Legenda Sabeni, Jawara Betawi Dari Tanah Abang

Summary

Sabeni bin Haji Khanan, born in 180 and passed away in 1984, was a renowned Betawi martial arts master from Tenabang. He taught silat to youth in his community and became famous for defeating Dutch champions, karate experts, and even sumo wrestlers. His skills attracted the attention of the Japanese during their occupation, where he was tested by both military officials and local authorities. Despite facing many challenges, Sabeni continued his fight for independence by rallying local youth and scholars. Though he did not live to see Indonesia's independence in 1945, his legacy as a defender of his homeland remains legendary.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sabeni bin Haji Khanan was born in 180 in Tenabang and passed away in 1984, being buried at Gang Kubur Lama (now Jalan Sabeni) in Tenabang.
• 😀 Sabeni was a skilled martial artist, teaching silat (traditional Betawi martial arts) to the youth in Tenabang and surrounding areas.
• 😀 Sabeni was known for his remarkable ability to defeat formidable opponents, including Dutch soldiers and even a karate master and sumo wrestler, all set up by the Japanese military police.
• 😀 He fought not only to defend himself but also to help others in need, promoting the values of martial arts beyond self-defense.
• 😀 The Dutch government grew concerned about Sabeni's influence, especially since he trained young people and was well-respected by the Betawi community.
• 😀 Despite attempts on his life by Dutch authorities, including sending a skilled fighter to kill him, Sabeni was able to defeat them effortlessly.
• 😀 In response to Sabeni's victories, the Dutch police sent a boxer and a kung fu expert to challenge him in a public match at Prince Park (now Taman Lokasari, West Jakarta), where Sabeni easily won.
• 😀 Sabeni's reputation continued to grow, especially within the Betawi community, while Dutch authorities became increasingly frustrated with his ability to win every challenge.
• 😀 During the Japanese occupation, Sabeni was also tested by the Kempetai (Japanese military police) and fought against a karate expert and a sumo wrestler, defeating both.
• 😀 Even in his later years, Sabeni continued to organize efforts to expel colonial powers and support Indonesia's fight for independence, although he passed away before witnessing the 17th August 1945 proclamation of independence.

Q & A

Who was Sabeni bin Haji Khanan, and where was he from?

Sabeni bin Haji Khanan was a martial arts expert from Tenabang, who was born in 180 and passed away in 1984. He was known for his skills in Betawi martial arts and was highly respected in his community.

What was Sabeni's role in his community?

Sabeni was involved in teaching and training young people in the art of martial arts in Tenabang and the surrounding areas. His focus was not only on self-defense but also on helping others in need of protection.

Why did the Dutch authorities view Sabeni as a threat?

Sabeni's martial arts activities and his influence in the community made the Dutch authorities uneasy, especially as he trained young people and instilled a sense of self-reliance. His growing reputation led the Dutch to view him as a threat to their control.

How did Sabeni defeat the challenges posed by the Dutch?

Sabeni defeated a Dutch-appointed martial artist in a duel and was later challenged by the Dutch with a boxer and a kung fu expert. Sabeni easily overcame both opponents, impressing the local Betawi people and causing frustration among the Dutch.

What happened during the public duel in Prince Park (now Taman Lokasari)?

In Prince Park, Sabeni was challenged by a boxer and a kung fu expert. The event was witnessed by hundreds of Betawi residents and some Dutch citizens. Sabeni won the duel effortlessly, further solidifying his status as a local hero.

What was Sabeni's involvement with the Japanese during World War II?

During the Japanese occupation, Sabeni was also tested by the Japanese military. He was forced to face a karate expert and a sumo wrestler in a challenge arranged by the Japanese police. Sabeni defeated both of them, maintaining his reputation as a skilled martial artist.

Why was Sabeni arrested by the Japanese Kempetai?

Sabeni was arrested by the Kempetai (Japanese military police) after the Japanese forces could not find a fugitive soldier from Surabaya. They decided to test Sabeni's martial skills to see if he was as formidable as rumors suggested.

What was the outcome of the battle with the karate expert and sumo wrestler?

In the battle with the karate expert and sumo wrestler, Sabeni easily defeated both opponents. His victory in this duel was widely witnessed and admired, and it contributed to his legendary status.

How did Sabeni's actions impact the Betawi community during the Japanese occupation?

Sabeni's actions were a source of pride for the Betawi community. Despite the pressures from colonial and Japanese forces, he continued to fight for his people's dignity and freedom, inspiring the younger generation to resist oppression.

What happened to Sabeni after the Japanese occupation?

After the Japanese occupation, Sabeni continued his resistance efforts by organizing and rallying local clerics and youth to fight against colonial forces. However, he passed away before witnessing Indonesia's independence on August 17, 1945.