Cirebon historical tourism 
Sunyaragi Cave is a historical heritage in Cirebon that exists until today. Derived from the words “Sunya” which means “Silence” and “Ragi” which means “Body”. In the past, Sunyaragi Cave was use by the sultanate family. To calm themselves and their minds from the hustle and bustle of life. Apart from that, it is also often use by the sultan’s sons and daughters to play and study.
Currently, the historical remains of Sunyaragi Cave are use as a tourist attraction. Many people visit Sunyaragi Cave not only for recreation. But also to learn and find out the history of Sunyaragi Cave. One of the unique places in Cirebon, because the prefecture made not using bricks like ordinary buildings. But it is from coral from the south beach of Jogjakarta. Which is construct together by beach sand or crush rocks which is as know as Atras.
Behind the uniqueness and attraction presented by Sunyaragi Cave. There are several myths that develop in society. Regarding places and objects in them. Because after all, Sunyaragi Cave was build in ancient times, namely around 1596. At that time, people still believed in mystical and magical things.
One of the famous ones is Sunti Virgin Statue. There are many dark stories and myths behind this statue. In the past, located in one of the areas inside Sunyaragi Cave. Which is right in front of the entrance to “Goa Peteng” which will lead to “Goa Simanyang” which is located at the highest part of Sunyaragi Cave which used to function as a guard post. But now moving to a safer place.
The Virgin Sunti statue resembles a female figure sitting half-legged, with gray mixed with white. Allegedly a relic from the 17th century. According to the management of Sunyaragi Cave, the statue of the Virgin Sunti is thought to have exist since the 17th century or dates back to 1604.
Made from whole stone (stone stump) carved in detail, with an open mouth. The statue of the Virgin Sunti is also embed in the Sunyaragi Cave, and is the oldest statue in the Cirebon area, West Java.
Until now, the statue of the Virgin Sunti still holds a myth that has believe by the people of Cirebon for generations. The myth is that a virgin or single woman is not allow to touch the statue. Because it will be difficult to find a mate.
“So if this statue of the Virgin Sunti is touch by a woman who is still a girl or a virgin or who is unmarry, it will be keep away from her soul mate,” according to explanation the Tour Guide, Aghi.
The dark story of the Virgin Sunti statue;
That the Virgin Sunti statue depicts the figure of a woman in ancient times who had to experience pregnancy. Even though she was not marry. The figure then gave birth to a child, without knowing who the father was, and of course with God’s permission. Currently the statue is store in a special room, and not in the front area as before.
This statue implicitly carries a special message that if women have children, their origins must be clear. This is a message from parents in ancient royal families to their children who were getting married.
“In the past, this carried the message that the child who is born must have clear origins. Who the father is and so on,” explained Aghi. The manager add that the statue of the Virgin Sunti is relate by two versions of a story that has been legendary for generations.
This statue depicts a figure of Chinese descent in Cirebon, Princess Ong Tien who is mysteriously pregnant. This can see it from the shape of his face, with narrow eyes. Second, this statue depicts the figure of the first daughter of the Sultan of Cirebon who was unmarry until the end of her life. The woman focus on studying religious knowledge, so she forgot about her nature as a woman who must marry and have children.
Written by : Ririn Herdiani
