Makam K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur)

Historical Origins and Establishment

The existence of this tomb cannot be separated from the long history of Pondok Pesantren Tebuireng, founded by Gus Dur's grandfather, Hadratussyaikh K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari, in 1899. This burial area was initially a pesantren family cemetery designated for the descendants and caretakers of the pesantren.

Gus Dur's placement in this location follows the pesantren tradition where great scholars are buried near where they served. Gus Dur was buried on December 31, 2009, through a state ceremony led directly by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Since then, this tomb has become a magnet for millions of pilgrims, which then prompted the management and government to organize the area into a more structured historical and religious tourism site.

Architectural Style and Construction Details

Unlike the tombs of other great figures or presidents which tend to be grand and adorned with luxurious ornaments, Gus Dur's tomb stands out for its extreme simplicity. This aligns with Gus Dur's humble will and life character.

1. Tomb Structure: Gus Dur's tomb does not use a tall tombstone or a separate, exclusive canopy (protective roof). His tomb is level with the tombs of his grandfather (K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari) and his father (K.H. Wahid Hasyim). This area is in an open space in the middle of the family cemetery complex.

2. Tombstone (Kijing): After years of being just a mound of earth with grass, the tomb now has a very unique marker. Above his grave is a small marble stone with an inscription in four languages: Indonesian, Arabic, English, and Mandarin. The inscription reads: "Here Rests a Humanist." The use of Mandarin on the tomb of an NU cleric is a historical anomaly that emphasizes Gus Dur's support for minorities.

3. Pilgrimage Area: The Jombang Regency Government, along with the East Java Provincial Government, has built a spacious pilgrim corridor, a massive bus parking area, and the K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari Indonesian Islamic Museum, which is in the same complex as the tomb area. The museum's architecture is a tiered pyramid symbolizing the acculturation of Islamic and local culture.

Historical Significance and Related Events

This tomb holds historical significance as a "Meeting Point of the Nation." This location is the only tomb in Indonesia where three generations of national heroes and key historical figures are gathered in one plot of land:

• K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari: Founder of NU and a national hero who issued the Jihad Resolution.
• K.H. Wahid Hasyim: First Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia and a member of BPUPKI/PPKI.
• K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid: 4th President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Father of Pluralism.

The existence of this tomb also bears silent witness to Indonesia's political transition. Every year, national political figures from across parties and religious backgrounds gather here for the "Haul Gus Dur" event, making it a barometer for national political reconciliation.

Important Figures and Periodic Connections

This site connects several important periods in Indonesian history:

• National Movement Era: Through the legacy of K.H. Hasyim Asy'ari.
• Independence Era: Through the role of K.H. Wahid Hasyim in formulating Pancasila and the Constitution.
• Reform Era: Through Gus Dur's efforts in guiding Indonesia's democratic transition from the authoritarian New Order to a more open system.

World figures such as representatives from the Vatican, international Chinese communities, and Middle Eastern peace figures often visit this site to pay their respects to Gus Dur's vision of humanity.

Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

The Indonesian government has designated the Makam Tebuireng area as one of the National Religious Tourism Destinations. Preservation efforts are focused on maintaining the authenticity of the pesantren atmosphere while improving accessibility facilities.

The restoration undertaken is functional, such as the construction of a pilgrim path (pedestrian) separate from the santri's learning activities to maintain the pesantren's tranquility. The pesantren management (Tebuireng Family) is very strict in ensuring that the tomb is not excessively commercialized. There is no entrance fee to the tomb area, a policy that remains in place to preserve the site's dignity as a place of worship and reflection.

Cultural and Religious Importance

Religiously, this tomb is a center for the practice of tawasul (praying through the intercession of righteous people) for millions of Nahdliyin followers. However, culturally, this tomb transcends religious boundaries. The Chinese community considers Gus Dur as a figure who restored their civil rights (such as the celebration of Chinese New Year), making visits from non-Muslims to this tomb a common sight not found at other cleric's tombs.

Unique Historical Facts

One rarely known unique fact is that the ground at Gus Dur's tomb experienced a "subsidence" phenomenon shortly after his burial due to the large number of pilgrims trying to take grave soil as a blessing (tabarruk). This was later anticipated by providing permanent yet simple barriers. Furthermore, this tomb is the only religious site in East Java that has an average daily visitor count reaching 2,000 to 10,000 people, rivaling visits to the tombs of the Wali Songo.

As a historical site, Makam Gus Dur in Jombang is a living monument to Indonesia's pluralistic ideology. It stands as a reminder that the nation's greatest strength lies in its ability to appreciate differences, precisely as conveyed by the message inscribed on its humble tombstone.