Palagan Lengkong Monument

Historical Background: The Tragedy of January 25, 1946

The establishment of the Palagan Lengkong Monument is rooted in a bloody event that occurred on January 25, 1946. Following the Proclamation of Independence, the situation in the Tangerang region remained highly volatile due to the presence of Japanese troops who had not yet been fully disarmed, while Allied forces (NICA) began to enter Indonesian territory.

The incident began when Major Daan Mogot, the Director of the Tangerang Military Academy, who was only 17 years old at the time, led a military diplomatic mission. His mission was to disarm the Japanese troops stationed in Lengkong Village to prevent the weapons from falling into the hands of NICA. Daan Mogot was accompanied by two other officers, First Lieutenant Soebianto Djojohadikoesoemo (uncle of President Prabowo Subianto) and First Lieutenant Soetopo, along with dozens of academy cadets.

Initially, the negotiation process proceeded peacefully. The Japanese commander, Captain Abe, agreed to surrender the weapons. However, as the disarmament process was underway, a barrage of gunfire suddenly erupted from an unknown direction. This triggered a fatal misunderstanding. The Japanese troops, believing they were being ambushed, immediately repossessed their weapons and opened indiscriminate fire on the cadets who were in the open field. In this unequal battle, 33 cadets and 3 officers perished, including Major Daan Mogot.

Monument Architecture and Construction Details

The Palagan Lengkong Monument is designed in a modernist architectural style that emphasizes the symbolism of struggle. Its main construction consists of a curved concrete wall resembling a defensive fortress. In the center of the wall, there is a copper relief depicting the chronology of the Lengkong Incident, from the arrival of the cadet troops to the outbreak of battle at the Japanese barracks.

One of the most striking elements is the black inscription bearing the names of the heroes who fell in the event. To the left of the monument, there is an old colonial-style house, which is the original building of the former Japanese army headquarters (Kido Butai). This building has been preserved as part of the monument complex to provide an authentic historical context.

The monument's structure also includes a large courtyard area often used for military ceremonies. The use of natural stone and exposed concrete materials gives an impression of sturdiness and permanence, symbolizing the unyielding spirit of the cadets who fell at such a young age.

Historical Significance and Key Figures

The significance of the Palagan Lengkong Monument lies in its status as the first "Cadet Battle" monument in Indonesia. This event demonstrated the crucial role of young military intellectuals in defending independence. The Tangerang Military Academy itself is the precursor to the Military Academy (Akmil) now located in Magelang.

Several key figures immortalized here include:

1. Major Daan Mogot: A young military genius whose name is now immortalized as the main road connecting Jakarta and Tangerang.

2. First Lieutenant Soebianto Djojohadikoesoemo: A young officer who also fell in the event, hailing from a prominent national fighter family.

3. First Lieutenant Soetopo: Daan Mogot's comrade-in-arms who also died during the diplomatic effort.

The unique history of this site includes a final message written by one of the cadets on the barrack wall before he breathed his last, stating that they died for the country and nation, not for personal gain.

Preservation and Restoration Status

As part of the Cultural Heritage in Banten Province, the Palagan Lengkong Monument receives special attention in terms of conservation. Although its location is now surrounded by golf courses and luxury residences, the South Tangerang City Government, along with the extended TNI family, continues to strive to maintain the authenticity of this site.

A major restoration was carried out in 1993 and has undergone minor renovations periodically to maintain the cleanliness of the reliefs and the structural integrity of the monument's walls. The area around the monument has also been landscaped into an educational historical park. The local government regularly organizes trace-the-footsteps events and commemoration ceremonies every January 25th, attended by military officials, veterans, and the heirs of the victims.

Social and Cultural Educational Function

For the people of South Tangerang, this monument is not just a historical tourist attraction but a center for educating the values of patriotism. Many schools in the Banten region make the Palagan Lengkong Monument a mandatory destination for local history field trips. The existence of this site is crucial for providing a historical identity to satellite cities like South Tangerang, which are dominated by modernity.

Culturally, this site also serves as a reminder of the diversity of Indonesian fighters. The fallen cadets came from various ethnic backgrounds and regions, but they united under one command for the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. This reflects the value of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) that has been firmly embedded since the nation's inception.

Conclusion: An Unforgettable Legacy

The Palagan Lengkong Monument stands as a reminder that Indonesia's independence was paid for at a very high price. The tragedy in the Lengkong teak forest in 1946 is tangible proof that courage knows no age. Through the preservation of this site, future generations are expected to learn the importance of diplomacy, vigilance against provocation, and most importantly, an unwavering love for their homeland. This monument will remain an important coordinate point on the map of the nation's struggle in Banten.