PERAN RADEN KH. MOCHAMMAD SA’ID DALAM PERJUANGAN MELAWAN KOLONIAL DI KABUPATEN JEMBER TAHUN 1940-1949

Abstract

The Role of Raden Kiai Mochammad Sa’id in His Struggle Against Colonial Powers in Jember Regency During the Period 1940–1949. The period of 1940–1949 was a critical and turbulent era in Indonesian history, marked by the Japanese occupation and the Dutch military aggression. This research focuses on two main questions: (1) What is the biography of Raden KH. Mochammad Sa’id? (2) What challenges did Raden KH. Mochammad Sa’id face during his struggle against colonial powers in Jember Regency between 1940 and 1949?. Based on these research questions, the objectives of this study are to explore the life history and family background of Kiai Sa’id, who came from a lineage of Indonesian patriots, and to identify the strategies he employed in resisting both Japanese and Dutch colonial rule. This study uses a qualitative approach with a historical method, including literature review, archival document analysis, and interviews with community leaders and descendants of Kiai Sa’id. The title “Raden” attached to his name is an honorary designation traditionally given to members of the aristocracy, as Kiai Sa’id is believed to be a descendant of the Sultanate of Demak. Raden Kiai Haji Mochammad Sa’id was not only renowned as a charismatic religious leader but also as a driving force behind both physical and non-physical resistance against colonial rule. Together with other ulama in Jember, he successfully mobilized students and the wider community to unite against colonial oppression through religious outreach and active participation in armed struggle. This research also highlights the strategies he adopted, the challenges he faced, and the significant impact of his leadership in defending Indonesia’s independence at the local level. The contribution of this study is expected to enrich the historical record of Indonesia’s independence struggle, particularly in the Jember region, and to provide deeper insight into the role of religious leaders in resisting colonialism.