The history of the construction of the Kujang Monument in Bogor

Bogor Kujang Monument

The towering Kujang Monument is located in a strategic place and is a proud monument to the city of Bogor, West Java, whose shape is taken from a typical Pasundan weapon that has historical meaning and value. Located in the corner of the Botanical Gardens and is an indicator of a place that was once dominated by bemo and Delman is now a "city of millions of angkot (city transportation)"

The Kujang Monument in the city of Bogor is located on Jalan Pajajaran in front of the Botanical Square which is adjacent to the IPB campus or is located in the northeast corner of the Bogor Botanical Gardens. This monument with a height of approximately 25 meters was built on May 4, 1982, on an area of ​​26 meters x 23 meters and was estimated to cost Rp. 80 million This monument, which stands firmly, is one of the symbols of the city of Bogor, as it is in other cities in Indonesia. The ornament in the form of an heirloom cleaver that stands firmly on the Kujang Monument weighs approximately 800 kg with an ornament reaching 7 m high. This heirloom ornament is covered in stainless steel, copper, and brass material.

This monument was inaugurated on June 3, 1982. This place is one of the indicators of the development of the City of Bogor from the "advanced" era to the "ayeuna" era, where currently the place is located in the bustling city of Bogor with the noise of motorized vehicles which are sometimes used as a shadow terminal for city transportation. (angkot) which during the day was hit by "the hot sun of Bogor City", it was different in the 1970-1980s the place was relatively quiet, only IPB students going to college, and the "bucket" sound of bemo engines which were full load with relatively rising roads and bends or the sound of "plaque-plok" the horseshoes towing the wagon. But now, besides being busy, it is also a relatively strategic demo location because besides being busy it is also near the Bogor city gate from the Jagorawi toll road (now there are 2 toll gates in Bogor City), it is also an area for appointments because besides being strategically located it is also close to the Damri terminal to Soekarno Hatta Airport). The name Kujang itself is taken from the name of a traditional Sundanese ethnic heritage weapon which is believed to have supernatural powers.

THE ORIGIN OF THE KUJANG WEAPON

Kujang Weapon

Kujang is one of the traditional weapons of the Sundanese people, which has cultural values ​​that are quite taken into account by cultural observers. Kujang is the only weapon that is only owned by the Sundanese people, and for that let us know more about this one weapon. By still inserting messages; presented not to be praised let alone insulted but presented to be known and corrected. From the title, it already occurred to me that the cleaver is the traditional weapon of West Java province. Why is this weapon known as the Kujang, it is almost similar in shape to a sickle or sickle. However, there are abnormalities in the hollow back. The Kujang heritage itself has been known since the time of the Pajajaran Kingdom in the 14th century AD, during the reign of King Siliwangi. In the past, Kujang could not be separated from the life of the Sundanese people because of its function as agricultural equipment. This statement is contained in the ancient manuscript Sanghyang Siksa Kanda Ng Karesian (1518 AD) as well as oral traditions that developed in several areas, including in the Ranch area, Ciamis.

Evidence that supports the statement that a cleaver is a farming tool can still be seen today in the Baduy, Banten, and Pancer Pangawinan communities in Sukabumi. Other sources state that this weapon was used in the 4th century as a tool for agricultural needs, but in the 9th century AD, the value of the cleaver became sacred. At this time, the cleaver was used as an heirloom weapon by the kings of the Pasundan land. This weapon is believed to have magical powers and is able to give authority and supernatural powers to its owner. Kujang is a weapon full of mystery.

The value of the Kujang as an amulet or amulet first appeared in the history of the Padjadjaran Makukuhan Kingdom. Precisely during the reign of Prabu Kudo Lalean. Since then, the Kujang has been gradually used by the kings and nobles of the Kingdom as a symbol of authority and supernatural powers. One time, Kudo Lalean was doing tapa brata somewhere. Suddenly the prabu got the inspiration to redesign the shape of the Kujang, which had been used as an agricultural tool. Surprisingly, the latest design that was in the mind of the King, the shape is similar to the island of "Djawa Dwipa", which is known as the island of Java today. So, after receiving this inspiration, Prabu Kudo Lalean immediately assigned Mpu Windu Supo, a blacksmith from the royal family. He was asked to make blades like what was in the King's mind. At first, Mpu Windu Supo was upset about the shape of the weapon he had to make. So before doing work, Mpu Windu Supo meditated, observing the King's mind. Finally, an image of the weapon prototype was obtained, as Kudo Lalean had in mind. After his meditation was over, Mpu Windu Supo started his work. With magical touches enriched with spiritual philosophical values, it becomes a weapon that has high power. This is a Kujang that has a unique shape and becomes an object with magical powers. This weapon has 2 striking characteristics. The shape resembles the island of Java and there are 3 holes somewhere on the blade. This is a weapon that in future generations will always be associated with the Padjadjaran Makukuhan Kingdom. The shape of the island of Java itself is a philosophy of the King's ideals, to unite the small kingdoms of Java into one kingdom headed by King Padjadjaran Makukuhan. Meanwhile, the three holes on the knife symbolize the Trimurti, or the three aspects of the Godhead of Hinduism, to which Kudo Lalea also adheres to.

