Once Feared in Tanah Abang, Now a Pesantren Commander: Hercules' Spiritual Practices Revealed by Confidants and Clerics

Rosario Marshal, formerly known as Hercules, was once a feared gang leader who controlled the Tanah Abang area. The East Timor-born figure was said to command thousands of followers across the archipelago. He is now the General Chairman of the mass organisation GRIB Jaya and holds the position of Commander at a West Java Islamic boarding school. Many have been astonished by his transformation from a notorious gangster into a religious figure. Confidants and clerics have since revealed the spiritual practices he adopted after retiring from his life of crime. Hercules decided to embrace Islam of his own accord, a decision that surprised his wife, Nia Dania. She recounted that he asked to be registered as a Muslim convert just two days before Eid al-Fitr. He recited the Shahada at a mosque in Indramayu, West Java, and Nia confirmed he now holds a conversion certificate. Cleric Gus Miftah, who was once threatened by Hercules, has acknowledged his repentance and praised his dedication to building mosques. Gus Miftah also highlighted that Hercules routinely invites orphans to his home every Thursday and Friday to provide them with charity throughout the year.