The Mystery of Dieng
By: Putri Wardoyo

Dieng Plateau, a misty looking location in Wonosobo, Central Java, looking straight up like those in fairy tales, is home to eight small yet mysterious Hindu temples built in around the 7th to the  9th century.

This mystical land holds a lot of mysteries, not only the origin of the temples that remains unknown, but also a phenomenon known as the “dreadlock kids of Dieng”.

Many children born in the area develop dreadlocked hair as they grow up, although they were born with normal hair. The cause of this occurrence remains a mystery; even science is unable to provide evidence to form a theory.

However, although it is difficult to comprehend with our minds, the locals believe this phenomenon is originated from the legend of Kolodete and his two companions, wanderers who established settlements around the Dieng Mountains many centuries ago. Kyai Kolodete is believed to have dreadlock hair, and legend says he vowed to never cut his hair until Dieng Plateau area would prosper. Should the area remains underprivileged, he will keep reincarnating in to a new born baby, or one who is starting to walk.

Kids who develop this hair are believed to be the “chosen ones”, meaning they receive gifts from Kyai Kolodete to continue his legacy. The hair is not allowed to be cut until the children decide for themselves to have it trimmed.

When the children have decided to cut the hair, a ceremony known as the “Ruwatan Anak Gimbal” or the shaving of the dreadlock, will be performed. Today, this ceremony becomes a part of Dieng's annual cultural festival which usually takes place in the Arjuna Temple, performed alongside Dieng's traditional show including Rodad Dance, Lengger Dance, Rampak Yakso, Warokan, Barongsai, Cakil Dance, and Wayang Kulit or the Javanese leather puppets show.