Temanggung

History

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History of Temanggung: Traces of Ancient Mataram Civilization to the Tobacco City

Temanggung, a regency covering 876.62 km², is located in the heart of Central Java. Its roots run deep, stretching from the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom era to becoming a pillar of the colonial economy. This highland region, surrounded by Mount Sumbing and Mount Sindoro, has no coastline, but its agricultural wealth has shaped a unique historical narrative.

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Ancient Roots and the Hindu Mataram Era

The name "Temanggung" is believed to originate from the title "Tumenggung." The oldest traces of this region are found in the Wanua Tengah III Inscription (908 AD), which mentions civilization on the mountain slopes. Historically, Temanggung was a vital part of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. The Liyangan Site in Purbosari Village is concrete evidence of an advanced settlement dating back to the 9th century, buried by volcanic material. Here, remnants of building structures, pathways, and artifacts were discovered, indicating that this area was once a prosperous religious and agricultural center.

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Colonial Period and the Role of Raden Tumenggung Aria Djojonegoro

A significant administrative turning point for Temanggung occurred during the Dutch colonial era. Based on the Dutch East Indies Government Resolution Number 11 dated November 10, 1834, Temanggung was officially established as an independent regency. A key figure in this period was Raden Tumenggung Aria Djojonegoro, who moved the center of government from Menoreh to the current location of Temanggung. Under colonial control, Temanggung was transformed into an area for export commodity plantations, especially coffee and tobacco. The existence of Temanggung Station (now inactive), built by the Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatschappij (NIS) in 1907, further solidified the region's importance in colonial logistics distribution.

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Struggle for Independence and the Bamboo Spear Tragedy

In the history of Indonesian independence, Temanggung earned the reputation of "Bamboo Spear City." This refers to the role of Kiai Subchi (Subeki) from Parakan. He was a charismatic cleric who blessed and prayed over the bamboo spears of the fighters before they went to the battlefield, including in the Battle of Ambarawa. Parakan became a spiritual center for fighters from various regions in Java seeking blessings and moral strength against Dutch military aggression.

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Cultural Heritage and Modern Identity

Temanggung is known by the nickname "Tobacco City" due to the rare "Srinthil" tobacco, which only grows on the slopes of Sumbing. Local traditions like the Ritual Wiwit Tembakau (Tobacco Harvest Ritual) reflect the community's spiritual connection to the land. Furthermore, the Jaran Kepang Temanggungan art form remains preserved as a symbol of the past warriors' agility.

Architecturally, the Jami' Menggoro Mosque, built during the Walisongo era, stands as a testament to the spread of Islam in the region. Today, Temanggung has transformed into an area that combines the preservation of ancient sites with modern agricultural industries, maintaining its identity as a strategic region on the central axis of Central Java, connecting Semarang, Magelang, and Wonosobo. Temanggung's history is a mirror of the resilience of agriculture and the timeless spirituality of the Javanese people.