The History and Origin of Pandeglang, the Banten Regency Known as the “City of Rhinos"
BLOG FOKUS - Pandeglang is one of the regencies in Banten Province, Indonesia, with its capital city also named Pandeglang. Pandeglang is the westernmost regency on Java Island, covering an area of 2,746.89 square kilometers, which includes several small islands in the Indian Ocean. Some of these islands are Panaitan Island, Deli Island, and Tinjil Island. Pandeglang also has Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the endangered Javan rhinoceros.
Pandeglang has a rich and diverse history, culture, and natural beauty that attract many visitors and tourists. In this article, we will explore the history and origin of Pandeglang, how it got its name and nickname, and some of its interesting facts and attractions.
The History of Pandeglang
The history of Pandeglang can be traced back to the ancient Sundanese kingdom of Tarumanagara, which ruled West Java from the 4th to the 7th century CE. Pandeglang was part of the Tarumanagara territory, along with other regions such as Bogor, Cianjur, Sukabumi, and Jakarta. The name Pandeglang itself is derived from the Sundanese word “pandeg”, which means “to guard” or “to protect”. This suggests that Pandeglang was a strategic location for the defense of the kingdom.
After the fall of Tarumanagara, Pandeglang became part of the Sunda Kingdom, which emerged in the 8th century CE and lasted until the 16th century CE. The Sunda Kingdom was known for its maritime trade and cultural exchange with other kingdoms in Southeast Asia, India, China, and even Africa. The Sunda Kingdom also had a close relationship with the Majapahit Empire, which was the largest and most powerful empire in Southeast Asia at that time.
One of the most important events in the history of Pandeglang was the establishment of the Sunda Kelapa port in the 12th century CE. The port was located at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, near present-day Jakarta. The port was a vital hub for trade and commerce, as well as a gateway for foreign influences and religions. The port was also a witness to several historical battles and conflicts, such as the invasion of the Portuguese in 1527 CE, the attack of the Demak Sultanate in 1529 CE, and the capture of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in 1619 CE.
The Sunda Kingdom collapsed in 1579 CE after a civil war between two factions: Pajajaran (the western faction) and Banten (the eastern faction). The Banten faction emerged victorious and established the Banten Sultanate, which ruled over most of West Java until 1813 CE. Pandeglang became part of the Banten Sultanate and was divided into several districts or kawedanan.
In 1813 CE, after the British invasion of Java, the Banten Sultanate was abolished and replaced by a Dutch colonial administration. Pandeglang became part of the Banten Residency under Dutch rule. In 1828 CE, based on a Dutch decree (Staatsblad), Pandeglang was part of Serang Regency, which had 11 districts or kawedanan. One of these districts was Kawedanan Pandeglang, which consisted of two sub-districts or kecamatan: Pandeglang and Cadasari.
In 1874 CE, based on another Dutch decree (Staatsblad No. 73), Pandeglang became a separate regency with nine districts or kawedanan. These districts were:
- Kawedanan Pandeglang
- Kawedanan Baros
- Kawedanan Ciomas
- Kawedanan Kolelet
- Kawedanan Cimanuk
- Kawedanan Caringin
- Kawedanan Panimbang
- Kawedanan Menes
- Kawedanan Cibaliung
However, Pandeglang was still part of the Banten Residency until 1925 CE, when it became an independent regency separate from the residency. Based on these historical records, April 1st, 1874 is considered as the anniversary date of Pandeglang Regency.
The Origin of Pandeglang’s Name and Nickname
As mentioned earlier, the name Pandeglang is derived from the Sundanese word “pandeg”, which means “to guard” or “to protect”. According to local folklore, there are two possible explanations for this name.
The first explanation is related to an ancient legend about King Siliwangi, who was the ruler of Pajajaran (the western faction of Sunda Kingdom). King Siliwangi was known for his wisdom, bravery, and justice. He had a loyal and powerful army, called Pasukan Siliwangi, which consisted of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of elephants.
One day, King Siliwangi decided to visit Pandeglang, which was one of his territories. He brought along his army and his elephants. When he arrived in Pandeglang, he was welcomed by the local people and the district head (bupati). The bupati offered him a place to stay and rest. However, King Siliwangi refused and said that he preferred to stay in the open field with his army and his elephants.
