cirebon natural tourism 
About Cupang Village
Cupang Village, located at the southern tip of Gempol Subdistrict, Cirebon Regency, is a village that offers a combination of natural beauty and peaceful rural life. The town has a diverse landscape, from mountainous areas to farmlands, with a total area of 192,346 hectares.
Besides its natural charm, Cupang Village is also home to a population of approximately 3,828 people, based on the latest data for the year 2023. The natural environment, and the village’s tourism potential have made it more attractive. Cupang Village could be a hidden gem worth exploring if you love the outdoors.
Cupang comes from a pair of syllables, CU and PANG. CU is taken from the word CUKUP, while PANG comes from the word PANGAN. These two words are the hope that the local people wish for. Another opinion also states that the name Cupang is taken from the name of the fish, namely CUPANG FISH.
Economic Potential
Several businesses support the village economy in Cupang Village. One of the home-based industries that has started to develop is the production of cassava chips, the primary source of income for some residents. Not only the home-based industries, but also the income from tourism helps the village economy through various social welfare and infrastructure programs.
- Tourism Potential of Batu Lawang
One of the main attractions of Cupang Village is Batu Lawang tourism, which has a direct economic impact on residents. Many people open warongs and small businesses around the tourist area to sell food and drinks to visitors. In addition, the income from the tourism sector is also used for social purposes, such as donations for mosques, village road repairs, and compensation for the elderly.
- Tourism Potential of Petilasan Sunan Bonang
In addition to the well-known beauty of Batu Lawang, one more destination should not be missed: the Petilasan Sunan Bonang. This place is a favorite destination for visitors from various regions who want to feel a thick spiritual atmosphere. Fortunately, the existence of this historic site not only has religious value, but also opens up business opportunities for residents. From culinary, unique souvenirs to tour guide services, contribute to they contribute to the village’s economic growth.
Social and Cultural Potential of Cupang Village
Cupang Village has a rich culture and traditions that still that the locals still practice. One tradition that continues to be maintained is celebrating the month of Safar, where the residents come together to pray and make Apem part of a religious ritual. There is also the Munjung tradition, which is usually held in August as a form of gratitude to the ancestors and God for the blessings they have received.
Obstacles and Challenges in Tourism Development in Cupang Village
Cupang Village has great tourism potential, from the beauty of Batu Lawang to religious tourism at the Petilasan Sunan Bonang. However, behind its charm, significant challenges must be faced for the tourism sector in this village to develop more quickly.
One of the main obstacles is limited capital for developing tourist facilities. Poor infrastructure is often a factor that makes tourists not want to come back. The tourist experience will be more comfortable and memorable if the facilities are better. In addition, although promotion through social media has been quite active, the lack of investment in tourism management and infrastructure is still a significant obstacle. Without more professional and continuous management, the great potential of Cupang Village cannot be fully realized. Access to some tourist sites also still needs to be repaired to make it easier to be reached by tourists, both from the local and outside the region. Better roads and good transportation can oundoubtedly be an additional attraction for visitors.
Suggested Solutions for Developing Cupang Village
To develop the tourism and economic potential of Cupang Village, a creative and sustainable strategy is needed. One of the main things that must be considered is accessibility and infrastructure. Access roads to tourist destinations such as Batu Lawang still need more attention, mainly because heavy vehicles often pass them. The solution? Village governments can collaborate with local governments to help repair roads. With more convenient access, tourists will be much more interested in coming!
Besides infrastructure, tourism promotion must be improved. Social media has helped introduce Cupang Village, but many ways exist to reach more people. Imagine if the village worked with influencers, travel bloggers, or local media to share its beauty! Of course, there will be more curious tourists who want to visit.
That’s not all. To give tourists a reason to re-visit, having an annual cultural event or festival can be a great solution. For example, a festival that showcases typical arts, local food, and various community activities that reflect the culture of Cupang Village. It’s about attracting tourists and providing a space for local communities to showcase their products and arts. By combining good infrastructure, creative promotion, and memorable tourism experiences, Cupang Village can become a well-known tourist destination in Cirebon.
Written by: Syifa Fauziyah
