In the annals of Javanese history, few figures stand as tall
and resilient as Niken Ayu Yuwati, known posthumously as Ratu Ageng Tegalrejo.
Born in 1735 to Kiai Ageng Derpoyudo, a prominent religious leader from
Majangjati, Sragen, Ratu Ageng’s life was a testament to the intertwining of
royal duty and deep spiritual devotion.
Ratu Ageng Tegalrejo was the queen consort of Hamengku
Buwono I, the founder and first king of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Her journey
from the palace to the battlefield was marked by her unwavering loyalty and
strategic acumen. Together with Hamengku Buwono I, then known as Prince
Mangkubumi, she played a crucial role in the Giyanti War against Pakubuwono II,
showcasing her formidable leadership.
Her prowess did not go unnoticed. After the establishment of
the Yogyakarta Sultanate, she became the commander of the Bregada Langen
Kusuma, an elite female guard unit for the king. This corps left a lasting
impression on Marshal Herman Willem Daendels during his visit to the palace in
1809, highlighting Ratu Ageng’s ability to lead and inspire.
Disheartened by the internal conflicts and the Westernized,
irreligious lifestyle of Hamengku Buwono II, Ratu Ageng Tegalrejo made a
pivotal decision to leave the palace. She relocated to Tegalrejo, a serene area
about four kilometers from the palace, transforming it into a thriving
agricultural and religious community. Her great-grandson, Prince Diponegoro,
accompanied her, beginning a lifelong journey of spiritual and intellectual
growth under her guidance.
In Tegalrejo, Ratu Ageng lived like a Sufi, embodying the
principles of the Shattariyah order. Her dedication to spiritual practices and
her ability to read Islamic manuscripts in Javanese and Arabic earned her
respect and admiration. She established a community where farmers and santri
(religious students) could thrive, creating a vibrant center of Islamic
learning and agricultural prosperity.
Ratu Ageng’s influence extended beyond her immediate family.
She was a mentor to Prince Diponegoro, instilling in him the values and
spiritual discipline that would later fuel his resistance against Dutch
colonial rule. Her approach to education, characterized by love and occasional
sternness, deeply impacted the prince. Her teachings were acknowledged in the
Babad Dipanagara, where Prince Diponegoro expressed his gratitude for her
guidance.
Ratu Ageng Tegalrejo’s leadership was not confined to the
battlefield or the palace. She played a significant role in the spiritual and
intellectual development of her community. Her decision to retire to Tegalrejo
was not just a personal retreat but a strategic move to create a sanctuary of
faith and learning. This decision was a turning point, laying the foundation
for a resilient community that supported Prince Diponegoro’s later struggles.
Her influence continued to shape the region even after her
death in 1803. Tegalrejo remained a center of Islamic learning and agricultural
development, reflecting her vision and dedication. The community she nurtured
became a haven for scholars and religious figures, further cementing her
legacy.
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