The bupati was puzzled and asked him why. King Siliwangi replied that he wanted to guard and protect Pandeglang from any possible threats or enemies. He said that Pandeglang was a strategic location for the defense of his kingdom, and he wanted to make sure that it was safe and secure. He also said that he wanted to show his love and care for his people by staying close to them.
The bupati was touched and impressed by King Siliwangi’s words and actions. He praised him and thanked him for his kindness and generosity. He also gave him a new name for Pandeglang: “Pandeglang Siliwangi”, which means “the place where Siliwangi guards”. Since then, Pandeglang became known as Pandeglang Siliwangi, or simply Pandeglang.
The second explanation is related to a historical event that happened in the 16th century CE. At that time, Pandeglang was part of the Banten Sultanate, which was ruled by Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin (1552-1570 CE). Sultan Hasanuddin was the son of Sunan Gunung Jati, one of the nine Islamic saints (Wali Songo) who spread Islam in Java.
Sultan Hasanuddin was a visionary leader who expanded his territory and strengthened his military. He also built several fortresses and castles to protect his kingdom from external attacks. One of these fortresses was located in Pandeglang, near the Cibaliung River. The fortress was named “Benteng Pandeglang”, which means “the fortress of Pandeglang”.
The fortress was built with thick walls and strong gates. It was also equipped with cannons and firearms. The fortress was guarded by hundreds of soldiers who were loyal and brave. The fortress was considered as one of the most formidable fortifications in West Java.
In 1568 CE, a war broke out between the Banten Sultanate and the Demak Sultanate, which was another Islamic kingdom in Central Java. The Demak Sultanate wanted to conquer Banten and unify Java under its rule. The Demak army, led by Prince Prawoto (the son of Sultan Trenggana), invaded Banten with a large force.
The Banten army, led by Sultan Hasanuddin, resisted the invasion with fierce resistance. The war lasted for several months and resulted in many casualties on both sides. The Demak army managed to capture some of the Banten territories, but they could not penetrate the Benteng Pandeglang.
The Benteng Pandeglang proved to be a formidable obstacle for the Demak army. The Banten soldiers defended the fortress with courage and determination. They repelled every attack from the Demak army with their cannons and firearms. They also launched counterattacks from the fortress and inflicted heavy losses on the Demak army.
The war ended in 1570 CE with a peace treaty between the two sultanates. The Banten Sultanate retained its sovereignty and independence, while the Demak Sultanate recognized its authority and withdrew its troops. The Benteng Pandeglang played a significant role in preserving the Banten Sultanate from the Demak invasion. It also demonstrated the strength and resilience of the Banten people.
Since then, Pandeglang became known as “Pandeglang Benteng”, which means “the place where the fortress is”. The name also reflected the pride and honor of the Banten people for their history and culture.
Besides its name, Pandeglang also has a nickname: “the City of Rhinos”. This nickname is related to its natural attraction: Ujung Kulon National Park, which is located in the southwestern tip of Pandeglang Regency. Ujung Kulon National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an area of 1,206 square kilometers, consisting of land (76%) and sea (24%).
Ujung Kulon National Park is famous for its biodiversity and conservation efforts. It has various types of ecosystems, such as rainforest, mangrove forest, coastal forest, savanna, coral reef, seagrass bed, and marine park. It has more than 700 species of plants, 35 species of mammals, 270 species of birds, 59 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 142 species of fishes, and 72 species of corals.
Ujung Kulon National Park is also the last natural habitat of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus), which is one of the most endangered animals in the world. The Javan rhinoceros is a large herbivorous mammal that has a single horn on its nose. It can weigh up to 2,300 kilograms and measure up to 3.5 meters in length. It has a gray-brown skin that is covered with folds and wrinkles.
The Javan rhinoceros was once widespread throughout Southeast Asia, but due to hunting, poaching, habitat loss, and disease, its population has declined drastically. Today, there are only about 60 individuals left in the wild, and they are all found in Ujung Kulon National Park. The park authorities and conservationists are working hard to protect and conserve the Javan rhinoceros and its habitat.
The Javan rhinoceros is the symbol of Pandeglang and its nickname: “the City of Rhinos”. The nickname reflects the uniqueness and importance of Pandeglang as the home of this rare and majestic animal.
