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Kalisat Districts
Source: Sudut Kalisat on Facebook
Around the year 1685, in what is now a bustling region, there lived three brothers known as Buyut Halim, Buyut Mahin, and Buyut Genduk. They were students of Kanjeng Sunan Kudus, with their original names being R. Halim Joyo Laksono, R. Mahin Joyo Kusumo, and R. Bakat Joyo Manguk. Their mission was to spread Islam to the eastern parts of the Indonesian archipelago.
The three brothers began their journey from Rembang, Central Java, embarking on a long voyage that lasted for months. They traveled through various regions, preaching Islam while facing numerous obstacles and hardships with patience and faith in Allah SWT. After passing through many areas, they arrived in Surabaya, specifically in the Jagir area (now Wonokromo). There, they stayed for several months, visiting renowned Islamic boarding schools such as Ampel and Giri before continuing their journey eastward.
Raden Bakat chose to continue his journey northward along the coast of Madura Island, while his two elder brothers, Raden Mahin and Raden Halim, traveled eastward riding a giant butterfly given by a wise religious leader from Jagir. Their journey lasted for months, encountering challenges since many people at the time adhered to Hinduism. The butterfly eventually landed between two rivers in what is now Dusun Gerugul, Sukoreno village, Kalisat.
There, Raden Mahin decided to clear the land with the condition that any future land clearing by his brother must be done on a specific day in the Islamic calendar. Meanwhile, Raden Halim continued eastward until the butterfly stopped at a large, clear spring now known as Sumber Tujuh, located beneath Gumuk Pakil in West Kalisat.
Raden Bakat did not stay long in Sumenep, Madura, as he became involved in a conflict with colonial forces. With Allah’s help, he escaped to Pamekasan and settled there. In Pamekasan, he married a second wife named Gluduk, a native of the area, joining his first wife Genduk from Sumenep. Later, he married a third wife, Ripa, from Besuki, East Java. Remarkably, all three wives lived together harmoniously, reflecting Raden Bakat’s wisdom and strength, which was said to be so great that even wild animals would submit to him.
Raden Bakat frequently traveled for trade and preaching, covering Madura and parts of East Java such as Besuki and Panarukan. On one occasion, while sailing from the northern coast of Madura to the southern coast of Panarukan, they were caught in a severe storm. Their boat was tossed violently by waves and wind, nearly capsizing. In the midst of panic, a giant fish called the Mungsing appeared and lifted them onto its back as if they were seated at a large table.
The fish asked about their destination, and upon hearing Raden Bakat’s reply, it agreed to carry them safely to Panarukan on the condition that none of his descendants for seven generations would eat its flesh. Raden Bakat respectfully agreed. Thanks to the Mungsing fish’s help, they arrived safely at Panarukan and continued on to Besuki.
To commemorate this miraculous event, Raden Bakat bestowed special titles on his three wives based on their experiences during the storm: the first wife was named “Mungsing Sari” in honor of the fish that saved them; the second wife was called “Lembu Petteng” because during the storm, Raden Bakat had grasped a cow in the boat; and the third wife was given the title “Singo Mendung,” reflecting the dark, ominous clouds that loomed over the sea during the tempest.
This story of the three brothers is not only about spreading Islam in eastern Nusantara but also about perseverance, patience, and faith in the face of adversity. Their long and challenging journey left a spiritual and cultural legacy that is still remembered today. The tale of Raden Bakat and his family, in particular, symbolizes the struggle and divine miracles involved in fulfilling their mission amid colonial oppression and natural hardships.
All rights and photos belonged to Sudut Kalisat and related sources
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