CCN, Cilegon, July 29, 2024 – The Head of the Department of Education and Culture of Cilegon City, H. Heni Susila Anita, expressed her gratitude as she announced the successful completion of the series of events commemorating the Geger Cilegon 1888 incident during the Geger Cilegon Festival 2024. The closing ceremony, held at one of Cilegon’s malls, marked the end of a series of activities that had been ongoing since July 9, encompassing various events designed to remember and celebrate the history and culture of Cilegon City.
The series of events began with a commemoration ceremony and the Haul of Geger Cilegon fighters on July 9, followed by a reenactment of the last battle of the Geger Cilegon fighters on July 27. This reenactment involved the Geger Cilegon Lovers Community, who departed from the mayor’s official residence to Sumur in Pandeglang Regency. Led by the Secretary of the Education Department along with echelon II, III, and IV officials, the group was directly dispatched by Heni Susila Anita. The reenactment also included various communities, such as the Srikandi Motor Community, Kali Gandu-Gandu Majlis Ta’lim, and the PSF Banten Pajero Sport Family Community.
In Dusun Sungai Ciisih, the reenactment participants conducted a pilgrimage to the historic site, which includes the grave (maqom) of the Geger Cilegon fighters, and scattered flowers beneath the Sungai Ciisih bridge. Additionally, a visit to the educational park in Geopark Ujung Kulon Banten was part of the festival, aimed at preserving tourism as well as its culture and history.
The Geger Cilegon Festival 2024 concluded with various competitions that not only served as a celebration but also as a reflection of the heroic values and fighting spirit inherited from the Geger Cilegon fighters. The presence of the Mayor of Cilegon added significance and enthusiasm to the efforts to preserve the history and culture of Cilegon City. The plan to house historical and cultural artifacts in the Cilegon City Museum at the Mayor’s official residence marks an important step in this endeavor.
Heni Susila Anita expressed her gratitude to all parties who participated and supported the series of activities. “I hope the Geger Cilegon Festival 2024 becomes a valuable moment for all of us. Let us protect and preserve the history and culture of Cilegon City for a better future,” she concluded.
During a talk show session, H. Asep Sofwatullah, a descendant of KH. Wasyid bin H. Abbas, a Geger Cilegon fighter, reinforced the statements made by the Head of the Education and Culture Department. “Alhamdulillah, with this research, the history related to KH. Wasyid has become clearer. However, I want to emphasize that this struggle does not belong to one person alone. Whenever I give a speech or a historical proverb, I always remind people that this struggle is the struggle of the Banten people in general and the people of Cilegon City in particular. Why do I say this? Because it was the entire community who fought. What is the meaning of a leader without the support of colleagues, scholars, and the community?” said H. Asep Sofwatullah.
Asep Sofwatullah also added that KH. Wasyid’s struggle arose from very difficult circumstances. “The eruption of Mount Krakatau, as well as the Dutch colonial oppression by raising taxes and forcibly taking livestock from those who couldn’t pay, sparked a sense of patriotism in KH. Wasyid and his followers. The tarekat congregation, the religious study groups, and his followers were all united in their resistance against the Dutch colonial oppression.”
In addition to being a scholar, KH. Wasyid was also known as an activist. “He had many relations, friends, and relatives who supported his struggle, including KH. Arsad. I see this struggle as a collective effort, which we must all share in, with all its benefits and drawbacks,” added H. Asep Sofwatullah.
The increased participation and curiosity of the people of Cilegon about the city’s history show that they are beginning to understand the purpose of commemorating the Geger Cilegon event. This series of activities has many benefits, including strengthening the sense of togetherness and pride in our history, as well as bringing blessings and prosperity to the entire community. (Ahdi)
