The death of Sunan commemorated

CIREBON, West Java: Thousands of Cirebon residents here commemorated on Thursday the death of legendary cleric Sunan Gunung Jati, who helped spread Islam in West Java region.

The commemoration ceremony was held in Kasepuhan Palace in the city of Cirebon.

Several big shots attended the ceremony, including Vice President Hamzah Haz, Religion Minister Said Agil Al-Munawwar, West Java deputy governor Nu'man Hakim and the sultan of Kasepuhan Sultanage Maulana Pakuningrat XIII.

Sunan lived in the middle-age, but the date of his death is uncertain as it has several versions. He was one among nine legendary clerics in Java who helped spread Islam in the island, popularly known as Wali Songo. -- JP