Gus and Kediri Figures Declare Yakuza Maneges Organisation, What Is It?

Several figures in Kediri, East Java, including Gus or sons of kiai, have founded a social and da’wah organisation named Yakuza Maneges. The group officially declared itself in Kediri, East Java, on Saturday (9/5).

The initiator and founder of Yakuza Maneges, Thuba Topo Broto Maneges or Den Gus Thuba, stated that the organisation was formed as a means of da’wah and spiritual guidance for those who wish to return to the right path.

The name Yakuza is actually associated with a criminal organisation in Japan. However, Gus Thuba adopts it with a very different philosophy in Yakuza Maneges.

“The Yakuza Maneges organisation is not merely a gathering place but a means of change and devotion. The Yakuza Maneges organisation carries a profound philosophy and meaning. Yakuza, which starts dirty, ends in eternal zuhud,” said Den Gus Thuba in his declaration speech, quoted on Monday (11/5).

Gus Thuba said that the organisation specifically accommodates individuals who feel lost or have fallen into sin but have a strong desire to improve themselves. In its movement, Yakuza Maneges carries a mission of humanity and social justice.

“Yakuza Maneges is a place for our brothers who are often called ‘santri jalur kiri’. They are the lost ones on the wrong path, even falling into grave sins. However, they still have the intention and determination to reform and return to the right path and become beneficial individuals for family and society,” he said.

Yakuza Maneges positions itself under the auspices of the Majelis Semaan Al-Qur’an and Dzikrul Ghofilin, founded by KH Hamim Jazuli (Gus Miek). This also reinforces the organisation’s ideological line, which focuses on a cultural and spiritual approach to marginal groups.

“It should be noted that the Yakuza Maneges organisation stands under the auspices of the Majelis Semaan Al-Qur’an and Dzikrul Ghofilin by KH Hamim Jazuli (Gus Miek). The core values I hold are to instil the spiritual values taught by the late Gus Miek in the past to marginal groups,” he said.

Gus Thuba, who is also the son of the late Gus Miek, assured that Yakuza Maneges is non-partisan and committed to supporting law enforcement in Indonesia. They are committed to helping the community facing legal or social issues.

“We also emphasise that Yakuza Maneges does not stand against the state but is present to support and work alongside law enforcement apparatus,” he stressed.

In addition to legal assistance, the organisation also positions itself as a moral guardian in society. Its grand vision is to be a defender of the weak and a punisher of all forms of deviation, including those occurring in the environment of officials or religious figures.

“The vision of Yakuza Maneges is to guard the weak, defend the right, and reform the wrong. Helping to monitor and address cases in society, officials, even to ulama who deviate,” said Den Gus Thuba.

The Mayor of Kediri, Vinanda Prameswati, who also attended the declaration, stated that not many people dare to use the name ‘Yakuza’, which is associated with a mafia group in Japan. However, according to her, Gus Thuba has given birth to Yakuza with a different meaning, namely bringing the spirit of da’wah.

Vinanda added that the da’wah path carried out by Gus Thuba is the legacy of the struggle of the late KH Hamim Djazuli or Gus Miek. A da’wah legacy born from the belief that anyone, including those considered farthest from goodness, still deserves to be embraced, not abandoned.

“Congratulations on the official declaration of the Central Yakuza Maneges Organisation and the Greater Kediri Region. May this step be a good beginning to continue contributing, maintaining togetherness, and bringing positive energy to Greater Kediri and Indonesia,” said Vinanda in her written statement.

Furthermore, this youngest mayor also conveyed the vision of the Kediri City Government to realise Kediri MAPAN City, namely advanced, religious, productive, safe, and enjoyable.

“To realise that, collaboration from various parties is needed. Therefore, the existence of Yakuza Maneges is seen as able to walk hand in hand with the government in building a MAPAN Kediri City,” she said.