Born: 1752 (Serang, Indonesia)
Died: 1838 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Biography:
Nyi Ageng Serang, also known as Raden Ajeng Kustiyah Wulaningsih Retno Edhi, was born in 1752 in Serang, located 40 kilometers north of Solo, Indonesia. Her father was Pangeran Natapraja, also known as Panembahan Serang, who ruled Serang and served as Pangeran Mangkubumi’s war commander. Nyi Ageng Serang was also a descendant of Sunan Kalijaga, a prominent figure in Indonesian history.
After her father fell ill and passed away, Nyi Ageng Serang assumed his position and became known by her new name. During this time, the Dutch colonial government attacked Serang because her father had maintained troops in violation of the Treaty of Giyanti. Nyi Ageng Serang actively participated in defending her hometown against the Dutch forces.
Following a battle with the Dutch, Nyi Ageng Serang was captured and taken to Yogyakarta. However, she was later returned to Serang. In 1825, at the age of 73, she played a crucial role in the Diponegoro War. Despite her age, Nyi Ageng Serang commanded her forces while being carried on a stretcher, supporting Pangeran Diponegoro in his fight against the Dutch. She also served as a war advisor during the conflict.
Nyi Ageng Serang fought in various areas during the war, including Purwodadi, Demak, Semarang, Juwana, Kudus, and Rembang. She was entrusted with defending the strategically important area of Prambanan from the Dutch forces. One of her most well-known strategies was the use of lumbu, or green taro leaves, to create disguises. Her forces would attach lumbu to poles, giving the appearance of a taro orchard and helping them to blend in with the natural surroundings.
After three years of fighting, Nyi Ageng Serang decided to cease her active involvement in the conflict, though her son-in-law, Raden Mas Pak-pak, continued to fight. Despite her opposition to the Dutch, starting from 1833, they recognized her contributions and provided her with a monthly annuity of 100 gulden.
Nyi Ageng Serang passed away in Yogyakarta in 1838, and her remains were laid to rest in Beku, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. She was posthumously honored with the title of National Heroine of Indonesia through Presidential Decree number 084/TK/1974 on 13 December 1974. This recognition was a testament to her bravery, leadership, and dedication to Indonesia’s independence struggle.
Awards:
– National Heroine of Indonesia (1974)