The Story Behind 'Bencongan' as a Village Name

The sub-district of Bencongan in Kelapa Dua District, Tangerang Regency, Banten, has a unique name with an interesting history. The area is known for being a site for a national housing project, or Perumnas, during the New Order era, and also for a sacred tomb that is frequently visited.

The name Bencongan itself has no connection to the word ‘bencong’, as found in the Indonesian dictionary. Bai Subiat, the head of Bencongan, firmly denied any link. He explained that the name has various origins, one of which is linked to a historical figure. He noted that locals often face teasing when outsiders hear the name of their village, which they consider a form of harassment, as it has nothing to do with the term.

The most plausible origin, according to Bai, is that the name was taken from a person of Chinese descent known as Ki Ben Cong An. This figure was a prominent landowner in the past and was well-regarded by the community for his generosity and attention to the local people. Another theory suggests the name Bencongan is derived from the word ‘mencong’, which locals use to describe a winding or twisting road.