Geger Dermodjojo: The Resistance of Nganjuk Farmers In 1907 Ad

Abstract

This study examines the Geger Dermodjojo incident, a peasant resistance movement that took place in Nganjuk in January 1907. The primary focus of this study is to analyze the figure of Kiai Dermodjojo, as well as the dynamics of collective behavior among rural communities in response to colonial pressure. The method used in this study is the historical research method, which consists of five stages: topic selection, heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. The results indicate that this resistance was rooted in social unrest stemming from conflicts within the social structure and the policies of the Dutch East Indies Colonial Government, which suppressed the economic, political, and cultural aspects of traditional society. Kiai Dermodjojo leveraged messianic fervor, particularly the belief in the coming of the Ratu Adil, to establish legitimacy and mobilize a mass following composed of traditional farmers. Although this resistance initially startled the colonial government and resulted in the deaths of several indigenous officials during the battle on January 29, 1907, the movement was ultimately defeated by colonial military forces on January 30, 1907. Kiai Dermodjojo’s death in that battle marked the end of the movement. This study concludes that the Geger Dermodjojo incident reflects the significant role of religion and local myths as tools of resistance, while also highlighting the limitations of unorganized traditional movement strategies in confronting colonial power.