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Cirebon, a small town located between the border of West Java and Central Java, always has something to blow your mind. Most people know this town from their road trip for those who travel by land via north coast route of Java.
Kesenden is one of the 22 sub-districts in Cirebon. This sub-district is located near the shoreline of Cirebon. This sub-district is home to many fishermen and settlers, bordered by the river in the north, and shoreline by the west.
From one area to another, you can see and seek so many incredible locations all around this sub-district. Start with a rich cultural place like Gedung Negara until the modern culinary destination such as Toha Street choose which area you like the most and spend your time there.
Gedung Negara
This place is a building that has rich historical background. This building was built in 1865 during the time of the Dutch colonialism era. This building was initially built for government activity until Indonesia declared its independence in 1945.
For now, this building has a multi-purpose role. This building is set to be able to hold any formal and non-formal events. You could use this building for wedding, events, conventions ,meetings, gatherings, and many more.
This place is also a very popular destination for evening activities. There is a mini-zoo located beside the building. The mini-zoo is very popular among the visitors. You could do some activities such as feeding the deer, taking selfies, or just enjoying the sunset vibe on a bench.
Hero’s Graveyard
This place is located near the shoreline of Cirebon. This place is the final resting place for 560 fallen heroes who gave their lives protecting this country. With covering area of 33.530 M², this place has the purpose of honoring and remembering our heroes who fought for this country.
You could visit this place anytime, but seeing it here at three events would be better. There are three official events taking place in the hero’s graveyard. The first is on August 17th while celebrating Indonesian independence memorial. The second is on October 5th commemorating National Army Day. The third one is on November 10th commemorating heroes’ day.
Kramat Market
Kramat Market is a fresh/traditional market on Siliwangi Street. Although “Kramat” means “sacred” in English, this has nothing to do with any or related to supernatural stuff. This market shares its name with an elementary school on the left side, SD Negeri Kramat.
You can find any foodstuffs you’d like to buy. In the front area, you could find tenants that sell fast food or any ingredients. On the back side, you could find tenants that sell meats. Although this market is not considered huge market, locals claim you can easily see what you need.
Toha’s Street Food Tenants
When you think about street food in Cirebon, I guarantee you will come up with Toha Street. For the past 4 years, Toha Street become associated with street food tenants. You could find many tenants selling different kinds of food and beverages. I can guarantee you will never run out of options.
This street starts to come alive approximately at around 5 pm. During This time, the tenants start to fill up on the side of the road. By 6 pm, this street will become busy. Not by cars, bikes, or other vehicles but by people. The people line up from the start until the end of this street. People are strolling while searching for and buying their favorite food.
Potentials and Challenges
From what I have mentioned above, there is no doubt that the Kesenden sub-district most likely has enormous potentials. Both economic and and cultural potentials, can be highly beneficial to this sub-district. Not to mention, there are challenges in the way too. Why do I say this? Let’s break it down.
Places like Gedung Negara and Hero’s Graveyard, can attract tourists nationally and internationally. Tourists could learn and earn the history relay behind Cirebon. This could also boost the economic income in this sub-district. Local youngsters can be the tour guide and merchants in the surrounding area are also affected.
Places like Kramat Market and Toha Street, could become tourist’ shopping destinations. With the variety of stuffs in Kramat Market and Toha Street, tourists have many options to buy. All of those stuffs in the market could be a highly selling point.
Even with all of the potentials that i have mentioned, we still face many challenges. Many of our local people are unaware of those potentials. For now, it’s our job make them aware of any of those potentials.
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