cirebon cullinary 
Keraton Village: A Hidden Gem of History and Culture
Keraton, located in Suranenggala District, has a history and culture in Cirebon. This village has potential in terms of culture, history, and tourism. Therefore, observing Keraton is essential in learning Cirebon’s cultural profile and tourism to study its cultural heritage and potential in depth.
In 1982, authorities divided Surakarta Village, creating Keraton Village, and both became part of the Surantaka area. This area is related to the Mataram era, especially when Sultan Agung’s troops failed to expel the VOC from Batavia. One of the Srikandi Mataram, Nyi Arum Sari, did not return to the Mataram Palace but stopped and settled in this village until the end of her life.
As the founder of the Surantaka area, including Keraton Village, Nyi Arum Sari holds a place of deep respect among the community and her descendants. The villagers continue to honor and pray for her, especially at the start of the rice planting season.
The diversity of traditions in Keraton Village shows the uniqueness of the culture that still exists today, both through community customs and building designs that still preserve the characteristics of Cirebon. In addition, some communities still maintain local traditions, such as Ngunjung Buyut, Curak, and other traditional ceremonies.
From a tourism perspective, stakeholders can optimize Keraton Village as a historical cultural tourism destination. However, they face several challenges in managing it, such as infrastructure, marketing, and community participation. In supporting the tourism sector based on historical culture. Through this observation, researchers aim to understand the village’s actual conditions, identify the obstacles, and explore opportunities. To enhance the appeal of historical cultural tourism in Keraton Village. By closely examining the cultural characteristics and tourist attractions in Keraton. This research aims to help preserve local culture and support the development of a sustainable tourism industry in the Cirebon area.
Unveiling Keraton Village: A Closer Look at Its Cultural Richness
To truly capture the essence of Keraton Village, researchers directly explored its cultural heritage. Observing historical structures, traditional arts, and community activities provided firsthand insight into the village’s vibrant traditions. Conversations with local residents further revealed both the opportunities and challenges of developing cultural tourism in the area. Additionally, visual documentation through photography helped preserve the intricate details of this living heritage, offering a deeper understanding of Keraton Village’s unique charm.
What Makes Keraton Village Unique?
Keraton Village is one of the villages in Suranenggala District, Cirebon Regency, West Java Province. And a total population of 4,673 people. Consisting of 2,319 men and 2,354 women.
The livelihoods of most people in Keraton Village are laborers and farmers. The culture that exists in the community is Ngunjung Buyut. Which is like giving alms to the earth and praying together at the grave of Nyi Mas Arum Sari. For the event, it was like holding a puppet, called the wayang show, and praying together. In the morning, the community makes rice, which is usually called ‘sego panjang,’ and other side dishes held every year-end. Curak, if someone wants to be grateful for what they have. They can share by scattering small change to the residents. Mudun Lemah, if a baby can already walk. Then hold a thanksgiving by stepping the baby’s feet on three bamboo steps and three different porridges.
Infrastructure and Public Facilities
Keraton Village has infrastructure that is still under development. Such as road access, some of which have been paved and some have not. Transportation in Keraton, many residents already have motorbikes and cars. So, there is no difficulty in transportation. There are public facilities, such as a prayer room, a coffin at the grave, and a security post (usually used for community gatherings), and PDAM (local water company), also a volleyball court and there used to be a volleyball match between villages before the Ngunjung buyout was held.
There is a historical tomb, but almost no tourists know the history and who it is. The name of the tomb is Nyi Mas Arum Sari. Only the older people of Keraton Village know. This historical religious tourism is very quiet for visitors, even those who do not know it, because it is in a narrow alley.
Keraton Village Potential
Natural potential
Keraton has natural potential. Because this village has rice fields and many gardens, the potential is in agriculture, plantations, and natural resources.
Regarding agricultural potential, Keraton has extensive agrarian land, the main commodity of which is rice. The farm system here can be said to be modern.
In addition to agriculture, Keraton Village has potential in plantations. Plantations in this village have developed well because almost every resident cultivates a garden. They plant mangoes, coconuts, bananas, and other fruits that help support the local economy.
The village supports various agricultural and plantation activities thanks to its natural wealth, including fertile land and adequate water availability. Sustainable management of these natural resources can improve food security and the community’s economy.
Economic potential
In the UMKM sector, Keraton Village has various small businesses such as stalls selling food such as chicken noodles, meatballs, and so on. For the tourism sector with burial sites that have cultural and historical value, the tourism sector has emerged as one of the promising economic sources. For example, if developed, the presence of tour guides who focus on culture can increase the community’s income. Home industries such as sewing and making snacks are some people’s livelihoods in Keraton Village.
Through developing this economic potential, Keraton Village has the opportunity to become a prosperous village and can sustainably create tourism, culture, and financial sectors.
Social & Cultural Potential
Residents of Keraton Village actively preserve various traditions passed down from generation to generation, such as traditional rituals, unique Cirebon wedding ceremonies, and village thanksgiving customs.
The arts in Keraton Village continue to develop, with instructors teaching Cirebon dances in elementary schools. The traditions here are still running, like pilgrimage, ngunjung buyut, mudun lemo, curak, seven months, tahlil, and many others.
Challenges and Obstacles
Researchers conducted interviews with residents and found that the village failed to develop its tourism potential. The main obstacle was the village apparatus, including the village head and his subordinates, who did not provide support. They neglected to develop the historical tomb of Nyi Mas Arum Sari. Additionally, the tomb’s location in a narrow alley prevents access for large vehicles like cars, and the area lacks a parking facility.
The inhibiting factors in the economic factor are the lack of financial support from the village government, the lack of capital for UMKM workers to increase production and marketing, and the small tourism promotion, resulting in no tourists visiting.
Infrastructure factors, such as damaged or potholed roads, hinder inadequate road access—lack of infrastructure such as information boards.
Likewise, the inhibiting social factors are the lack of support from village officials, public awareness, and lack of coordination, especially in maintaining historical sites.
Recommendations and Solutions
Suggestions on economic factors are providing financial and educational support programs for micro, small, and medium enterprises and home industries and building collaboration with markets and online trading platforms to expand the reach of local products. In infrastructure, factors include making repairs, improving the quality of roads, and providing sufficient public facilities such as public toilets and notice boards. Social and cultural factors organize events to disseminate knowledge and give the community the importance of preserving cultural heritage and involving the younger generation in artistic activities.
The proposed development program is to form a cultural community so that culture is not lost. Holding a cultural festival that showcases dance, music, and culinary specialties of Keraton Village or Cirebon.
Keraton Village holds significant potential in culture and tourism, making it a strong candidate for a major tourist destination in Cirebon. However, the village still faces challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, low public awareness of cultural preservation, and minimal tourism promotion.
By implementing various proposed development programs—such as improving infrastructure, supporting UMKMs, and promoting culture through festivals and digital platforms—stakeholders can transform Keraton Village into a sustainable tourist destination. Collaboration between the government, community, and private sector will enhance cultural management and preservation, creating a positive impact on local residents.
