Mobilization of the mass movement in the Java War by Diponegoro’s spiritual majesty: study of the Babad Kedung Kebo (BKK) manuscript
Cogent Arts and Humanities July 3, 2026 Muhammad Irfan Riyadi, Ahmad Choirul Rofiq
The Java War (1825–1830) is often explained by economic grievances, colonial exploitation, and elite political struggles, but the spiritual foundations of leadership that enabled sustained mass mobilization have been insufficiently theorized. This article addresses that gap by examining the spiritual leadership of Prince Diponegoro as represented in the Javanese chronicle Babad Kedung Kebo (BKK). Using Louis W. Fry's Spiritual Leadership Theory, the study identifies three dimensions—vision, hope/faith, and altruistic love—that generated collective spiritual well-being and reinforced commitment to resistance.