Bojong Pondok Terong

In 1703, Abraham van Riebeeck, a future Governor-General, embarked on an expedition. His journey to Pakuan, the capital of Pajajaran, took him through a route etched in history. It passed through Cililitan, Tanjung, Serengseng, Pondokcina, Depok, and notably, Pondok Terong. This very Bojong Pondok Terong we stand before today. Bojong Pondok Terong is more than just a name on a map. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history and culture. Located in the Cipayung district of Depok, it holds a significant place in the heart of Indonesia. Bojong Pondok Terong began as a fusion of several villages. Its name, a harmonious blend of “Kampung Bojong” and “Kampung Pondok Terong.” Kampung Bojong, in the north, cradles the ancient site where the Al-Ittihad Mosque now stands. Kampung Pondok Terong, to the south, safeguards the tomb of Raden Sungging. Raden Sungging, a courageous cleric who dared to defy Dutch authority. These two landmarks, the mosque and the tomb, whisper tales of the spread of Islam in Depok long ago. In 1840, a map revealed Kampung Pondok Terong alongside other notable settlements. Names like Tjitajam, Ratoe Djaja, Depok, Pondok Tjina, Mampang, and Sawangan emerged from the cartographer’s pen. The name “Pondok Terong” dimmed somewhat during the era of Governor-General Daendels. Much land was sold into private ownership, giving rise to numerous landowners. Depok itself became home to several private estates, including the land of Cornelis Chastelein. Other estates flourished in Pondok Cina, Mampang, Cinere, Cimanggis, Tapos, and Citayam. By 1901, Citayam overshadowed Pondok Terong, its prominence amplified by the construction of a railway station. Bojong Pondok Terong itself transitioned. Originally part of Bojong Gede district in Bogor Regency, it joined Depok in 1999. It became part of Pancoran Mas district. Later, in 2007, it found its current home within the newly formed Cipayung district. Bojong Pondok Terong, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the vibrancy of the present. It invites you to explore its rich heritage and uncover the captivating stories etched within its streets.