Lamongan Regency Officially Turns 456, Tracing Roots to Charismatic Leaders

JatimVoice.com – Lamongan Regency in East Java officially celebrated its 456th anniversary on Monday (26/5/2025). The anniversary, known as Hari Jadi Lamongan (HJL), marks the historic appointment of Tumenggung Surajaya as the first Adipati (Regent) of Lamongan on 26 May 1569 AD, coinciding with 10 Dzulhijjah 976 Hijriyah.

Source: suarajatimpost

The date was established based on research into ancient manuscripts by the Lamongan Anniversary and Historical Manuscript Committee. Lamongan historian and cultural expert Navis Abdulrouf explained that the appointment took place during a grand assembly led by Sunan Giri in Gresik.

"The inauguration of Tumenggung Surajaya as the first Adipati coincided with Eid al-Adha, highlighting its religious and political significance," Navis told suarajatimpost.com on Tuesday (27/5/2025).

He added that the date is also recorded in the book Memayu Raharjaning Praja, published by the Lamongan Regency Government in 1994.

Navis revealed that the name "Lamongan" originates from a charismatic figure named Hadi, a student from Cancing Hamlet (now part of Sendangrejo Village, Ngimbang District). Hadi, a beloved disciple of Sunan Prapen (one of the influential Wali Songo), earned the nickname "Mbah Lamong" for his compassionate leadership.

"The term 'Lamong' comes from Javanese, describing gentle and nurturing leadership," Navis said.

This year’s 456th-anniversary commemoration began with a pilgrimage to ancestral graves on Sunday (25/5/2025). Lamongan Regent Yuhronur Efendi, along with local officials, visited the tombs of Mbah Sabilan, Mbah Punuk, and Mbah Lamong in Tumenggungan Village.

"Every HJL celebration is a moment to honor our ancestors’ legacy. Their struggles must remain the foundation of Lamongan’s progress," said Efendi, popularly known as Pak Yes.

Under the theme "Harmony Towards a Competitive Lamongan," the government emphasized collaboration and resilience amid challenges.

Besides Mbah Lamong, two other revered figures—Mbah Sabilan, a war commander martyred in battle, and Mbah Punuk—played crucial roles in Lamongan’s history. Mbah Sabilan’s legacy is tied to a unique local tradition of female-initiated marriage proposals, rooted in the legend of Dewi Andanwangi and Andansari.

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