Cirebon Regency records 15 provincial-level intangible cultural heritages

The Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) of Cirebon Regency, West Java, has recorded that the region now possesses 15 cultural works designated as provincial-level Intangible Cultural Heritage (WBTb).

Head of Disbudpar Cirebon Regency Fajar Sutresno stated on Monday that the designation serves as both recognition and a form of protection for the cultural wealth that has lived and developed within the community.

“This designation is a form of recognition as well as protection for the cultural wealth of Cirebon Regency,” he said.

According to him, the 15 WBTb items demonstrate that Cirebon possesses diverse cultural riches, ranging from language, cuisine, and performing arts to crafts and traditional customs.

He explained that Cirebon’s cultural character was formed by the convergence of various cultural elements that evolved over hundreds of years, including Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Arab, and other influences.

In the category of language and crafts, the recognised works include the Cirebonese language (Basa Cerbon) and Trusmi batik.

For traditions, the acknowledged heritage includes Mapag Sri Cerbon, Masres, Memitu Cerbon, and Mudun Lemah Cerbon, all of which are still practised by the community today.

“In the culinary category, several Cirebon specialities included in the WBTb list are Sega Lengko, Pepes Intip Tahu, Tape Ketan Bakung, and Tongseng Batembat,” he said.

He noted that from the performing arts category, recognition has been given to Berokan, Ronggeng Bugis, Srabad, Wayang Golek Cepak Cerbon, and Wayang Kulit Gagrak Cerbon.

Fajar said the designation reinforces Cirebon Regency’s position as one of the regions with highly diverse cultural wealth in West Java.

He assessed that the recognition of these cultural works can also serve as a catalyst to strengthen preservation efforts involving the community and cultural practitioners.

Beyond serving as a regional identity, he added, these various cultural heritages hold historical value and knowledge that must be passed on to future generations.

“This is not only a source of pride for Cirebon Regency, but also a shared responsibility to ensure that our ancestral cultural heritage remains alive and does not become extinct,” he stated.