History of Purworejo

DRAFT 2(EDITED)

History of Purworejo

Purworejo Regency has a very old history, starting from the Megalithic era it was alleged that there has been a life with a regular agricultural community, as evidenced by a number of historical relics in the MEGALITH era in the form of MENHIR Batu Tegak in a number of sub-districts in Purworejo Regency. During the era of Classical Hinduism, the Land of Bagelen played a major role in the course of the history of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom (Hinduism). The Sri Maharaja Balitung figure Watukoro is known as the largest Ancient Mataram Maharaja, with territories covering: Central Java, East Java, and several Outer Islands.
Prof. Purbacaraka states that Sri Maharaja Balitung Watukoro originated from the Bagelen area. This indication is reflected in the name "Watukoro" which is the name of a Sungai Besar, this river is also called the Bogowonto River. So called, considering that at that time on the banks of the river often seen pastors (Begawan).

Sacred views in the form of Lingga, Yoni and Stupa where the performers perform ceremonies can be seen in the Kelurahan Baledono, District of Loano and Bagelen. Watukoro Village itself is located in the mouth of the Bogowonto river and is included in the Purwodadi District area.
The development of Islam in the Purworejo area was carried out by Ki Cakrajaya, a connoisseur of Nira from Bagelen, a student from Sunan Kalijogo. Ki Cakrajaya is better known as Sunan Geseng. Sunan Geseng remains are many in Bagelen and Loano.
Kenthol Bagelen who was Sutawijaya's Mainstay Forces, a figure who later ascended the throne to become Panembahan Senopati, was the basis for the establishment of the Islamic Kingdom of Mataram. In the following period when Sultan Agung came to power in Mataram, it was the troops from Bagelen who contributed greatly to the attack on Batavia and included the core forces of Mataram.
As a result of the 1755 Giyanti Agreement which separated the Javanese Kingdom into 2, namely Surakarta and Yogyakarta, the land of Bagelen also received its impact, where the Bagelen land was divided into 2 parts for Yogyakarta and Surakarta, but due to unclear boundaries, resulting in prolonged disputes .
The Diponegoro War erupted (1825-1830) Bagelen land became the base of resistance of Prince Diponegoro. Seeing a rebellion by Prince Diponegoro, General De Kock asked for help from troops from the Kingdom of Surakarta.
Facing this, the Dutch led by its commander Colonel Cleerens built a garrison headquarters at Kedongkebo on the banks of the Bogowonto River. The great war was inevitable, the Dutch, assisted by troops from the Kingdom of Surakarta, led by Pangeran Kusumayuda and Ngabehi Resodiwiryo, faced Prince Diponegoro who was assisted by the Bagelen People's army forces
Post-War Diponegoro, Tanah Bagelen and Tanah Banyumas were forced by the Dutch. Then the Dutch presented Ngabehi Resodiwiryo who contributed to the fight against the rebels, becoming the Ruler of the Responsibility with the title Tumenggung Cakrajaya who was subsequently appointed as the Regent (Regent) of Purworejo Regency with the Cokronegoro Degree. The inauguration was held in Kedungkebo, the headquarters of the Dutch garrison and inaugurated was Colonel Cleerens.
The Purworejo Regency area at that time was 263 Pal square or around 597 square kilometers, covering the Eastern Region of the Jali River. While an area of ​​306 square kilometers in the West of Jali River, is the area of ​​Semawung Regency (Kutoarjo) and is headed by the Regent (Regent) Sawunggaling. In further developments, Kedongkebo which is a Dutch Military base was merged with Brengkelan and became Purworejo. While the Land of Bagelen by the Government of the Dutch Colonial was made the Bagelen Residency with the Capital City of Purworejo.
The Bagelen Residency area includes, Purworejo Regency, Semawung Regency (Kutoarjo), Kutowinangun Regency, Remo Jatinegara Regency (Karanganyar) and Sewo Urut District or Ledok District or Wonosobo Regency.
Resident Bagelen resides in the building which is now the Purworejo Regional Government Office, better known as the OTONOM Office, which is located in the southern part of Purworejo Square.