The Origin of White Crocodiles in Kali Kriyan, Kasepuhan, Cirebon

Location of Kali Kriyan

Kali Kriyan is located in Mandalangan village, Kasepuhan, Lemahwungkuk, Cirebon. Kali Kriyan is around the Keraton Kasepuhan, Cirebon. Keraton Kasepuhan, is one of the oldest palaces in West Java, formerly called Keraton Pakungwati. Keraton Kasepuhan covers an area of 25 hectares, from the Alun-Alun Sangkala Buana to the Kali Kriyan at the end of the Keraton Kasepuhan.

History of White Crocodile

Kali Kriyan in Kasepuhan, Cirebon, is a witness to the history of the city of Cirebon, and in 1679, led by Sultan Sepuh I Syamsuddin Martawijaya, he had a son named Prince Elang Angka Wijaya.

Prince Elang Angka Wijaya has a bad habit, namely eating while lying on his stomach like a crocodile. Sultan Sepuh I Syamsuddin Martawijaya often gave advice to his son, urging him not to lie on his stomach while eating and insisting that he should stand up when being fed by the Sultan. However, Prince Elang Angka Wijaya refused to obey his father’s instructions. This disobedience continued until Sultan Sepuh I became annoyed and furious, exclaiming, “You eat on your stomach like a crocodile!” At that very moment, Prince Eagle Angka Wijaya transformed into a white crocodile. The white crocodile is the incarnation of Prince Angka Wijaya and is the guardian of the Lawang Sanga site near the Kali Kriyan.

The Appearance of A White Crocodile

Initially, the white crocodile inhabited a pond in the Keraton area, but as it grew bigger, it moved to a river not far from the palace location, known as the Kali Kriyan. Until now, local people still believe in this myth, some have even seen them. If you meet a white crocodile, you must give a “tumpeng” and clean it around the river. If someone drowns in a river, residents need a lot of help to find them. And if found quickly, the person is already dead.

The myth is that apart from the white crocodile’s appearance, people disappear in the river and appear lifeless. Local residents still believe that this was an incident involving the White Crocodile. The white crocodile demon incarnation of Prince Elang Angkawijaya was the cause.

One day, residents found a white crocodile skull and put the skull in the palace museum. Are you interested in seeing the white crocodile skull? And see the kali kriyan? You can visit the Kasepuhan Palace!

Written by Salwa Atiqoh Putri

Cirebon historical tourism