cirebon cultural tourism 
Indonesia is rich in traditions that reflect the noble values of its people. Buka Sirap is a ritual to replace wooden roofs at Buyut Trusmi’s sacred tomb in Trusmi Wetan, Cirebon. This sacred ceremony, held every four years, preserves the sanctity and legacy of ancestral heritage.
The Meaning and Purpose of Buka Sirap
Buka Sirap is performed as a form of reverence for Ki Buyut Trusmi, a significant figure in the history of Islam’s spread in Cirebon. Therefore, the local community regards the tomb as a place of high spiritual value, making the tradition sacred. By replacing the rotten wooden sirap, the community hopes that blessings will continue to flow and the tomb site will remain protected from damage.
The Buka Sirap Ceremony
The Buka Sirap ceremony involves a structured series of technical steps rich in traditional values:
- Preparation Meeting and Determination of the Auspicious Day
Traditional leaders and grave caretakers gather with village officials to calculate and determine the date of the ceremony, which they consider “auspicious” according to traditional methods.
- Cleaning the Grave Area
They clean the grave area before removing the roof tiles. The community works together to tidy the grounds, repaint the walls, and prepare the necessary tools.
- Recitation of Prayers and Tahlilan
Before the replacement process begins, a collective tahlilan and prayer reading are conducted, led by religious leaders. They perform this prayer to ask for safety and smoothness throughout the process.
- Removal of Old Roofing Wood
Specially designated villagers remove the weathered roofing wood piece by piece. They carry out this process carefully to avoid damaging the building structure.
- Installation of New Sirap
They install the new sirap wood, which they usually prepare months in advance. The installation process follows the old pattern, using traditional techniques without iron nails; instead, it uses hooks made of bamboo or rattan.
- Earth Offering and Feast
After they replace all the shingles, they continue the event with an earth offering. The residents voluntarily prepare food and share it during the feast as an expression of gratitude.
- Closing with a Joint Pilgrimage
The event concludes with a joint pilgrimage to the grave of Buyut Trusmi, where residents and pilgrims from outside the area come to pray and bring good wishes for the village’s future.
This ritual is not only rich in spiritual value but also strengthens social solidarity and mutual cooperation among residents.
Preserving Tradition Amidst Modernization
Despite changing times, the people of Trusmi Wetan continue to uphold this tradition as a symbol of the village’s identity. Traditional leaders are also beginning to involve the younger generation so that they not only know the technical aspects of roof tile replacement but also understand its cultural significance.
Buka Sirap proves that culture is passed down not only through stories but also through concrete actions carried out from generation to generation. Moreover, it is an expression of love for ancestors, a manifestation of community unity, and a symbol of the enduring values of local traditions that withstand the test of time.
Witten by Adinda Nurul Ahista