This Tangerang Subdistrict Has a Unique Name: Bencongan

A number of areas in Indonesia are known for having unique names. One of them is in Tangerang Regency, namely Kelurahan Bencongan.

Kelurahan Bencongan is located in Kelapa Dua District. The area is known as one of the sites of the Perumnas public housing project during the New Order era. In addition, Bencongan is also known for a sacred grave that is frequently visited.

The name Bencongan itself has no connection whatsoever with the word ‘bencong’ found in the KBBI. The head of Kelurahan Bencongan, Bai Subiat, said the name Bencongan has various origins. One of them comes from the name of a figure from the past.

“Oh no, not at all, there is no connection. That’s why the people of Bencongan themselves, when outsiders respond to us mentioning that we come from Bencongan with a slightly mocking remark, like ‘bencong-bencong’, that is considered, well, a statement that could be described as derogatory to the residents of Bencongan themselves. So there is absolutely no connection with that word ‘bencong’,” said Bai at his office on Wednesday (5/8/2026).

He said the name Bencongan is often associated with a Chinese figure named Ben Cong An. He said this figure was known as a philanthropist.

“The closest one is that it was taken from someone of Chinese descent known here as Ki Ben Cong An, from Ben Cong An. He was, reportedly, a landowner back in the day. He was known for his kindness, often giving charity, meaning he was a philanthropist,” he said.

Bai said there are also those who say Bencongan comes from the word ‘Mencong’. Mencong itself is interpreted by local residents as a winding, twisting road.

“Yes, one source says that as well. From the word mencong, yes. That’s it,” he said.