Cirebon historical tourism Cirebon – The Kesenden neighbourhood in Cirebon City has successfully maintained harmony between cultural traditions, environmental awareness, and community creativity. Local residents actively preserve their culture while building social awareness to improve their quality of life.
One tradition that remains strong in Kesenden is Nadran, or sea offerings. Fishermen from Samadikun Village regularly hold this tradition as an expression of gratitude for the year’s sea catch. They decorate their boats, bring offerings, and parade them towards the sea. The procession is accompanied by lion dance performances, drum bands, and sisingaan. Afterwards, they release the offerings into the sea as a symbol of respect for nature. This tradition not only preserves culture but also strengthens social bonds among coastal communities.
Residents of Kesenden are also actively involved in environmental empowerment programmes. They have established waste banks in various RWs to manage household waste more wisely. In RW 4, the community has built a greenhouse that serves as a centre for organic vegetable cultivation. They even utilise maggots to process organic waste into compost, thereby supporting local food security. This programme not only reduces waste but also promotes environmentally-based economic growth.
In the arts, residents of RW 06 regularly hold the Milm Kampung Festival. Through this festival, they screen short films made by residents that address social issues, such as the film ‘Beberes Kampung Isun,’ which discusses bullying. The festival serves as an expression space for the younger generation and a medium for social education.
Additionally, Kesenden residents plan to develop eight historical sites into religious tourism destinations. This initiative aims to preserve historical heritage while boosting economic potential from the cultural tourism sector.
With a spirit of cooperation, the Kesenden community continues to build their village into a culturally rich, creative, and environmentally conscious area.
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