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Patuanan Village is a village located in Leuwimunding Sub-district, Majalengka Regency. Patuanan Village is called “Jawa Tengah” because its residents speak Javanese daily, despite being surrounded by Sundanese-speaking villages.
4o From this uniqueness, Patuanan Village has a history that is very close to the history of Cirebon.
The total area of Desa Patuanan is 195,630 hectares. As of 2023, The village had a population of 4,202, with 2,192 males and 2,010 females, spread across 1,220 households. The population density is 48 people per square kilometer.
History of Desa Patuanan
The daily use of Javanese in Patuanan Village proves that history and ancestral heritage remain highly valued. Patuanan Village is located in Leuwimunding Sub-district, Majalengka Regency. People believe that “Patuanan” comes from “tuan” or “tua,” reflecting the village’s status as the oldest settlement in the area.
The village’s history began with the arrival of teachers and students from Kebagusan Village, Cirebon Regency. The main character of this story is Kembar Pegambuan, mystical boy who wandered until reaching what is now Patuanan Village. His teacher, Pangeran Kipas (Mbah Buyut Pernata Kusuma), and other disciples followed him, eventually settling and clearing the forest.
Over time, the Patuanan area experienced expansion due to Dutch colonial policies, giving birth to new villages such as Sindanghaji and Tarikolot. However, until now, Patuanan Village has maintained the tradition of speaking Javanese Cirebon, despite being in the middle of a predominantly Sundanese environment. This uniqueness has earned Patuanan the nickname “Jawa Tengah” by the surrounding community.
Culture and Tradition of Desa Patuanan
Besides actively using the Javanese language in daily life, the people of Patuanan Village also preserve their ancestral culture and traditions, including:
Munjung
The people of Patuanan Village perform the Munjung tradition as a ritual to honor their ancestors. They usually carry out this tradition by visiting ancestral graves or sacred places, bringing offerings, and praying together. In Patuanan Village, the Munjung tradition begins at Pegambuan, the first site visited by Kembar Pegambuan, a key historical figure. Afterward, people continue the ritual at Panggonan Gede, the grave of Buyut Pernata Kusuma (Pangeran Kipas), the village’s ancestral leader. Munjung is not just an ordinary pilgrimage, but also a symbol of respect for local history and culture. This tradition fosters spirituality and togetherness, strengthens community bonds, and preserves ancestral heritage in daily life.
Ngapem
The Ngapem tradition is one of the hereditary traditions in Javanese society, including in Patuanan Village. This tradition involves making apem cakes, symbolizing apology and self-purification before important life events or the new month. Ngapem tradition symbolizes togetherness, mutual cooperation, and self-reflection, beyond just baking cakes. Until now, the local community has actively preserved this tradition and passed it down from generation to generation.
Livelihood of Desa Patuanan
The people of Patuanan Village have a variety of livelihoods that reflect the local geographical and cultural conditions. The various types of work undertaken by residents include agriculture, trade, crafts, and other jobs that support the village economy.
1. Agriculture
Agriculture is the main livelihood of the Patuanan Village community, with the majority of residents working as rice farmers. In addition to rice, they also grow corn, cassava, peanuts and various vegetables as additional sources of income. Although many still use traditional methods, some farmers have begun to apply modern agricultural technology to increase yields. In addition to rice fields, plantations such as coconut and banana are also part of the agricultural activities in this village.
2. Trader / Credit Business
Besides agriculture, trade is also an important livelihood for the people of Patuanan Village, especially in the form of a credit business. Many villagers migrate out of town to trade consumer goods, such as clothing, household appliances, and daily necessities on credit. They usually go around from house to house or temporarily settle in other areas to offer their wares. This trading pattern has been going on for generations and has become one of the main economic sources for residents seeking opportunities outside the village.
3. Crafts (Kukusan)
In addition to agriculture and trade, the people of Patuanan Village also rely on kukusan making, a traditional bamboo weaving craft used to make rice steamers. This craft has long defined the village’s identity, with many residents practicing it as their primary or secondary source of income. They still produce it manually using traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. They sell these products not only within the village but also in various regions, making the craft a vital source of livelihood.
Patuanan’s kukusan stands out for its tight, sturdy weaving, making it more durable and effective for cooking. Recognized as the village mascot, it symbolizes the craftsmanship and traditional heritage that locals continue to preserve.
Conclusion
Patuanan Village stands as a unique and historically rich community that continues to preserve its cultural heritage, language, and traditional livelihoods. Despite being surrounded by Sundanese-speaking villages, the people of Patuanan remain steadfast in using Javanese Cirebon, earning their village the nickname “Jawa Tengah.”. The village’s traditions, such as Munjung and Ngapem, reflect a deep respect for ancestors and communal values. Additionally, the economy thrives through agriculture, trade, and the craftsmanship of kukusan, which has become a symbol of the village’s identity. As modernization progresses, the people of Patuanan Village uphold their traditions and community spirit, ensuring that they pass down their heritage to future generations.
