Modangan, a village located in Nglegok Subdistrict, Blitar Regency, East Java, is known not only as a producer of quality coffee due to the presence of the Karanganjar Coffee Plantation, but it also holds history in the form of the Gadhung Melati Petilasan.
Based on the statement of Wima Brahmantya, as the owner of De Karanganjar Koffieplantage, Gadhung Melati shrine It is in the form of a tombstone. However, the original identity of the tombstone is still unknown due to the lack of primary sources.
Then, regarding the origin of the name "Gadhung Melati" itself is also still a mystery because of the many versions from various sources. Some say that Gadhung Melati is one of the male figures and soldiers of Prince Diponegoro who fled to Blitar after the Java War in 1825-1830. There are also those who state that from the mythological version, Gadhung Melati is one of the female figures named Nyi Gadhung Melati who is described as Nyi Roro Kidul.
The many versions of the figure of Nyi Gadung Melati are of particular interest to historians. The naming of Gadhung Melati itself is inseparable from the role of a British culturalist named Hadi Sidomulyo, who has lived in Indonesia since 1973.
In his research on Kidung Panji Margasmara, a literary work of the late Majapahit era, it turns out that the Gadhung Melati shrine is also mentioned in the kidung. So it is likely that the Gadhung Melati petilasan is still closely related to the late Majapahit kingdom and the subsequent Islamic Mataram rule.
In addition to the mystery of its origin, there is also a large tree around the Gadhung Melati petilasan that is similar to a banyan tree. In ancient times, the tree was believed by the neighbouring community to be a "alarm" every time Mount Kelud is about to erupt.
This is also reinforced by the presence of a flock of blekok birds that always chirp as a warning sign whenever the situation is alert. However, the tree has now fallen due to the destruction of nature caused by man.
However, a visit to Petilasan Gadhung Melati will not only provide a valuable historical experience, but also let you unite with the awesome beauty of nature.
Petilasan Gadung Melati is also a place where various cultural activities are held by the local community. This shows that this place is not only a witness to history, but also continues to live and develop as part of the life of the surrounding community.
As for preservation, apart from the plantation manager, it is also important for the government and the local community to participate in maintaining and preserving the authenticity of Petilasan Gadung Melati so that this place can continue to be a valuable heritage for future generations.
For history lovers and travellers, the Petilasan Gadung Melati in Karanganjar, Blitar, is a must-visit destination. So, don't miss the opportunity to visit Petilasan Gadung Melati in the middle of De Karanganjar coffee plantation. Experience for yourself the unforgettable charm of history and nature in this place.Top of Form
By: Dwi Rahayu
