Kediri history

The history of the city of Kediri is inextricably linked to one of the most influential medieval states on the island of Java — the Kingdom of Kediri (also known as Panjalu), which flourished from 1042 to 1222. The modern city is considered the successor to the ancient capital of Dahanapura, the centre of a powerful Javanese civilization.

Foundation and First Mentions

The emergence of Kediri was the result of a political decision by ruler Airlangga. In 1042 (or 1045), to avoid a struggle for the throne between his two sons, he divided his kingdom of Kahuripan into two parts: Janggala in the east and Panjalu (Kediri) in the west. The city of Daha (Dahanapura), located in the vicinity of modern-day Kediri, became the capital of Panjalu. Although the official founding date of the city is considered to be 27 July 879, its true flourishing began specifically with the era of the eponymous kingdom.

Key Factors of Formation

Several key factors contributed to the development of the city and the kingdom:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated on the banks of the Brantas River, the most important waterway of East Java. This ensured fertile land for agriculture and created convenient trade routes.
• Political Power: After a period of internal conflicts with neighbouring Janggala, by the beginning of the 12th century, Kediri had united significant territories under its rule, becoming the dominant force in the region.
• Trade: The Kingdom of Kediri controlled maritime routes to the Maluku Islands, known as the "Spice Islands," and conducted active trade with China and India. This brought the state significant wealth and influence.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The era of the Kingdom of Kediri is considered the golden age of Javanese classical literature. It was during this period that famous works such as the "Bharatayuddha" by Mpu Sedah and "Ghatotkachasraya" by Mpu Panuluh were created, inspired by Hindu epics. The economy was partially monetized, with the royal court issuing silver coins. Chinese chronicles of that time describe Kediri as a wealthy and powerful state where Hinduism and Buddhism flourished.

Chronology of Kediri's History

The history of Kediri is a kaleidoscope of ups and downs, from a powerful medieval kingdom to an important industrial centre of modern Indonesia. Below are the key milestones that shaped the city's identity.

• 879 — The official founding date of the city, enshrined in local historical documents, although its true flourishing began later.
• 1042 — King Airlangga divides his kingdom of Kahuripan into two parts, resulting in the formation of the Kingdom of Kediri (Panjalu) in the west with its capital in the city of Daha.
• 1135 — Under the rule of King Jayabhaya, Kediri defeats the neighbouring state of Janggala and unites a significant part of East Java under its authority.
• 12th Century — The "Golden Age" of Kediri: the kingdom reaches the peak of its power, controlling the spice trade and developing Javanese classical literature.
• 1222 — Defeat in the Battle of Ganter by Ken Arok, ruler of Singhasari, leading to the fall of the Kingdom of Kediri and its incorporation into the new state of Singhasari.
• 13th-16th Centuries — The territory of the former kingdom becomes part of the Singhasari Empire, and subsequently, the powerful Majapahit Empire.
• 1678 — The Dutch East India Company (VOC), together with the Mataram Sultanate, captures Kediri during the suppression of the Trunajaya rebellion, marking the beginning of colonial influence in the region.
• 19th Century — The Dutch actively develop the sugar industry in the region, and Kediri becomes one of the largest sugar production centres in Java.
• 1906 — Kediri receives the status of a municipality (gemeente) within the colonial administration of the Dutch East Indies.
• 1945–1949 — The city becomes an arena of struggle during the Indonesian War of Independence, actively participating in resistance against Dutch troops.
• 1958 — Foundation of the cigarette company Gudang Garam, which eventually transforms into one of the largest employers in Indonesia and plays a key role in the economy of modern Kediri.

Key Milestones in Kediri's Development

Kediri's history is a journey from the capital of a mighty kingdom to a modern industrial centre. The key stages of this development have shaped the economic, cultural, and urban appearance of the city.

The Rise of the Kingdom of Kediri (12th Century)

In the 12th century, the city, then known as Daha, was the capital of the Kingdom of Kediri and experienced its "golden age." This period was marked not only by political hegemony in East Java but also by a cultural revival. Outstanding works of classical Javanese literature were created, such as the poem "Bharatayuddha." The economy flourished due to control over the spice trade with the Maluku Islands, making Kediri one of the wealthiest states in the region.

Dutch Colonial Era (19th Century)

With the arrival of the Dutch in the 19th century, the city's economic vector changed radically. Kediri was transformed into one of the largest centres of the sugar industry in Java. The Dutch administration built plantations and factories, which led to significant urban changes and laid the foundations for the industrial development of the region.

Obtaining Municipality Status (1906)

In 1906, Kediri received the status of a municipality (gemeente) within the Dutch colonial system. This event became an important urban planning milestone, formalizing its administrative boundaries and cementing its status as an important regional centre, which contributed to the further ordering of urban development and infrastructure.

Foundation of Gudang Garam (1958)

Perhaps the most important event in the modern history of Kediri was the founding of the tobacco company Gudang Garam in 1958. This enterprise grew into one of the largest manufacturers of kretek cigarettes in the world and the main employer in the city. The company has had a huge impact on the economy, turning Kediri into a major industrial hub and providing jobs for tens of thousands of residents.

