Around 7,000 pilgrims belonging to the Sewulan dhikr community in Madiun Regency undertook a spiritual journey to the peak of Mount Gombak, Nglarangan Village, Ponorogo Regency, on Sunday (12/7/2026). This annual routine activity, coinciding with the month of Muharram, is held to commemorate the services and emulate the noble virtues of Eyang Brotonegoro, the first regent of Ponorogo as well as a freedom fighter figure.
The pilgrims, who came from various regions across East Java, traveled long distances in a spirit of togetherness. Besides serving as an opportunity to offer prayers for their own safety and that of their families, this tradition is seen as a space to strengthen social bonds among fellow citizens, which has become increasingly rare amidst the busyness of modern society.
The congregation's leader, KH Afif Nizam, explained that this tradition fulfills a message from the late KH Makruf Nawawi. Trekking to the mountain peak is not merely a physical journey, but an exercise in patience and a means for pilgrims to subdue their egos, reflecting the figure of Eyang Brotonegoro, who was known to be deeply egalitarian and close to the people during his lifetime.
More than just a pilgrimage ritual, this moment was used by the pilgrims to pray for peace in the Indonesian nation. They hope that the country will always be granted tranquility and that its leaders will be given open hearts to continue serving the people with wisdom.
