products such as bananas and other fruits.
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Getting to Know the History of Alas Roban
The history of Alas Roban began during the Dutch colonial era, precisely during the construction of the Post Road in 1811, initiated by the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, Herman Willem Daendels.
This road was an ambitious project aimed at accelerating military and logistics mobility from Anyer to Panarukan.
The construction of this road was carried out with forced labor, which caused many indigenous people to suffer and die from exhaustion, disease, or even merciless execution. Tragically, many of the bodies of these workers were buried around Alas Roban, adding to the mystical aura of this Haunted Forest.
Long before Daendels’ time, during the Islamic Mataram era, Alas Roban was about to be opened to be used as rice fields. However, this process was hampered because many workers fell ill and died.
It is said that this was caused by disturbances from the jinns that inhabited the area. Legend has it that a powerful figure named Bahurekso managed to defeat the jinns on the condition that they still get a share of the harvest.
Legends and Myths of Alas Roban
Alas Roban is known as a haunted route because of its dark history related to forced labor events and mysterious shooting tragedies (petrus) in the 1980s.
Endah Sri Hartatik in her book Dua Abad Jalan Raya Pantura (2020) noted that many local residents found sacks containing the bodies of Petrus victims, complete with money used for the burial process. This incident adds to the spooky impression in the Alas Roban area.
It is said that many drivers have experienced mysterious accidents while crossing this route. Some people believe that the accident was a form of “sacrifice” from the restless spirits of victims who were once part of the dark history of Alas Roban.
Night bus drivers in the 90s were even known to be reluctant to stop on this route. One of the unique ways they did to ensure safety was to light a match. The light from this fire was believed to be able to distinguish between real humans and spirits who wanted to hitch a ride.
Mystical and Haunted Events in Alas Roban
Some of the famous mystical events in Alas Roban include:
1. Mystical Stories and Accidents
The winding, uphill and poorly lit road conditions make this route prone to accidents. Many incidents are associated with disturbances by supernatural beings.
Famous spiritual practitioner and Youtuber, Om Hao from the Kisah Tanah Jawa channel, once visited Alas Roban. One of the famous locations is a large banyan tree called Ringin Putih, which is rumored to be the nest of astral beings.
2. Place of Disposal of Peter’s Victims
In the 1980s, Alas Roban became a dumping ground for the bodies of victims of mysterious shootings (petrus). This incident adds to the spooky image of the area. Many people report feeling the presence of spirits, especially when passing by at night.
Location and Access to Alas Roban
Alas Roban is located on the Pantura route that connects the Banten to Banyuwangi areas. This route is divided into three main tracks:
- Jalan Poncowati (old route): Usually used by heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses.
- South Ring Road: A route frequently used by large trucks to avoid traffic jams.
- Pantura Road: The route more commonly used by private vehicles and motorbikes.
The roads in this area are winding and have steep inclines. Coupled with the lack of lighting, drivers are advised to be more careful when crossing Alas Roban at night.
Activities Around Alas Roban
Although it is famous for its haunted nature, Alas Roban actually has abundant natural resource potential. One of the most famous agricultural products is the horn banana, known locally as the byar banana.
- Horn bananas that grow in the Alas Roban area have unique characteristics:
- The tree can reach a height of 2 to 3 meters.
- The banana bunches can reach one meter in length with 8 to 13 combs.
- The weight of a banana bunch can reach 30 kilograms.
- Apart from bananas, the Alas Roban area is also known as a producer of other fruits such as soursop, jackfruit, breadfruit, durian and rambutan.
On the side of Alas Roban road, there are stalls of traders known as pojokan. These stalls have been around since the Dutch era and are now a favorite location for travelers to buy fresh fruits.
Safe Tips for Crossing Alas Roban
For those of you who will be crossing Alas Roban, here are some tips to make your journey safer:
- Avoid night driving if possible. In addition to minimal lighting, the tense atmosphere can affect your concentration while driving.
- Make sure your vehicle is in prime condition before entering the Alas Roban route, especially the brakes and vehicle lights.
- Don’t stop carelessly in quiet areas where there is no human activity.
- If you feel tired, look for a parking space available on the route to rest.
- Avoid being arrogant or behaving impolitely when passing by, to respect the beliefs of the local people.
Alas Roban is a path full of history, myths, and mystical stories. Known as a Haunted Place, this area carries an eerie reputation.
Behind its spooky stories, it also offers natural wealth in the form of abundant agricultural products. If you plan to pass through or visit this area, be sure to remain vigilant and respect local wisdom.
By understanding the history and uniqueness of Alas Roban, we can better appreciate the cultural and historical heritage attached to this legendary route.
