Museum Jenang Mubarok

KUDUS – After exploring various tourist destinations, travelers typically conclude their visit with a familiar ritual: buying souvenirs. In Kudus, that choice almost always leads to *jenang*, a sweet delicacy that has long defined the city's cultural identity.

However, a unique experience awaits visitors at the Jenang and Gusjigang Museum, located within the Mubarokfood Cipta Delicia complex at Jalan Sunan Muria No. 33A, Kudus. Opened on May 24, 2017, as part of the Mubarok Business and Cultural Center (MSBB) and managed by CV Mubarokfood Cipta Delicia, the museum is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. WITA, with an admission fee of Rp15,000 per person. More than just a souvenir shop, this museum invites visitors to trace the historical roots of *jenang*, explore the *Gusjigang* philosophy, and learn about the cultural evolution and life of the Kudus community passed down through generations.

The museum, established on May 24, 2017, as part of the Mubarok Business and Cultural Center (MSBB), is managed by CV Mubarokfood Cipta Delicia. It serves as an educational space that weaves together the history of *jenang*, the development of Kudus City, and the *Gusjigang* philosophy into a cohesive narrative. Intriguingly, the journey does not begin in the exhibition hall.

Visitors Welcomed by an Array of Kudus Specialties

Upon entering the building, visitors are greeted by a showroom filled with various local Kudus products. Glass shelves display a wide selection of *jenang*, ranging from traditional varieties to modern innovations like *jenang* brownies, *jenang* chocolate, and other assorted treats.

The atmosphere resembles a modern retail center. First-time visitors might easily assume the experience ends after selecting a few boxes of *jenang* to take home.

In reality, that space serves only as an introduction. The true experience begins as visitors ascend the stairs to the second floor. There, the Jenang and Gusjigang Museum unfolds a deeper narrative, demonstrating that *jenang* is more than just a typical local food—it is an integral part of the region's historical journey.

This concept was intentionally designed. The ground-floor showroom bridges the current consumer product with the upper-floor museum, which elucidates the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations behind it.

Ultimately, the act of buying souvenirs serves as a gateway to gaining a deeper understanding of Kudus.

A Museum That Summarizes the Cultural Journey of Kudus

The existence of this museum is inseparable from the long history of Jenang Mubarok. What began as a home industry in 1910 has evolved over more than a century. Upon reaching its centennial, the idea emerged to create a space that not only preserves the company's corporate history but also encapsulates the cultural journey of the Kudus community.

That vision was realized through the Museum Jenang and Gusjigang, which opened to the public in 2017. The museum documents not only the evolution of jenang over time but also provides comprehensive insights into the history of Islamisation, local culture, trade, and the development of Kudus city.

For Muhammad Fawwaz Daffa, the fourth-generation steward of Jenang Mubarokfood Cipta Delicia, the museum was never intended to be solely a culinary exhibition.

"The Museum Jenang and Gusjigang concept serves as both a representation and an acculturation of historical Kudus culture. It details the history of Jenang Kudus Mubarok, how Syekh Ja'far Shadiq or Sunan Kudus propagated Islam, and provides various literatures related to the culture and history of Islamisation in Kudus and its surroundings," Daffa stated.

This statement is vital to understanding the museum's purpose. While "Museum Jenang" is displayed on the building front, visitors soon discover that the museum is primarily crafting a narrative about the identity of Kudus.

Jenang and Gusjigang Are Inseparable

Visitors often ask why the museum combines jenang and Gusjigang into a single name.

The answer lies in their interconnection within Kudus society.

Gusjigang is a philosophy passed down by Sunan Kudus. "Gus" denotes good character, "Ji" signifies scriptural proficiency in religious studies, and "Gang" refers to entrepreneurial skill. These three values have served as guidelines that shape the character of the Kudus community to this day.

According to Daffa, Sunan Kudus taught that religious life cannot be separated from the spirit of labor and trade. These values grew alongside the city, which has long been established as a commercial hub.

It is within that context that jenang finds its place.

Jenang is more than just a local delicacy sold as a souvenir; it was born from the trading traditions of the Kudus community, evolving alongside the city's economic heartbeat to become a generational symbol of identity.

The museum weaves together the history of trade, the evolution of jenang, and the Gusjigang philosophy into a cohesive narrative. Visitors are offered more than just an introduction to a Kudus specialty—they gain an understanding of the values that birthed it.

Tracing the Faces of Kudus Through the Ages

The atmosphere shifts upon entering the next gallery, where various collections guide visitors through the long history of Kudus.

A miniature of the Kudus Tower greets visitors in one corner of the room. Nearby, a model of the Menara Kudus district provides a perspective on how this historic area has developed over time.

The tour continues to the Joglo Pencu house, a traditional dwelling that remains a hallmark of Kutub identity. Nearby, vintage photographs of Kudus illustrate the city's transformation, showcasing streets, architecture, and daily life from a bygone era.

The museum also displays a variety of traditional toys once common in the lives of Indonesian children. Their presence serves as a reminder that the passage of time changes not only technology but the very rhythms of daily life.

Elsewhere, visitors are frequently drawn to Kyai Jamhari’s Ship House. The ship-shaped design of the building commemorates the Hajj pilgrimages undertaken in an era when devotees endured months-long sea voyages to reach the Holy Land.

Nearby stands a replica of the Fokker aircraft belonging to the late Nitisemito, once used to distribute promotional pamphlets for Bal Tiga cigarettes. This collection highlights how the development of the kretek industry helped shape the economic history of Kudus.

