JatimVoice.com – The Gajah Mungkur elephant statue has become a meaningful symbol of history and culture in Gresik, East Java. Built back in 1896, the statue was created alongside the Gajah Mungkur House, located at Jalan Nyai Ageng Arem-Arem No. 38, in the Gresik district.
The house was built by Hj. Djaelan bin Oemar, a well-known merchant from Kampung Kemasan, Gresik.
Gajah Mungkur House features a unique blend of architectural styles representing three cultures: European, Chinese, and Javanese.
Right in front of the main entrance stands a statue of an elephant, facing the house with its back to the street.
That’s actually where the name "Gajah Mungkur" comes from—mungkur means "turning away" or "facing backward."
“Why is it called mungkur? Because it turns its back. It symbolizes turning away from one’s own desires,” explained Akhmad Choiri, the fourth-generation heir of the Gajah Mungkur House.
Choiri shared that Hj. Djaelan was a successful merchant with multiple businesses in Gresik, including leather production, cigarettes, copper, fish farms, and even edible bird's nests. His life story is well documented through old photos displayed around the house, now widely known as the Gajah Mungkur House.
The house wasn’t just built for living—it’s a two-story home, and Hj. Djaelan specifically designed the upper floor for his bird nest business.
“Thank God, the bird nest business is still running to this day,” Choiri said.
One part of the house was also used as a guest space, especially for relatives or visitors from abroad.
“Queen Juliana of the Netherlands actually visited once. There used to be a photo of it, but unfortunately it was taken by someone irresponsible,” he added.
Choiri said he’s happy to see more and more people showing interest in learning about history—especially the history of Gresik—through Gajah Mungkur House.
He often receives visit requests from schools, university students, and even officials, both from within and outside Gresik.
“I’ve probably received hundreds of letters by now. As for visitors, the highest number was in 2023—around 7,000 people in total,” he concluded.