The three aspects of Divinity point to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Hindu Trinity (Trimurti) was also represented by the 3 main kingdoms at that time. These kingdoms include Pengging Wiraradya, which is located in the eastern part of Java; The Kambang Putih Kingdom, located in the northern part of Java, and the Padjadjaran Makukuhan Kingdom, located in the West. The shape of the Kujang developed further in later generations. Different models appeared. As Islamic influence grows in society, the Kujang has undergone a design resembling the Arabic letter “Syin”. This was an attempt by the Pasundan region, namely Prabu Kian Santang, who wanted to convert the Pasundan people to Islam. In the end, Kujang's philosophy, which has Hindu and religious nuances from past cultures, was reinvented in accordance with the philosophy of Islamic teachings. Syin itself is the first letter in the shahada poem (sentence) in which every human being testifies to the One God and the Prophet Muhammad as His messenger. By saying the creed and this intention in the heart, every human being automatically converts to Islam.

The manifestation of Islamic values ​​in the Kujang weapon is to expand the area of ​​the blade which conforms to the shape of the letter Syin. The latest model of Kujang should be able to remind its owner of his loyalty to Islam and its teachings. The five holes on the Kujang have replaced the meaning of the Trimurti. These five holes symbolize the 5 pillars of Islam (pillars of Islam). Since then, the Kujang model describes the combination of the two styles designed by Prabu Kudo Lalean and Prabu Kian Santang. However, the authority of the Kujang as an heirloom weapon that is full of "other powers" and can give certain powers to its owner, remains. In its development, the Kujang weapon was no longer used by kings and nobility. Ordinary people also often use Kujang just like the Kings and nobles.

In Sundanese society, Kujang is often seen on display as a home decoration. It is said that there is some kind of belief related to luck, protection, honor, authority, and others. However, there is one thing that must not be done. Namely displaying Kujang in pairs on the wall with sharp blades facing each other inside. This is a taboo or prohibition. In addition, no one is allowed to take a photo of him standing between the 2 Kujangs in that position. Reportedly, this will cause the death of the person within 1 year, no more but could be less. Bogor "My Tradition" once a week (the plan is every Thursday). This was conveyed by the Mayor of Bogor Diani Budiarto when receiving a visit from the Head of the West Java Batik Foundation Mrs. Sendy Dede Yusuf at the Bogor City Hall. The typical Bogor batik has the motif of drizzling rain, cleavers, and deer. So, the cleaver monument is not just a monument that is the pride of the city of Bogor, but also a cultural symbol that will be further developed at this time. Don't forget about the maintenance of the monument. starting from cleanliness, idle hands, or the chaos of city transportation that sometimes "deliberately stops" at red lights.

It is said so because many believe that in the Kujang there is a magical and sacred power. For most Sundanese people, Kujang is considered not just an ordinary weapon. But a weapon that has "other powers" beyond human reason. Even Sundanese people who do not believe in the existence of other (supernatural) powers behind the Kujang, will definitely treat the Kujang in a special way. At least appreciate the Kujang as a home decoration, even a souvenir. This is where the value of the authority of the Kujang weapon is proven. Kujang does have philosophical values ​​for the ancient Sundanese people. And the process of its creation is very closely related to the need for other powers than a weapon. The origin of the Kujang itself was actually inspired by an agricultural tool. This tool has been widely used from the 4th century to the 7th century AD. At that time the shape was closer to the figure of a sickle or sickle, then in the 9th century, the shape of the Kujang began to take shape as we see it today. Since then, the public's image of Kujang has changed.

Reference: History of the Kujang Monument