As we wander through the northern coastal areas of Java Island, we encounter various unique cultures of the Northern Coast (Pantura), one of which happens to be Pati Regency in Central Java. Pati is renowned for being known as the “City of Thousand Shamans”. From this nickname, many unique aspects have emerged, ranging from ketoprak (a typical Pantura culture similar to wayang wong), traditional dances like tayub and dangdut koplo, to the uniqueness of its people.
Accompanying Pati’s developmental history is the tale of a figure known as Saridin or Syekh Jangkung. The story of this figure, also mentioned in the Babad Tanah Jawa, dates back to the 16th century. There are many intriguing aspects to delve into regarding Saridin’s story.
According to the narratives of Tutur Tinular, Saridin is mentioned as the son of one of the Wali Songo, namely Sunan Muria (from his wife, Dewi Samaran). Thus, his life is within the same scope as the famous saints of Java. However, Saridin had a different position at that time. He could be categorized as a “marginal saint”, whose supernatural abilities surpassed the normal reasoning of the saints of that era: living against the current and beyond the norms.
Legend has it that when Saridin was still a toddler, he was thrown into a river (this event marked the beginning of his unconventional habits), raising skepticism about whether Saridin was truly the offspring of Sunan Muria and Dewi Samaran. Although the credibility of this data needs further clarification, this prelude has become a popular motif in the ketoprak stories of the Pati region.
Despite the relative truthfulness of these stories, along a long journey, a figure named Branjung from Miyono Village emerged, who saved and raised baby Saridin until he grew up, considering him as a brother. Adult Saridin was thirsty for knowledge, leading him to a life of adventure. Saridin eventually met his true mentor, Syeh Malaya, who was none other than Sunan Kalijaga. Returning to Miyono, Saridin married a woman known in the community as ‘Mbok’e Momok’ (Mother of Momok), as they had a son named Momok.