THE HISTORY OF THE DRUM PURWOREJO

      The history of the development of Islam in Purworejo District can not be separated with the Bedug Kyai Bagelen. The drum that most around the world so the history of the most important in the Province of Central Java, khususe the territory of eks Karesidenan Kedu, Drum Kyai Bagelen it is popular with the name of the Bedug Pendowo. The drum famous has something special compared to the drum. From its form alone, the Bedug Kyai Bagelen most around the world. the drum it's made to broadcast religion of Islam hereditary in Purworejo Regency of the 19th century. Bedug Kyai Bagelen is located in the Kauman Great Mosque, to the west of alun-alun Purworejo. The drum was almost two centuries from the reign of the Regent of Purworejo first, Raden Cokronegoro I. The history of the manufacture of the Bedug Kyai Bagelen can be connected with the history of the founding of the great mosque on the land endowments of approximately 70 x 80 m2 size 21 x 22 m2 plus gandok size ± 10 x 21 m2. According to historical records, so the end of the War Diponegoro (1825-1830), the Dutch Government raised the leader from among the natives to rule the Land region of Bagelen (Purworejo now). So Regent that time Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung Cokronegoro I and office of the patih (vice Regent) entrusted to Raden Cokrojoyo. At the time of Regent Clark the I the grand mosque started to be built. Based on the writings in the inscription affixed above the main door, its construction finished in Java 1762 or 1834 Ad. After the construction is finished, the Regent Cokronegoro I have an idea to equip it with a drum that should be made special so that it becomes a warning sign at a later date.
      The sister of the Regent, Mas Tumenggung Prawironegoro Wedana Bragolan suggested that the material the drum is made from the base (bongkot) Teak trees. Teak tree was actually taken from Hamlet Pendowo, Kecamatan Purwodadi, Kabupaten Purworejo. From the oral stories handed down, the teak tree found in the Hamlet of Pendowo has aged hundreds of years with a large size-large, there is even a branched five. In science teaching, tree-teak tree large branched five so-called Pendowo contain the nature of the mighty and authoritative. The manufacture of the Drum known as Bedug Kyai Bagelen (Drum Pendhawa) is estimated on the java 1762 or 1834 ad simultaneously with the completion of the erection of the building of the Great Mosque.
     Displacement There are new problems when the drum is finished, the transfer from the Hamlet Pendowo (Jenar) to the City of Purworejo, a distance of about 9 KM with the road conditions that are very difficult to pass. Regent Cokronegoro I on the proposal of his younger brother Raden Tumenggung Prawironegoro lift Kyai Haji Muhammad Ershad, who served as The (Lebai/Naib) in the village of Solotiyang, Kecamatan Loano to project lead the transfer of Bedug Kyai Bagelen. Moving is carried out by workers who picked him up for a rollicking accompaniment of the sound of a gamelan complete with dancers of tayub were waiting on every post stop. Finally after going through a long journey and tiring, Drum Kyai Bagelen arrive at Masjid Agung Purworejo Regency.The drum that originally covered the material from the skin of the bull. However, after 102 years later (3 may 1936) the skin of the drum part of the rear damage so it is replaced with cow leather ongale (bengal) and cow pemacek derived from the Village of Winong, Subdistrict of Kemiri Purworejo Regency.
      In part to install a large gong which serves to increase the vibration and sound (anggreng). Now, Drum kyai Bagelen laid in the porch of the mosque. If You want to hear his voice, come at the time of ' Asr, Maghrib, Isha, Fajr and ahead of Friday prayers. In addition, at any time before the prayer Circumcision Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, event-event or event-religious event of Islam and commemorate the seconds Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, Drum Kyai Bagelen always sounded to give the sign and tribute.