cirebon cultural tourism 
In Kebarepan Village, Plumbon District, Cirebon, there is an enterprise called Sandal Barepan. That works in the creative industry, arts, culture, and tourism sectors. Additionally, its market share has increased abroad. Actually, one of the symbols of Cirebon is Kebarepan Village. Which is set directly on the Pantura road and has its sandals. The local community’s economy has significantly grown due to skilled artisans who create sandals from recycled plastic and rubber in various colors.
History of Sandal Barepan
It was the 1950s that marked the beginning of the barepan sandal era. Their previous name, Ban Bodol, was more commonly shortened to Bandol sandals. The public, particularly the lower middle class, appears to have approved the sandals produced during this trend.
also read : Kanoman Market
In the 1980s, artisans in Tangerang Regency in Banten Province transformed used tires into sandals using rubber raw materials. Craftsmen can be more inventive when using raw rubber instead of other raw materials.
And by the 1990s, there were hundreds of artisans instead of only tens. There are hundreds of craftspeople, yet there isn’t much evidence of commercial rivalry. The artisans have their own clientele, and they even struggle to complete the orders that come in.
When the golden age came to an end in 1997–1998. Because they were too weak to withstand the effects of the financial crisis, over 60% of artisans failed. This industry was gradually abandoned, and a large number of capital owners filed for bankruptcy.
However, some artisans continue to work. Creativity is essential. The artisans attempt to give each pair of shoes they make a fresh look. An animated figure is made by one of them. One such service provided by artisans is affordable costs. Price-wise, they listed each pair at between IDR 10,000 and IDR 50,000. subject to the sandals’ size and design.
Written by Dini Faujiah Putri
