Exploring the Pilgrimage Site in Jurumudi, Tangerang

A sacred grave in Jurumudi Village, Tangerang City, continues to attract pilgrims from various regions. In the past, this site was a frequent destination for young people.

These pilgrimage activities by the youth significantly influenced the naming of the area. The name Jurumudi was derived not only from the occupation of many local residents as drivers but also from the pilgrimage activities of the youth at that time.

Observations on Friday (4/9/2026) afternoon showed that the sacred grave, located in RW 05, Jurumudi Village, Benda District, Tangerang City, appeared quiet. A green building containing three unnamed graves was visible.

Outside the building, there are dozens of other graves. The atmosphere was peaceful, with no active pilgrims present.

Edi, a local resident living near the cemetery, mentioned that the green building houses the grave of Datho. He admitted he does not know the identity or origin of the figure known as Datho.

“Regarding Mr Dhato’s grave, according to the elders, no one knew where he came from or who he was. Suddenly, there was a grave there,” Edi said when interviewed at the location.

Edi noted that at certain times, people frequently visit the site, and the graves are maintained. “Most of the pilgrims are from outside the area. However, someone often comes to sweep the interior on Fridays,” he added.

Based on stories passed down from his parents, Datho was a landowner. “They say he was a landowner, perhaps the wealthiest person. We don’t know where he came from, but his grave is here. Previously, the site was managed by Haji Romli, who also did not know Datho,” he explained.

He noted that currently, most pilgrims are elderly, arriving from various regions. “The youth are rarely seen; most are outsiders. There are elderly people who hold ‘tahlilan’ (prayer sessions) at night. I remember three sessions held at 1 am. Some came from Koang or Marga. I once met someone from Bandung who arrived by car,” Edi said.

Despite this, he has occasionally seen young people attending prayer sessions. He noted that most visitors originate from outside Jurumudi.

As background, Jurumudi Village in Tangerang City possesses a unique history. The name Jurumudi was not taken from a specific local figure or cleric. Instead, it relates to pilgrimage activities and the historical occupation of the local community as drivers.

Marsudin, a staff member of the Jurumudi Village Governance Department, shared the origins of the name. He stated that the area was originally called ‘Jaramudi’ because many young people frequently visited the local burial site.

“Originally, it wasn’t Jurumudi; it was called Jaramudi because there was a grave in RW 05 visited by many youths. It was called Jaramudi because of the pilgrimage site and the presence of young people,” Marsudin said when interviewed at the Jurumudi Village Office, Benda, Tangerang City, on Friday (4/9/2026).

Over time, sand excavation activities increased in the area. During that period, the majority of the community worked as drivers for sand excavation and public transport.

“Eventually, due to the many sand excavations and the presence of trucks and Isuzu vehicles, the name changed to Jurumudi. I am not sure of the exact year, but my grandfather lived in Jurumudi, so I often ask about these stories,” he said.

The name transitioned from Jaramudi to Jurumudi because of the high number of drivers and the logistics involved in transporting excavated sand.

Jurumudi was officially established as a village following the issuance of Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 16 of the year 2000. Jurumudi Village is part of the Benda District, having been split from the Batuceper District.