The Interesting Facts and Attractions of Pandeglang
Pandeglang is not only rich in history and nature, but also in culture and tourism. Pandeglang has many interesting facts and attractions that make it a worthwhile destination for visitors and tourists. Here are some of them:
Pandeglang has a population of about 1.4 million people, with a majority of Sundanese ethnicity (about 90%). The Sundanese people have their own language, culture, art, music, dance, cuisine, and traditions that are distinct from other ethnic groups in Indonesia. Some of the famous Sundanese cultural expressions are angklung (a musical instrument made of bamboo tubes), wayang golek (a puppet show using wooden dolls), jaipongan (a lively dance with drum beats), and nasi timbel (a rice dish wrapped in banana leaves).
Pandeglang has a diverse religious composition, with Islam being the dominant religion (about 97%). However, there are also other religions practiced by the minority groups, such as Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Pandeglang also has several historical and religious sites that reflect its religious diversity and tolerance, such as the Great Mosque of Banten (the oldest mosque in Banten), the Vihara Avalokitesvara (a Buddhist temple with a giant statue of Kwan Im), the Pura Agung Jagatkarta (a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva), and the Klenteng Boen Tek Bio (a Confucian temple that hosts the Cap Go Meh festival).
Pandeglang has a variety of natural attractions that cater to different types of travelers and tourists. For those who love adventure and wildlife, they can visit Ujung Kulon National Park and see the Javan rhinoceros and other animals in their natural habitat. They can also explore the Panaitan Island, which has a mysterious megalithic site called Gunung Raksa (the Guardian Mountain) and a world-class surfing spot called One Palm Point. For those who love beach and marine activities, they can visit Carita Beach, Tanjung Lesung Beach, Umang Island, Peucang Island, or Badul Island, which offer beautiful scenery, white sand, clear water, coral reefs, and various water sports. For those who love history and culture, they can visit Old Banten City, which was the capital of the Banten Sultanate and has several historical monuments and buildings, such as the Surosowan Palace, the Kaibon Palace, the Speelwijk Fortress, and the Tomb of Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin.
Pandeglang has several local specialties that are worth trying for food lovers. Some of these specialties are:
- Rabeg: a spicy dish made of goat meat and offal cooked in coconut milk and various spices.
- Sate Bandeng: a skewered dish made of milkfish stuffed with spices and grilled over charcoal.
- Kue Rangi: a sweet snack made of sago flour mixed with coconut milk and sugar, then baked in a mold over charcoal.
- Dodol Waluh: a sticky candy made of pumpkin pulp cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar.
Conclusion
Pandeglang is a regency in Banten Province that has a rich and diverse history, culture, and natural beauty. It is known as “the City of Rhinos” because it is the home of the endangered Javan rhinoceros in Ujung Kulon National Park. Pandeglang also has many other attractions that appeal to different types of visitors and tourists, such as historical sites, religious sites, beaches, islands, forests, mountains, wildlife, art, music, dance, cuisine, and traditions. Pandeglang is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Indonesia.
FAQ
What is the meaning of Pandeglang?
Pandeglang is derived from the Sundanese word “pandeg”, which means “to guard” or “to protect”. The name suggests that Pandeglang was a strategic location for the defense of the ancient Sundanese kingdoms.
How did Pandeglang get its nickname “the City of Rhinos”?
Pandeglang got its nickname “the City of Rhinos” because it is the home of the Javan rhinoceros, which is one of the most endangered animals in the world. The Javan rhinoceros is only found in Ujung Kulon National Park, which is located in the southwestern tip of Pandeglang Regency.
When is the anniversary date of Pandeglang Regency?
The anniversary date of Pandeglang Regency is April 1st, 1874. This date is based on a Dutch decree (Staatsblad No. 73) that made Pandeglang a separate regency from Serang Regency.
What are some of the famous cultural expressions of Pandeglang?
Some of the famous cultural expressions of Pandeglang are angklung (a musical instrument made of bamboo tubes), wayang golek (a puppet show using wooden dolls), jaipongan (a lively dance with drum beats), and nasi timbel (a rice dish wrapped in banana leaves).
What are some of the local specialties of Pandeglang?
Some of the local specialties of Pandeglang are rabeg (a spicy dish made of goat meat and offal cooked in coconut milk and various spices), sate bandeng (a skewered dish made of milkfish stuffed with spices and grilled over charcoal), kue rangi (a sweet snack made of sago flour mixed with coconut milk and sugar, then baked in a mold over charcoal), and dodol waluh (a sticky candy made of pumpkin pulp cooked with coconut milk and palm sugar).