Cirebon Regency identifies Huludayeuh site as Sunda Kingdom heritage

Cirebon Regency states that the Huludayeuh Inscription Site in Cikalahang Village, Dukupuntang Subdistrict, can serve as a historical and cultural education destination due to preserving significant traces of the Sunda Kingdom in the Cirebon area. Head of Cirebon Regency’s Culture and Tourism Department (Disbudpar), Fajar Sutrisno, said on Thursday in Cirebon that the site holds high historical value due to its connection with the Sunda Kingdom’s governance in the past. He added that the ancient stone inscriptions at the site are historical evidence that must be preserved and introduced to the public, especially the younger generation. ‘This is a crucial piece of evidence of the Sunda Kingdom’s historical journey in Cirebon, which needs to be preserved and shared with the public,’ he said. Fajar noted the Huludayeuh Inscription Site has significant potential to be developed as an educational tourism destination, allowing visitors to learn about history while enjoying the surrounding natural scenery. He stressed that cultural site preservation efforts must be accompanied by public education to safeguard regional historical heritage amid modern development. Meanwhile, site custodian Edi said the inscription stones were first discovered by locals in 1930 when the area was still a dense forest. ‘Originally a forest, the stones were found beneath a fallen banyan tree,’ he explained. He added that research on the site was conducted in February 1991 before it was officially designated as a cultural heritage site due to its connection with Sunda Kingdom relics. According to Edi, experts state the inscriptions were commissioned by a king titled Sri Maharaja Ratu Haji as a commemorative marker for work carried out for the community’s benefit. ‘This stone was inscribed by royal order to commemorate works executed for the public good,’ he said. He noted the site is open to the public free of charge and has been visited by students and residents keen to learn about Cirebon’s history and culture. ‘Residents are welcome to visit to learn about the history and help preserve it,’ Edi said.