ASAL-USUL WONOGIRI || (Sejarah Berdirinya Kabupaten Wonogiri)

Summary

Wonogiri, a region in Central Java, has a rich historical and cultural background. Originally a small administrative area, it grew into a significant region, with evidence of ancient human settlements and early kingdom influences. Its name, derived from the Javanese words for 'forest' and 'mountain,' reflects its landscape. The area saw pivotal moments during the Majapahit and Demak Sultanates, as well as in the Mataram split. Under the leadership of Raden Mas Said, the region evolved into a key center, ultimately becoming a district and later a full-fledged regency, with significant events shaping its modern identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wonogiri is the second-largest region in Central Java, named after the Javanese words *Wana* (forest) and *Giri* (mountain), reflecting its landscape of forests, rice fields, and mountains.
• 😀 Archaeological findings suggest that Wonogiri has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of prehistoric human settlements in local caves.
• 😀 Wonogiri is considered a migration point for ancient humans, with evidence showing migration from Pacitan to Wonosari.
• 😀 In ancient times, Wonogiri was influenced by the Kingdom of Medang (Mataram Kuno), as evidenced by the Telang inscription discovered in 1933, which mentions royal decrees regarding the Bengawan Solo river.
• 😀 During the decline of the Majapahit Empire, refugees fled to the southern parts of Java, including Wonogiri, where they resettled in places like Dusun Soko Gunung.
• 😀 The Islamic influence in Wonogiri is notable for its role in providing teak wood for the construction of Demak’s Great Mosque during the Sultanate of Demak.
• 😀 After the division of the Mataram Sultanate, Wonogiri became part of the Surakarta region, where Raden Mas Said rose in rebellion due to perceived injustices in the Surakarta court.
• 😀 Raden Mas Said established the Mangkunegaran realm in 1757, with Wonogiri becoming the central region of this new state, marking the start of the Mangkunegaran administration.
• 😀 Under Dutch colonial rule, Wonogiri was recognized as part of the Mangkunegaran system and later became a full-fledged kabupaten (district) in 1917.
• 😀 During the Japanese occupation in World War II, Wonogiri’s lands were used for castor bean cultivation for the war effort, leading to food shortages and famine in the region.
• 😀 After Indonesia's independence, Wonogiri transitioned from a monarchial system under Mangkunegaran to a democratic system within the Republic of Indonesia, finalizing its status as a kabupaten in Central Java.

Q & A

What is the origin of the name 'Wonogiri'?

The name 'Wonogiri' comes from the Javanese language, where 'Wana' means forest or jungle, and 'Giri' means mountain, which accurately describes the region's landscape of forests and mountains.

What evidence suggests that Wonogiri was inhabited by ancient humans?

Archaeological findings, particularly from caves in Wonogiri, indicate that the region was inhabited by ancient humans for thousands of years. Excavations in Pacitan have revealed older artifacts than those found in Wonosari, suggesting Wonogiri as a migration point.

How did the kingdom influence Wonogiri during ancient times?

In ancient times, Wonogiri was influenced by the Medang or Mataram Kuno kingdom, as evidenced by the discovery of the Telang inscription in 1933, which records a royal decree from King Diah Balitung regarding river crossings in the area.

What role did Wonogiri play during the decline of the Majapahit kingdom?

During the decline of the Majapahit kingdom, many people fled to the southern part of Java, including Wonogiri. These refugees, particularly from the Trowulan capital, settled near Bukit Soko and established the village of Soko Gunung.

How did Islam influence Wonogiri during the Demak Sultanate?

The Demak Sultanate had a significant impact on the development of Wonogiri, especially in providing high-quality teak wood for the construction of the Great Mosque of Demak. Sunan Kalijaga led the search for these trees in the Donoloyo forest of Wonogiri.

What is the significance of Raden Mas Said in the history of Wonogiri?

Raden Mas Said, later known as Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya Mangkunegoro I, played a pivotal role in the establishment of Wonogiri as a center of governance. After leaving the Surakarta palace due to internal conflict, he founded a new government in Wonogiri.

What was the result of the Salatiga Agreement in 1757?

The Salatiga Agreement of 1757 resulted in Raden Mas Said being granted the title of Adipati and establishing his own principality, Mangkunegaran, which included Wonogiri. This marked the beginning of the county's formation as a regional center.

How did the administrative structure of Wonogiri change in the 19th century?

In 1875, Wonogiri was divided into two administrative areas, the Kawedanan Gunung Wonogiri and Kawedanan Gunung Batu Retno. This division was later consolidated back in 1892, and by 1917, it was officially upgraded to a county with a bupati as the leader.

What impact did the Japanese occupation have on Wonogiri?

During the Japanese occupation, Wonogiri's lands were used for the cultivation of castor beans for the war effort. This led to widespread hunger among the local population, as food crops were replaced by these plants.

How did Wonogiri's governance change after Indonesia's independence?

After Indonesia's independence, there was a movement to transition Wonogiri from a monarchy under Mangkunegaran to a democratic republic. Eventually, the county became part of the Indonesian system of local governance, separate from the royal system of Mangkunegaran.