Uproar as Pacitan's Goa Gong Cave Put Up for Sale at Rp20 Billion

Shocking news has emerged from Pacitan, East Java. Goa Gong, one of the flagship tourist destinations in the Pacitan karst area and renowned as the most beautiful cave in Southeast Asia, is reportedly up for sale by the landowners who claim their plot lies directly above the cave’s main chamber. The cave features large chambers 15–40 metres wide and 20–50 metres high, comprising seven main rooms and four pools. Its interior is dominated by stalactites and stalagmites hundreds of years old, which are the primary draw for visitors. As of April 2026, entry tickets to Goa Gong are priced at Rp20,000 for adults and Rp5,000 for children. The site is known for offering an exclusive, serene atmosphere away from urban bustle, with well-preserved natural scenery. However, behind its allure, Goa Gong has now come under public scrutiny following an offer for direct sale by the heirs of the landowner at a reportedly astronomical price. Kateni (48) claims to be an heir to the 3,562 square metre plot of land located directly above the cave’s main chamber. The land is situated in RT 001 RW 007, Dusun Pucung, Desa Bomo, Kecamatan Punung, Pacitan Regency, which is said to belong to the parents of Sukeni under the name of the late Sukimin, based on SPPT documents. She revealed that for 32 years, from 1996 to 2026, the family has never received a single rupiah in compensation, even though the location has been utilised as a tourist attraction contributing to Pacitan’s Regional Original Revenue (PAD). “It’s like an auction; anyone can bid. The main offer is to the Pacitan Regency Government. Because for decades, we have never received any compensation. And I demand that operations at Goa Gong be temporarily halted until this matter is truly resolved,” she stated firmly. Kateni is demanding compensation of Rp20 billion. This amount is said to cover the price of the 3,569 square metre land as well as compensation for its utilisation over the years. “I pay the taxes. The Regency Government only exploits other people’s land to reap profits or PAD income,” she said. According to her, to date, there has been no goodwill from the Pacitan Regency Government to meet or open dialogue with the family. This situation leaves her feeling disadvantaged, both materially and morally.