cirebon natural tourism 
The regions in Cirebon have unique and interesting cultures and traditions. Culture is a reflection of its people. Kaliwulu village is located in Plered sub-district in Cirebon district with its unique culture. In this village, these cultures are still preserved and maintained by the local community, ensuring that they continue to exist for future generations. These are some of the unique cultural traditions of Kaliwulu village that still survive in this village.
The Basuh Sako
This culture is held every 8th day of Ramadan, there is a basuh sako (pole) activity of the kaliwulu mosque where each sako of the mosque is washed with flower water to make it fragrant. There are 17 poles that must be washed which reflects the number of all 17 rakats of prayer. One of them is an additional pole called sako bajang.
The Berkat Culture
In the same month, precisely on the 27th & 28th, the community will make a blessing or a parcel containing food. In this village, the blessing is called maleman and will be distributed to the surrounding community
The Ganti Sirab Heritage
In addition, there are other traditional activities such as ganti sirab, which is replacing the roof of Ki Gede Kaliwulu’s tomb. This activity is carried out every four years in different cardinal directions. For example, this year replacing the roof to the west, then four years later must replace the roof in the other cardinal direction.
Bubur Suro Culture
Every 10th of ashura or suro, the kaliwulu community will commemorate the day. The event makes bubur suro and dodol at the kaliwulu sacred mosque. Then the food will be distributed back to the community. From the people for the people.
Bathing at The Sacred Well Heritage
Furthermore, on Friday kliwon afternoon, the community will come to bathe at the well of the sacred mosque. There are two wells, namely the well for women and the well for men or called glory. The surrounding community believes that bathing in the well on Friday kliwon will bring blessings, any request will be granted, fertility, or get a new soul mate, especially for widows.
Pewadonan
In this mosque there is also a special room for women. This room is intended for women who are anxious, confused, or have worldly problems. They can contemplate or find solutions in the room. In essence, this room is used to get closer to the ruler. The community calls it Tirakat, which is an activity to clean the heart, or ask for a certain desire.
The Ngapem Culture
Lastly, in sapar month, the community will make a traditional cake, apem cake. There are two types of apem cake, apem kinco and apem manis (sweet). The way to eat apem kinco is by dipping apem into kinco or brown sugar sauce. Different from apem kinco, apem manis can be eaten directly and consists of various colors. The community together makes this cake and will share it with each other. Uniquely, the tools for cooking this cake should not be washed because it will become sticky. So how to maintain it by smearing or wiping it with oil. The culture and customs in this village were born from the sacred mosque. Therefore, the kaliwulu sacred mosque was made a cultural heritage. Until now, the community has always preserved the culture and customs. So that the culture and customs in this village will always bloom and develop until the next generation.
Through these practices, villagers participate in traditional activities that foster a strong sense of community and identity. This ensures that their cultural heritage will continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
Writer: Nita Urmila
Email: nita30niwth@gmail.com
