Restoring the dignity of the Gunung Jati area in Cirebon
The legacy of Sunan Gunung Jati does not end with historical records. The values of religious life, cultural preservation, and concern for the common people remain relevant today.
On Saturday (27/6) afternoon, tourist buses began entering the Sunan Gunung Jati Tomb complex in Cirebon Regency, West Java, one by one. Groups of pilgrims disembarked in turn, then walked towards the gate of the tomb complex. Some paused briefly to buy flower petals or prayer beads, while others chose to enter directly to offer prayers.
In recent times, the area has been busier than usual. Vendors are busy serving customers, vehicles continuously enter and exit the parking area, while pilgrims arrive in a steady stream from various regions.
Amidst the bustle, one change is easily felt. The road leading to the tomb complex now feels more spacious. Pilgrims can walk without having to stop repeatedly because they are approached by people asking for alms. The scene that was once so closely associated with this religious tourism area is now beginning to change.
Aris (47), a pilgrim from Semarang, was one of those who noticed the change. Together with his wife and two children, he returned to Gunung Jati after not visiting Cirebon for about four years. Along the way to the tomb, Aris glanced left and right several times, as if making sure he had not missed anything from his memory.
“It feels very different. In the past, as soon as you got off the bus, many people would approach you asking for alms. Now we can walk calmly all the way to the gate,” he said.
For Aris, this comfort meant the main purpose of his visit was not disturbed. He and his family could perform the pilgrimage more devoutly without constantly being distracted. This change also led them to decide not to return to Semarang immediately. After the pilgrimage, Aris planned to take his family to enjoy Cirebon’s culinary specialities and stay overnight before returning the next day.
A similar impression was felt by Ikhwan (34), a pilgrim from Tegal. Before departing, he had heard stories from relatives who visited Gunung Jati several years ago. They described the tomb area as a place always filled with beggars. The story prompted Ikhwan to prepare some small change in his pocket. However, upon arriving at the location, the scene he encountered was different.
“What I see now is orderly. People can come and go straight to the pilgrimage without feeling awkward or being constantly approached. The atmosphere is calmer,” he said.
Ikhwan noted that the change does not merely make the tomb area look more orderly. This comfort, he said, provides space for pilgrims to carry out their worship more devoutly, while also creating a good impression of Cirebon as a religious tourism destination in Java.