cirebon cultural tourism 
The Balong Tuk Mancur Jaya site, located in Kertawinangun Village, Kedawung
District, Cirebon Regency, is one of the cultural sites rich in historical and
spiritual value. This site is part of the local heritage that incorporates elements
of belief, ritual, and the community’s relationship with nature and ancestors.
Within the context of Cirebon’s local culture, which is deeply rooted in the
fusion of Islam, Hindu-Buddhist in uences, and local Sundanese and Javanese
traditions, Balong Tuk Mancur Jaya stands as a symbol of this cultural
synthesis.
Every year, the site serves as the center of cultural activities for the
surrounding community, particularly during the Muludan tradition. Rituals such as bathing and changing the shroud of the sacred tree Kayu Mati Buyut Perbatang are still performed. The Maulid commemoration, known as Muludan Tuk, is held on the 19th of Rabiul Awal, a week after the commemoration at the
Kanoman and Kasepuhan Palaces in Cirebon. The highlight of the Maulid in this
village is the process of lifting the sacred wood. local community to be a sacred heirloom.
This wood is believed by the
Raden Suparja explained that the process of lifting the sacred wood begins
with the recitation of the Prophet’s prayers, followed by the call to prayer. After
that, seven people dive to the bottom of the sacred pond of Prince Mancur Jaya to lift the sacred wood. The wood, which is approximately two meters long, is received by four people and immediately washed with ower water and incense. After being washed, the log is wrapped in a shroud and laid to rest like a human corpse. On the night following the log retrieval ritual, a procession is held around the sacred pond, carrying the many attendants.
by Rio Pebriyan Saputra