Modern Infrastructural Development

In recent years, the city is undergoing a new stage of development related to infrastructure modernization. A key project has been the construction of the Dhoho International Airport, which is designed to improve transport accessibility in the region and stimulate economic growth. The opening of the airport creates new opportunities for tourism, logistics, and business, marking a new era in Kediri's development.

The architectural appearance of Kediri is a multi-layered canvas where ancient Javanese traditions intertwine with European colonial heritage and modern trends. Each historical period has left its unique mark on the city, forming its eclectic look that is interesting for travellers.

Ancient Javanese Period (10th–13th Centuries)

Although structures from the time of the Kingdom of Kediri itself have hardly survived to this day, its architectural traditions can be traced in temples (known as candi) built in the vicinity during the later Majapahit Empire era. These structures are heirs to the engineering and artistic mastery of that epoch. They are characterized by the following features:

• Materials: Andesite was mainly used — a volcanic stone that was carefully processed and fitted.
• Style: Unlike the massive temples of Central Java (such as Borobudur), East Javanese architecture is distinguished by more slender and upward-reaching forms.
• Decor: The temples are richly decorated with relief panels depicting scenes from Hindu epics, such as the "Ramayana" and "Mahabharata," but in a unique Javanese style reminiscent of the wayang shadow theatre. Examples include Candi Surowono and Candi Tegowangi, located near modern-day Kediri.

Colonial Era (18th–20th Centuries)

With the arrival of the Dutch and the development of the sugar industry in the 19th century, the city began to be actively built up with buildings in a European style adapted to the tropical climate. This period left behind many elegant structures.

• "Indies" Style (Indische Empire Style): Early colonial architecture was an adaptation of European neoclassicism. Buildings are characterized by high ceilings, large windows and doors for ventilation, wide verandas, and massive white columns.
• Art Deco and Modernism: In the early 20th century, buildings in the Art Deco style with its geometric shapes and ornaments began to appear in Kediri, as across all of Indonesia. Examples of colonial development can still be seen in the city centre — these are former administrative buildings, banks, and residential houses.
• Iconic Structure: The Catholic Church of Saint Vincent (Gereja Katolik Santo Vincentius) is a vivid example of European sacred architecture of that time. Another unique object is the Puhsarang Church (Gereja Puhsarang), built in the 1930s using local materials and elements of Javanese architecture, making it an outstanding example of cultural synthesis.

Modern Architecture (from 1945 to present)

After gaining independence, Kediri's architecture began to reflect national identity and economic development. In the city, one can find both functional buildings from the mid-20th century and impressive modern projects.

• Religious Structures: The city is adorned by the majestic An-Nur Great Mosque, designed in a modern Islamic style, and the colourful Chinese temple Tjio Hwie Kiong, testifying to the city's multiculturalism.
• Corporate Architecture: The Gudang Garam company has had a huge influence on the city's appearance. Its large-scale production complexes and office buildings are an important part of the modern urban landscape.
• Latest Development: The symbol of Kediri's entry into a new era is the Dhoho International Airport — an ultra-modern infrastructure facility that sets the vector for the future urban development of the region.

Notable People Connected to Kediri

The history of Kediri is rich with the names of rulers, thinkers, and figures who left their mark not only on the fate of the city but also on all of Indonesia. Below are some of the key figures associated with this iconic place.

Ancient and Medieval Periods

• King Jayabhaya (12th Century)

  Ruler and prophet. A legendary monarch during whose reign the Kingdom of Kediri reached its peak of power, uniting the lands of East Java under its rule. Jayabhaya went down in history not only as a successful conqueror but also as a patron of the arts and the author of famous prophecies that are still revered in Javanese culture.

• Mpu Sedah and Mpu Panuluh (12th Century)

  Court poets. These two masters of words created during the "golden age" of Kediri under King Jayabhaya. They are the authors of the epic poem "Bharatayuddha" — a Javanese adaptation of part of the Hindu epic "Mahabharata," which is considered one of the greatest works of classical Javanese literature.

• Ken Arok (13th Century)

  Founder of a dynasty. Although Ken Arok was not a ruler of Kediri, his name is inextricably linked to the end of this era. As the ruler of a neighbouring territory, he challenged Kediri's power and achieved victory in the Battle of Ganter in 1222, putting an end to the kingdom's existence and founding a new state — Singhasari.

20th and 21st Centuries

• Anthony Fokker (1890–1939)

  Aviation pioneer. One of the most famous aircraft designers in the world was born in Kediri into the family of a Dutch planter. Although he built his career in Europe and the USA, his name is forever inscribed in the city's history. The aircraft he created played a significant role in the early history of aviation.

• Surya Wonowidjojo (1923–1985)

  Industrialist and founder of Gudang Garam. This entrepreneur of Chinese descent founded the tobacco company Gudang Garam in 1958, which transformed into one of Indonesia's largest employers and made Kediri a prosperous industrial centre. His contribution to the modern economy of the city cannot be overestimated.

• Moeldoko (born 1957)

  Military and state figure. A native of Kediri, Moeldoko had a brilliant military career, rising to the rank of Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (2013–2015). Later, he took the position of Chief of Staff of the Presidency of Indonesia, becoming one of the country's most influential politicians.

• Ronald Susilo (born 1979)

  Athlete. Born in Kediri, Ronald Susilo became a famous badminton player who represented Singapore on the international stage, including the Olympic Games. He is an example of the sporting talents nurtured by the land of Kediri.