Cirebon historical tourism 
Image of Ancaran Village
Ancaran Village has significant potential for development in agriculture, small businesses, and tourism. This study explores the village’s history, economic opportunities, and challenges, along with solutions for sustainable growth.
Introduction
The potential of Ancaran Village lies in its rich history and diverse opportunities for economic and social development. With a population of 9,864 people (5,174 men and 4,690 women) and an area covering 177.028 hectares, Ancaran Village offers various resources that support economic progress and community welfare. Understanding how this village has developed over time and identifying the challenges it faces in optimizing its potential are crucial aspects of this study.
This study aims to analyze the natural, economic, and socio-cultural potential of the village while identifying challenges that hinder its development. Additionally, the findings provide practical recommendations for the local government and community to foster growth. To obtain accurate and relevant data, this study employs direct interviews and field surveys.
Overview of Ancaran Village
Image of Ancaran Village Border Map
The potential of Ancaran Village is influenced by its geographical and historical background. Located in Kuningan Regency, West Java. The features a hilly geographical landscape with an average altitude of 768 meters above sea level. Administratively, the village consistsof five hamlests, six community units, and 34 neighborhood units. It shares borders with:
- North: Padarek Village and Babakan Reuma Village
- East: Kertawangunan Village and Kaduagung Village
- South: Sindangsari Village Cijoho Urban Village
- West: Ciporang Urban Village and Kedungarum Village
Regarding accessibility, Ancaran Village is relatively close to government centers, making administrative and public services more accessible. The sub-district office is approximately 4 kilometers away, requiring a travel time of about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, the regency capital is around 4.5 kilometers away, with an estimated travel time of 16 minutes. The provincial capital is approximately 237 kilometers away, requiring around four hours of travel time.
Historically, Ancaran Village has a rich and unique background. The village derives its name from a historical figure, Princess Nyi Ancaran, the daughter of Ki Gede Luragung. According to folklore, Nyi Ancaran settled in this area, spent her life there, and was eventually buried in the village. The villagers later honored her by naming the village after her. In 1727, the community appointed its first village head with a direct mandate from Mbah Kuwu Sangkan Cirebon Girang. To this day, the village leaders have carefully safeguarded and passed down a historical decree (Surat Keputusan or SK), written on white cloth and preserved in a bamboo tube, as a historical legacy.
The Potential of Ancaran Village
Ancaran Village has various potentials that can be developed, including natural, economic, and socio-cultural aspects. In terms of natural potential, the village has fertile soil and a relatively high level of rainfall, making it highly suitable for agriculture.
Image of Bazaar Ramadhan in Ancaran Village
Apart from its natural potential, Ancaran Village also has a strong economic potential, particularly in the UMKM sector. One of the main attractions that characterize this village is Bazaar Ramadhan, which becomes lively every evening during the month of Ramadhan. Bazaar Ramadhan serves as a seasonal culinary center that attracts many visitors, both from within and outside the village, who come to hunt for a variety of traditional foods and beverages to break the fast. In addition to being an eagerly awaited annual tradition, Bazaar Ramadhan also makes a significant contribution to the local economy, especially for small traders and UMKMs who take advantage of this moment to increase their income. If properly managed, this potential can grow into a more significant annual culinary destination with broader promotion, attracting even more visitors from outside the region.
Challenges and Obstacles
Despite its numerous potentials, Ancaran Village faces several challenges and obstacles in its development. One of the main issues is the lack of cleanliness and waste management in certain areas, especially in public spaces and markets. The increasing economic activity, particularly during events like Bazaar Ramadhan, generates a large amount of waste that is not always properly disposed of, leading to sanitation concerns.
Recommendations and Solutions
To address this challenge, the village should prioritize improving waste management and cleanliness. This effort includes setting up designated waste disposal areas and organizing regular community clean-up programs. Additionally, raising awareness among residents about the importance of maintaining cleanliness, especially in public spaces like Bazaar Ramadhan, will contribute to a more sustainable environment.
For more information please visit Cirebonprofileandtourism
Cirebon Culture Profile Course by Intan Juwintan, S.S., M.Hum
Written by Jihan Nurul Fadilah
English Literature, Institut Prima Bangsa Cirebon
