Setono Gedong: The Mystery of Majapahit Temple, Jayabaya's Prophecy & Mbah Wasil's Tomb

Summary

The video explores the historical significance and current transformation of Setono Gedong Temple in Kediri, Indonesia. Initially known for its Hindu-Buddhist roots, the site has increasingly been focused on Mbah Wasil's grave as a religious tourism destination. The construction of a mosque and pavilion has led to the erosion of the temple's original identity. The video emphasizes the importance of preserving both the physical and historical integrity of Setono Gedong, calling for a respectful narrative that embraces Indonesia’s diverse cultural heritage and fosters tolerance across different religions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Setono Gedong Temple, a historical site in Indonesia, has been increasingly overshadowed by religious tourism, particularly focusing on Mbah Wasil's grave.
• 😀 The Kediri government designated Setono Gedong as an Islamic religious tourism destination in 2007, leading to the construction of a pavilion over the temple structure.
• 😀 In 2013, construction of the Auliyah Mosque and other developments at Setono Gedong led to concerns about damaging the historical temple site.
• 😀 Protests by Islamic students from PMII in 2013 helped halt further damaging construction, and the fence was removed, returning the site to its original condition.
• 😀 In 2025, Setono Gedong's historical identity is at risk of being marginalized, as the focus has shifted to the religious aspects of the site.
• 😀 Signs around Setono Gedong now prioritize the grave of Mbah Wasil over the historical significance of the temple, with no mention of 'temple' or 'classical site'.
• 😀 In contrast, Kimpulan Temple was preserved and respected by the Indonesian Islamic University (UII), which adjusted its new construction to protect the site and created a small museum for artifacts.
• 😀 The Setono Gedong area contains important historical figures' burials, such as Abdulrahim Pratalykrama and RA Jayadigda, linking it to both classical and modern Indonesian history.
• 😀 The speaker expresses concern about the destruction of temples and the rewriting of history, urging for a more honest and respectful approach to cultural heritage preservation.
• 😀 The narrative of Setono Gedong should be built on the honesty of its complex history, recognizing both its Hindu-Buddhist origins and its Islamic influence, to promote cultural tolerance and respect.

Q & A

What is the significance of Setono Gedong Temple?

Setono Gedong Temple is a historical site in Kediri, Indonesia, with roots in Hindu-Buddhist culture. It has become an Islamic religious pilgrimage destination in recent years, reflecting a blend of cultural and religious histories.

How did the Setono Gedong Temple become a popular religious tourism site?

In 2007, the Kediri government officially designated Setono Gedong as a religious tourism site due to growing public interest, which helped attract pilgrims and visitors, making it a key site for both historical and religious tourism.

What was the controversy surrounding the development at Setono Gedong in 2013?

In 2013, construction near Setono Gedong led to the discovery of temple ruins. The building of a fence around the pavilion damaged the temple structure, causing protests from Islamic students and calls from historians to preserve the site's authenticity.

Why did local Islamic students protest in 2013 regarding Setono Gedong?

Local Islamic students protested because the development activities, including the construction of a fence around the temple, threatened to damage the historical integrity of Setono Gedong. They advocated for the preservation of the site’s authenticity.

How did the authorities respond to the protests in 2013?

The protests led to a meeting between Setono Gedong management, Kediri City Police, and PASAK, resulting in the decision to halt the fence construction and restore the temple area to its original state.

What changes were observed in Setono Gedong when visited in 2025?

By 2025, the historical identity of Setono Gedong had been overshadowed by the focus on Mbah Wasil's grave and Islamic religious figures. The site lacked signage indicating its historical significance, and the surrounding area was more focused on Islamic religious tourism rather than preserving the temple's original identity.

How does the situation at Setono Gedong compare to Kimpulan Temple?

Unlike Setono Gedong, where the historical significance of the temple is being overshadowed, Kimpulan Temple was preserved alongside modern development. The Indonesian Islamic University integrated the temple with the construction of a library and created a small museum to showcase its historical value.

What key figures are buried near Setono Gedong Temple?

Near Setono Gedong Temple, there are the graves of several significant figures, including Abdulrahim Pratalykrama, a BPUPKI figure, and RA Jayadigda, who was the mother-in-law of RA Kartini. These graves highlight the temple’s connection to both historical and national figures.

What is the main concern expressed in the video about Setono Gedong's preservation?

The main concern is the gradual erasure of the temple’s original historical identity, as modern religious elements increasingly dominate the site. This shift could lead to the loss of the temple’s Hindu-Buddhist heritage and the authenticity of its history.

What does the video suggest as a solution to the preservation of Setono Gedong's history?

The video advocates for an honest approach to preserving Setono Gedong's history, acknowledging both its Hindu-Buddhist origins and its later transformation into a site of Islamic pilgrimage. It suggests fostering a more respectful and inclusive narrative that embraces the diverse cultural heritage of the site.