cirebon natural tourism 
Infrastructure of Astana Village
Astana Village is currently developing as a tourism and economy village, making infrastructure one of the main aspects of its growth. The transportation system in this village is modern, with the use of motorized vehicles, both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. The town has paved the main roads and alleys, improving accessibility for residents and tourists. Public facilities in Astana Village are pretty adequate, including the village square and a large parking area. Additionally, there are formal educational institutions such as three kindergartens (TK/RA) and two elementary schools (SD/MI). Non-formal education is also available in each neighborhood unit (RW) to support human resource development.
In terms of healthcare services, each RW has an Integrated Health Service Post (POSYANDU) that provides healthcare for toddlers and older people. Electricity access in Astana Village covers all households, ensuring optimal lighting availability. About 30% of residents use natural gas, while another 30% utilize clean water services (PDAM). Additionally, 40% of the population has access to Internet services, opening opportunities for the development of digital economy and online businesses.
Livelihood
The livelihood of Astana Village residents is quite diverse, with 50% engaged in the trade sector. Additionally, 10% work as Civil Servants (ASN), including teachers, local government employees, and state-owned enterprise (BUMN) workers. Another 10% of residents work in the private sector, 10% work as laborers, 10% farm, 5% create artisan goods, and 5% remain unemployed despite being in their productive age. Employers in major cities or abroad hire around 20% of the village’s working-age population.
As a religious tourism village, developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a top priority for boosting the local economy. In 2023, Astana Village was recognized as one of Indonesia’s 75 best tourism villages, showcasing its significant potential in the tourism and creative economy sectors.
Local Language and Culture
The daily languages spoken by the people of Astana Village are Cirebonese and Indonesian. The village maintains its local cultural traditions through various annual events that attract tourists. Some regularly held cultural celebrations include Grebeg Syawal, Sedekah Bumi (Nadran), Muludan, and wayang kulit performances commemorating 1 Asyura. Moreover, regional arts such as Topeng dance and the Ngunjungan tradition further enrich the village’s cultural heritage. The village government and educational institutions actively preserve this artistic heritage, instilling a love for local traditions in future generations.
Traditions of Astana Village
Grebeg Syawal
Grebeg Syawal is an event held every 7th of Syawal in the Hijri calendar or a week after Eid al-Fitr, serving as a gathering for the royal family (Kasepuhan, Kanoman, Kaceribonan, Kaprabonan) with Astana Village residents and the guardians of the Sunan Gunung Jati tomb, known as Sheikh Syarif Hidayatullah. However, residents from various regions in Cirebon Regency also attend.The royal family primarily visits the graves of Waliullah and their families, most of whom rest in the Sunan Gunung Jati cemetery complex.
Sedekah Bumi/Nadran
Welcoming the rainy season, Astana Village holds the Sedekah Bumi/Nadran tradition. The exact date is determined by agreements between the village government, the palace, and cemetery guardians. The event starts after the midday prayer (Dzuhur) with a carnival showcasing works from each RW and participation from neighboring villages. Various entertainment performances occur in the evening, including wayang kulit, wayang golek, regional drama, minor horse acrobatics, and musical performances. All conducted voluntarily without payment.
The event concludes at 6:00 AM with a boat ride along the Condong River to the coast, led by religious figures and cemetery guardians. There, a communal Duha prayer is held to pray for rain, good harvests, and protection for fishermen. Some new parents also place their baby’s placenta in the sea, wishing for their child to grow with patience and adaptability.
Muludan
Every 11th of Rabiul Awal in the Hijri calendar, the community holds Muludan, featuring a series of events. After the Maghrib prayer, participants conduct Panjang Jimat by transferring historical items, such as war relics and sacred artifacts, from the residence of the cemetery leader (Jeneng) to the Sunan Gunung Jati Mausoleum Hall. After the Isha prayer, they recite “Dheba/Maulid Barzanji” at the Mausoleum and Dog Jumeneng Mosque. The communal “Nasi Rosul” meal is open to everyone as an expression of gratitude and love for Prophet Muhammad SAW. This meal includes sticky rice, yellow rice, and various side dishes. Traders voluntarily attend a public market without mandatory participation.
Residents celebrate the Islamic New Year by reciting Surah Yasin and holding a communal prayer after Maghrib at Paseban Agung, the Astana Village Square. In the evening, they present a wayang kulit performance that narrates Wali Songo‘s journey in spreading Islam in Java. The following day, they organize a mask dance performance as additional entertainment.
Ngunjungan
Ngunjungan is a pilgrimage tradition for residents of villages other than Astana. The village head and community leaders schedule the event at different times for each town. Participants make a pilgrimage to the tomb of Sheikh Syarif Hidayatullah and Islamic propagators known as “Ki Gede.” Some villages that observe this tradition include Plered, Kalisapu, Mayung, Buyut, Gegesik, Segeran, and Palimanan.
Economic and Tourism Potential
As a religious tourism destination, Astana Village consistently attracts a stable number of visitors each month, significantly impacting the local economy. This benefits local traders and food stall owners, and generates revenue for the village government and the Sunan Gunung Jati Mausoleum management.
Astana Village stands out among other villages in Gunung Jati District due to its strong economic and tourism potential. However, the most significant challenges include fostering a strong work ethic among young people and enhancing MSME capacity.
With its existing potential and well-planned development strategies, Astana Village has the opportunity to become a model religious tourism village that offers spiritual experiences and supports economic growth through culture and local creativity.
Author: Nhaya Devina
