The Theosophy of Sheikh Mutamakkin’s Rebellion (A Study On Yadispura’s Serat Cebolek (1729-1983)

The 18th century AD or the era of Mataram Kartosuro witnessed the history of the “controversy” of Sheikh Mutamakkin’s thoughts (herein after referred to as SM) in the Text of the Serat Cebolek. The SM controversy was caused by several things. First, he had the courage to reject the policies of the authorities regarding the “prohibition” of teaching Sufism to the common society. Second, SM theosophical teachings were considered to be deviating from the mainstream theosophy, such as the Naqshbandiyah, and it, therefore, is classified as the inkar al-sunnah group. Third, SM decided to become an “opposition” againts the authorities. This article argued that SM served indeed as a roleplayer who is able to break the deadlock over the relationship between the creatures and their creator, and between the people and their rulers. The concept of the SM’s theosophy has been able to provide the foundation of Sufism which is down to earth and shows the authorities the meaning of life. For him, religious teachings should not be interpreted as a politics-power, rather as a politics-strategy, a politics-culture, and a politics-humanity. Serat Cebolek seemed to discredit Sheikh Mutamakkin as a heretic and anti-ruler. In fact, the text illustrates the cultural strategy of Sheikh Mutamakkin in introducing divine values both to the authorities and to the people.