The Legend of Hj. Mardiyah: The Footprints of the Tegal Merchant’s Glory

Thekabarnews.com – People from Tegal and Brebes often say “Dunyane Mardiyah” when they talk to each other. The legend of Hj. Mardiyah deeply connects to this phrase. For older people, this saying is not merely a joke; it is a sign of the luxury that used to be true.

The story is about Hj. Mardiyah, a wonderful woman from Bandasari Village in the Dukuhturi District of Tegal Regency. People knew her as the richest woman in Tegal at the time, further fueling the legend of Hj. Mardiyah.

The Beginning of a Legend

Hj. Mardiyah was born about 1908. She is a wonderful example of a strong woman who was able to run the economy at a time when women could not move around much. She constantly stands out since she is small, has a brown complexion, and looks humble. Gold jewelry—necklaces, bracelets, and rings—was always on her body. It was not only a statement of wealth; it was a part of who she was, perpetuating the legend.

People recognize him for being kind and transparent. His big mansion in Bandasari Village is almost always full. Anyone can come in via the door. In the 1970s, it was a common stop for artists from the capital who were performing in Tegal and the neighboring districts, contributing to the legend of Hj. Mardiyah.

At that time, Hj. Mardiyah possessed genuinely unmatched riches. He had hotel assets that went all the way to Mecca, special ships for bringing Hajj pilgrims, and a string of gold shops and important properties in the city center. The Legend of Hj. Mardiyah built her legacy on unmatched wealth.

But time kept putting that glory to the test, just like the wheel of life never stops revolving. In truth, the end of his life was full of deep emotional scars. His only son lived a life of luxury, but his family fell apart when his husband, Sidiq, married a lady named Fatma. This occurrence caused Hj. Mardiyah a great deal of emotional distress, so she separated from her siblings for a while, and The Legend of Hj. Mardiyah continued.

The Legend’s Death

The once-great fortune gradually faded as a result of family problems and disagreements. Finally, Hj. Mardiyah got sick and died. They buried him peacefully in Kemasanijo Cemetery, close to the house that once stood as a silent testament to the greatness of his life—a lasting tribute to the Legend of Hj. Mardiyah, even in death.

H. Waluyo now owns the magnificent home in Bandasari. Owners have split the big home south of the Pagongan cinema, which is one of the most iconic buildings in the area, into many portions. One of them is a structure that used to be Sinar Cantik Gold Shop and is now Kresno Gold Shop in front of Pagongan Market, marking remnants of the Legend of Hj. Mardiyah.

The merchant has been dead for a long time, yet his legacy lives on. People believe that the great-grandson of one of Elizabeth’s siblings still keeps some of her most costly antiques, including her diamond ring and the gold bracelet set with diamonds. This famous piece of jewelry is still a collector’s item today, as if it keeps the narrative of Hj. Mardiyah’s greatness alive, perpetuating the legend of Hj. Mardiyah.

The Legend of Hj. Mardiyah tells a story of wealth, kindness, inner scars, and fate that generations have passed down, becoming an enduring idiom for hundreds of years after his death.