CCN, CIILEGON – Thousands of residents filled the Alun-Alun (City Square) of Cilegon on Wednesday evening, July 9, 2025, to take part in the Istigasah Muharram 1447 H, held in conjunction with the Haul of the Martyrs of the Geger Cilegon 1888. This meaningful event also included the distribution of charitable donations to orphans, symbolizing social concern framed within spirituality and historical remembrance.
Ustaz Sunardi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, described the occasion as a moment of shared pride and joy.
“We are commemorating two monumental events that have transformed human civilization: the Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Geger Cilegon uprising of 1888,” he stated.
He emphasized that both events emerged from pressure against the values of unity and brotherhood.
“The Prophet’s migration occurred due to threats against his mission and the unity of the ummah, just as the warriors of Geger Cilegon rose to resist colonial oppression and division,” he added.
According to Sunardi, the people of Cilegon and Banten have long aspired to complete independence. The strategic location of Cilegon near the Sunda Strait has made it a key economic passageway on the global stage.
“It’s no wonder that investments from various countries continue to flow into this city. This is both a blessing and a great responsibility,” he said.
He further underlined the importance of ukhuwah Islamiyah (Islamic brotherhood) and ukhuwah insaniyah (universal brotherhood) as essential ties in international relations. The presence of the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Cilegon, local parliament members, and representatives from both the military and police reflected the strong synergy between the people, government, and industrial stakeholders.
The istigasah was led by KH. Muktilah, followed by a nationalistic sermon delivered by KH. Gus Muafik, and a prayer for safety by KH. Mansur Muhyidin. The event served as a collective call to reflect on the past as a guide for a better future.
In his speech, Mayor H. Robinsar encouraged all parties to continue strengthening the bonds between citizens, the government, and industries.
“A strong sense of brotherhood will lead Cilegon to become a peaceful and prosperous city, as envisioned by the martyrs of Geger Cilegon,” he declared.
As a mark of respect, the City Government of Cilegon once again awarded honorary certificates to the martyrs of Geger Cilegon 1888. Since the direct descendants of those executed by hanging have not yet been identified, the certificates were symbolically presented to subdistrict heads from the eight subdistricts across the city.
“This is a gesture of appreciation for the invaluable sacrifices of our heroes. May their spirit of resistance continue to inspire future generations,” Ustaz Sunardi concluded.
During the same event, H. Asep Sofwatullah, Chairman of the KH. Wasyid Foundation, also shared his thoughts. He asserted that the event was not only a tribute but also a crucial moment to awaken the collective historical awareness of the people of Banten and Indonesia.
“Praise be to God, today thousands have gathered to honor the struggle of the Geger Cilegon martyrs. This shows that the spirit of KH. Wasyid and his comrades remains alive in our hearts,” he said.
H. Asep expressed a strong hope to the central government, particularly to President Prabowo Subianto, that in November 2025, coinciding with National Heroes Day, the government will officially declare KH. Wasyid bin H. Abbas a National Hero.
“As the Commander of the Geger Cilegon Uprising of 1888, KH. Wasyid was not only a military leader, but also a symbol of spiritual and cultural resistance against colonialism. He deserves the nation’s highest recognition,” he affirmed.
He added that the proposal for this title has long been pursued by the foundation, along with community leaders, historians, and the local government. Such recognition is seen as vital to elevating local resistance history to a national level.
“We respectfully ask the President to bestow the title of National Hero upon KH. Wasyid. This would not only honor him personally but also acknowledge the wider Islamic resistance movement in Banten during the colonial era,” he stressed.
Further, H. Asep Sofwatullah emphasized that the Geger Cilegon uprising holds a unique and distinguished place in the history of Indonesia’s struggle against colonialism. He stated that the event marked a genuine grassroots rebellion, independently led by the people without any influence or involvement from royal courts or aristocracies.
“Geger Cilegon was not just a local uprising. It was a genuine expression of the people’s resistance, born from spiritual and social awareness—not from a desire to defend royal authority or noble interests. It was purely a movement of the people guided by ulama,” he stressed.
He added that the spirit initiated by KH. Wasyid and his fellow fighters went on to inspire other resistance movements across the archipelago, although many of those were still tied to defending feudal power structures.
“When we study the history of resistance across the Nusantara, many revolts were motivated by loyalty to threatened kingdoms. But only in Cilegon did common people—under the leadership of religious scholars—rise up with no political agenda, only driven by faith, justice, and national dignity,” he explained.
Based on this historical significance, KH. Wasyid is worthy of being honored with the nation’s highest title, as his struggle embodies both national and populist values.
“We hope the nation will recognize that from the soil of Banten—specifically Cilegon—emerged a pivotal chapter in Indonesia’s fight for freedom. KH. Wasyid represents the true spirit of the people’s resistance, and it is time he be declared a National Hero,” he concluded. (Ahdi)