While each piece in the collection tells its own story, viewed in sequence, they form a cohesive narrative of Kudus's cultural, commercial, religious, and social evolution over the centuries.

A Piece of Jenang Illustrates the Development of the Kudus Confectionery Industry

Among the various spaces chronicling the history of Kudus, jenang remains the heart of the museum's exhibition. It is not merely because the food is the city's most iconic souvenir, but because every piece of jenang embodies a story of hard work, perseverance, and the growth of an industry that evolved alongside its people.

The exhibit begins with a space showcasing the core ingredients of jenang. Sugar, flour, and coconut milk are displayed alongside traditional cooking stoves once used by the early generations of jenang makers. Conversely, modern production machinery illustrates how the manufacturing process has adapted to technological progress while preserving a flavor passed down through generations.

For visitors, this room explains that producing jenang is more than just combining ingredients into a confection. It is a laborious process that requires precision, physical stamina, and the patience inherent in every step of its creation.

"The first spot after the museum entrance displays the raw materials, cooking stoves, and modern machinery. From there, visitors can understand that creating delicious jenang is a truly extraordinary process," said Muhammad Fawwaz Daffa.

The transformation of the production process highlights the jenang industry’s ability to adapt to changing times. This evolution is evident not only in the adoption of modern equipment but also in refreshed packaging and expanded product lines. Nevertheless, the museum emphasizes that the core values remain intact, prioritizing the quality and flavor passed down through generations.

For the people of Kudus, jenang has transcended its status as a local delicacy to become an integral part of the city’s history and commercial development. It is little wonder that many visitors consider a trip to Kudus incomplete without purchasing jenang as a souvenir.

Fostering Tolerance Through the Trilogi Ukhuwah Room

The tour continues into a distinct space. While previous galleries focus on industrial history, the Trilogi Ukhuwah Room invites visitors to explore the foundational values of social harmony.

This room details three core forms of brotherhood: first, ukhuwah Islamiyah, solidarity among Muslims; second, ukhuwah wathaniyah, national unity among the diverse people of Indonesia; and third, ukhuwah basyariyah, universal human brotherhood that transcends ethnic, religious, and cultural divides.

Through this exhibit, the museum demonstrates that a city’s history is defined not just by architecture or artifacts, but by the living values inherent in its community that deserve to be preserved.

“The Trilogi Ukhuwah Room represents diversity within unity, manifesting the ideals of a greater Indonesia and shared humanity,” said Daffa.

This message of tolerance complements the Gusjigang philosophy introduced to visitors at the start—a code emphasizing good character, religious diligence, and hard work, all while championing mutual respect.

Balancing Worldly and Spiritual Life

A religious atmosphere greets visitors as they enter another section of the museum. This room houses an oversized copy of the Quran, verses inscribed on palm leaves, wood-carved scripture, and a display of the 99 Names of Allah as part of an educational exhibit.

This collection emphasizes that the philosophy of Gusjigang extends beyond commerce. The museum aims to demonstrate that worldly life and spiritual practice are complementary.

"We hope that visitors do not lose sight of their spiritual responsibilities while pursuing their worldly affairs," said Daffa.

This message remains consistent throughout the museum experience. From exhibits detailing trade and history to those highlighting culture, everything eventually leads back to the values that have shaped the lives of the people of Kudus.

Discovering Kudus Between Archery Matches

The museum attracts more than just history enthusiasts. In recent years, the growing number of national-scale events in Kudus has drawn new visitors who take the opportunity to explore the city through its museums.

This was evident when two young archers from Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, visited the Jenang and Gusjigang Museum while in town for an archery championship at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, Central Java.

Zaila Kuratul Ain Sarmadi and Rindu Ayunda Candra did not initially plan to visit the museum. After discovering it on YouTube and receiving a recommendation from a local ride-hailing driver, they decided to set aside time to explore it.

"It seemed interesting," Zaila said, explaining their initial motivation.

That expectation was met as they navigated through the exhibit halls.

"It was fun," both agreed when asked about their experience at the museum.

Of all the collections they viewed, the replicas of the Kaaba and a traditional shiphouse were particular highlights. However, they walked away with a profound experience that went well beyond just remembering their favorite exhibits.

Before arriving, their knowledge of jenang was strictly limited to its similarity to dodol. After reviewing information panels and observing the museum's collection, both visitors began to understand the history of the Menara Kudus, local cultural evolution, the Gusjigang philosophy, and numerous narratives they had never encountered previously.

What began as a trip to Kudus focused solely on tournament participation evolved into a more profound experience. Beyond the results of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, they departed with a comprehensive understanding of the host city.

A Museum of Living Narratives, Not Just Artifacts

According to Daffa, the Jenang and Gusjigang Museum currently hosts between 500 and 700 visitors monthly, predominantly student groups. Additionally, significant numbers of tourists from outside Java visit to explore the history and culture of Kudus.

The rise of national-scale events in Kudus has further broadened the visitor demographic. Many participants in sports championships, festivals, and other activities use their downtime to explore the city.

This reflects the core role of the Jenang and Gusjigang Museum. While the facility houses historical artifacts, its primary legacy is the transmission of stories—chronicling how a city is shaped by history, commerce, culture, and enduring values.

In Kudus, these narratives often begin with the simplest subjects. The journey into the city's identity truly commences not in the initial exhibit room, but with a short climb up the stairs above the jenang showroom. (OEB/mainkekudus)