Malang, en.SERU.co.id – Malang Mayor Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, MM, has officially launched Jelajah Kuburan Londo Malang (Exploration of Malang’s Dutch Cemetery) Volume 2. He acknowledged that the book, written by a dedicated local history activist, lifts the veil on the dynamic social and cultural history that has unfolded across the 112-year lifespan of Malang City.
The Mayor explained that the book goes far beyond simply recounting the past. It opens new windows into how social, cultural, and demographic forces have shaped the identity of Malang today.
“This book offers a fresh perspective that cemeteries are not merely final resting places, but spaces that record the historical journey of our society,” Wahyu declared on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
He added that the well-preserved colonial graves stand as living proof of the city’s historical path. Through them, residents can better understand the interactions between ethnic groups and the social structures that evolved during that period.
“Efforts like the documentation and research presented in this book make an important contribution to preserving local heritage. I hope this book becomes a source of knowledge, a reference, and an inspiration for the younger generation,” he said.
Echoing the Mayor’s sentiments, Acting Head of Malang City’s Environmental Agency (DLH), Drs. Gamaliel Raymond Hatigoran Matondang, MAP, described the book as a treasure trove of intergenerational stories. Its focus is on the rich history of Sukun Cemetery, spanning the Dutch colonial era, the Japanese occupation, and the period of Indonesian independence.
“This book proves that cemeteries possess high educational value and can greatly enrich local historical knowledge. Many historical gems that were previously unknown to the public are now beautifully documented within its pages,” he stated.
Author of the Kuburan Londo Trilogy Volume 2, Hariani, shared that her work was born from a deep personal fascination with Malang’s history. Her experience as administrative staff at the Public Cemetery Management Unit of Malang City’s DLH gave her unique insight into the many untold stories waiting to be discovered.
“Many people think of cemeteries as frightening places. In reality, they hold grand narratives—from symbols and architecture to the life stories of the people buried there,” she explained.
In this second volume, she delves deeper into significant historical events and key figures, including traces of the Freemasons, the Geger Mergosono tragedy, the Petrus incident, and the contributions of both Chinese and native figures to the development of Malang City.
“Beyond serving as historical documentation, this book is also hoped to support cultural preservation efforts—especially now that the gate of Sukun Cemetery has been designated as a cultural heritage building,” she concluded. (bas/rhd)
