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TIMESINDONESIA, MALANG – The Watugede historical site in Singosari, Malang Regency, East Java, is becoming a choice destination for visitors seeking tranquility while engaging with history and governance. The site offers a serene atmosphere, rich cultural value, and easy access with no admission fee.
Located in Watugede Village, the petirtaan, or ancient bathing pools, are situated just 200 meters from the Singosari Train Station. University students from across Malang frequently visit the site for reflection, discussion, and historical documentation.
Firman Ardian Yuliansah, a Governance Studies student from the University of Muhammadiyah Malang, stated that Watugede is a relevant location for outdoor learning. In addition to its historical significance, the site reflects cultural preservation practices that are an integral part of government functions.
"Preserving sites like Watugede is part of the state's function. Students can learn about preservation policies, water conservation, and community participation," Firman said on Tuesday (22/7/2025).
Government Science student, Firman Ardian Yuliansah, prays and meditates in the area of the Watugede Water Temple (Petirtaan Watugede), Singosari, Malang, (July 22, 2025). (PHOTO: Ardana Pramayoga/TIMES Indonesia)
Watugede serves as an open space often used by Malang residents seeking peace and quiet. Surrounded by large trees, the sounds of insects, and the gentle murmur of natural spring water, the site presents a natural ambiance conducive to both relaxation and education.
According to Firman, "healing" does not always have to be associated with entertainment venues. Instead, a place rich in history like Watugede can offer calmness while providing insight into the preservation of local culture.
Activities such as reading, engaging in discussions, and creating academic documentation are well-suited for this location. Furthermore, Watugede is ideal for community service projects, interdisciplinary research, and developing campus programs based on local wisdom.
From a Governance Studies perspective, the Watugede site is a practical example of cultural heritage management involving the government, the community, and educational institutions. This potential could be harnessed to develop it into a history-based educational tourism destination.
Firman proposed a collaboration between the local government, universities, and communities to create educational tours and actively involve students. He also noted that Watugede is an ideal living laboratory for conservation and for understanding public policy in the field of cultural preservation.
"Students can directly understand how the preservation process is carried out, not just from textbooks, but through real observation in the field," Firman added.
A Glimpse into History
Petirtaan Watugede is an ancient bathing complex with water as its central element. The site features pools fed by a natural spring located under a Loa or Fig tree (Ficus carica) on its eastern side.
The structure is divided into two parts. The northern section is a rectangular pool measuring 22.5 by 18 meters, equipped with stairs on its western side and constructed from red bricks measuring 35 x 24 x 7 cm. The second structure lies to the south.
Water flows from the spring through special conduits (jaladwara) into the main pool. Architecturally, the site is located about 9 meters below ground level, with the main structure covering 112.5 square meters on a total land area of 2,516 square meters.
Based on its decorative style and construction techniques, the bathing site is estimated to date back to the 14th century, during the Majapahit Kingdom era. Petirtaan Watugede was discovered in 1925 and was later restored by the Dutch East Indies Antiquities Service in 1931.
TIMES Indonesia journalist lights incense in the worshipping area of the Watugede Water Temple (Petirtaan Watugede), Singosari, Malang Regency. This site serves as an educational visit location for students. (PHOTO: TIMES Indonesia)
Today, the site is officially designated as a National Cultural Heritage Site under Ministerial Decree No. PM.56.PW.007/MKP/2010.
More than just a relic of royal architecture, Petirtaan Watugede serves as an educational and reflective space for today's students. Its use demonstrates that cultural preservation can align with the needs of the younger generation for both healing and contextual learning, underscoring the importance of synergy between the government, academia, and the community in safeguarding historical identity through relevant and sustainable approaches. (*)
| Pewarta | : Ardana Pramayoga (MG) |
| Editor | : Wahyu Nurdiyanto |