Semarang Proposes KH Sholeh Darat as National Hero, Field Verification Underway

The Semarang City Government has announced that the process of proposing the national hero title for KH Sholeh Darat as-Samarani has now entered the field verification stage, conducted by the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Central Title Research and Review Team (TP2GP). Semarang Mayor Agustina Wilujeng Pramestuti stated on Wednesday that for the people of Semarang, the name KH Sholeh Darat is not merely a historical footnote. “His nomination as a national hero is not solely to honour a figure, but more than that, it is an endeavour to present an exemplary model that provides direction for the journey of this nation’s struggle,” Agustina said. She noted that KH Sholeh Darat was instrumental in translating religious texts, including the Quran, into language easily understood by the public, allowing religious teachings to spread widely throughout Central Java. Agustina added that several of KH Sholeh Darat’s students, such as KH Ahmad Dahlan, KH Hasyim Asy’ari, and RA Kartini, later became known as national figures, and traces of his thinking are evident in the citations of their teacher’s name and works. The former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives expressed her commitment to overseeing all stages of the proposal, from document preparation and strengthening academic studies to the formation of the Regional Title Research and Review Team (TP2GD), which involves elements of the government, academics, historians, and community leaders. She stressed the importance of strengthening primary data sources and the narrative regarding KH Sholeh Darat’s contribution to building national consciousness in his era. The TP2GP team includes Abdul Muis, Expert Staff to the Minister of Social Affairs for Social Accessibility; Diponegoro University historian Prof Yety Rochwulaningsih; Adoniati Meyria Widaningtyas from the Central Java Social Service; and Muhamad Agus Taufiq, an heir of KH Sholeh Darat. The team was received directly by the Semarang City TP2GD, whose members include representatives from the local government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces and Police, academics, and historians from various universities in Semarang. The field verification is taking place from 14 to 16 July 2026, including meetings with the Semarang City TP2GD and visits to several historical sites and monumental facilities related to KH Sholeh Darat. Following this stage, the revision of the academic manuscript is targeted for completion between the end of July and 10 August 2026, before being forwarded for further discussion.