On the slopes of Mount Wilis, specifically in Ngliman Village, Nganjuk Regency, there is a unique tradition that is still preserved to this day. A total of 18 children in the village are known as Gombak Kuncung children, an identity attached to them since birth through a physical trait in the form of a natural hair lock on the crown of their heads.
The Customary Chief of Ngliman Village, Mbah Tulus, explained that this phenomenon is closely tied to the history of Kiai Ageng Ngaliman. According to local belief, the hair lock is a manifestation of the presence of the Kiai Bondan and Kiai Bethik heirlooms guarded by the village ancestors. The term Gombak refers to boys, while Kuncung is for girls.
One family living this tradition is the couple Lunari and Sunarti. Their twin children, Aska and Asmi, have maintained their hair locks for seven years. Sunarti shared that the hair cannot be cut carelessly. The cutting process must undergo a series of complex traditional rituals, often requiring preparation in terms of time and cost.
Despite having a noticeable physical difference, Gombak Kuncung children still live lives like children in general. They attend school, study the Quran, and play normally in the village environment. For the local community, the status of a Gombak Kuncung child is not considered a burden, but rather an honor, as they are seen as children chosen by the ancestors who must be cared for with great responsibility.
