Cirebon historical tourism written by rindy kartika lapian
Keraton kasepuhan is a palace located in Kesepuhan sub-district, Lemahwungkuk, Cirebon. Keraton Kesepuhan, formerly known as Keraton Pakungwati, was once the center of government of the Cirebon Sultanate. Keraton Kesepuhan has two complexes: Keraton Dalem Agung Pakungwati, built in 1430 by Prince Chaklabana, and Keraton Pakungwati, built in 1529 by Prince Mas Zainul Arifin.
Prince Cakrabuana resides in Dalem Agung Pakungwati, Cirebon. Keraton Pakungwati is the former name of Keraton Kesepuhan. The term Pakungwati comes from the name of Queen Dewi Pakungwati bint Pangeran Cakrabuana who married Sunan Gunung Jati. He died in 1549 in the Great Mosque of Sang Cipta Rasa at a very old age. The lineage of Sunan Gunung Jati’s descendants maintains and keeps his name sacred with the name Pakungwati palace which is now usually called the Kasepuhan palace.
The Siti Hinggil building is the first building or the most advanced building when visitors enter the palace area. Inside the Siti Hinggil complex there are five buildings without walls, with the main building called Malang Semirang. This building has six pillars which symbolize the pillars of faith. However, overall, this building has twenty pillars which symbolize the attributes of God.
In 1677, internal conflict occurred in the Cirebon Sultanate due to disputes between families regarding royal succession. Therefore, Sultan Agen Tirtayasa decided to divide the Cirebon Sultanate into three parts: the Kanoman Sultanate, the Kasepuhan Sultanate, and the Panembahan Cirebon Sultanate.
Prince Kartawijaya, who was the leader of the Kanoman Sultanate, held the title of Sultan Anom I. Prince Martawijaya, who was the ruler of the Kasepuhan Sultanate, was renowned as Sultan Sephu I. Lastly, Prince Wangsakerta, who held the position of Panenbahan Cirebon. Since then, Sultan Sepu I lived in the Keraton Pakunwati, which later changed its name to the Keraton Kasepuhan.
Keraton Kesepuhan is one of the many historical sites of the Cirebon Sultanate. People know this place for its iconic square-shaped building which was once Sankara Buana Square. Soldiers used to train using this location in ancient times. On Saturdays, the place was bustling with military training activities.
