Kasepuhan Palace

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Kasepuhan Palace: A Grand Manifestation of Islamic Civilization and Cultural Acculturation in Cirebon

Kasepuhan Palace is not merely an old complex of buildings on the north coast of Java; it is a living record of power transitions, the spread of Islam, and cross-cultural harmony that has endured for over five centuries. Located in Kasepuhan Village, Lemahwungkuk, Cirebon City, this palace holds the distinction of being the oldest, largest, and best-preserved palace in Cirebon, making it an invaluable epicenter of West Javanese history.

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Historiographical Origins and the Founding of the Palace

The historical roots of Kasepuhan Palace date back to 1447 AD with the establishment of Dalem Agung Pakungwati by Prince Cakrabuana (Walangsungsang), the eldest son of Prabu Siliwangi from the Pajajaran Kingdom. The name "Pakungwati" was taken from the name of Prince Cakrabuana's daughter, Ratu Dewi Pakungwati, who later married Sunan Gunung Jati (Syarif Hidayatullah).

In 1529, the complex was expanded by Prince Mas Mochammad Arifin II, a great-grandson of Sunan Gunung Jati. This expansion subsequently formed the main structure of Kasepuhan Palace as we know it today. The name change from Keraton Pakungwati to Keraton Kasepuhan occurred in 1677, following the division of the Cirebon Sultanate into two, Kasepuhan and Kanoman, due to political intrigue triggered by the intervention of the Dutch colonialists (VOC).

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Architecture: A Symphony of Four Cultural Acculturations

One of the most striking unique features of Kasepuhan Palace is its specific and eclectic architectural style. The buildings reflect a harmonious blend of Hindu-Javanese, Islamic, Chinese, and European elements.

The outer walls of the palace, made of unplastered red brick, are reminiscent of the Majapahit era's architectural style. At the main gate or Gedung Siti Inggil, visitors are greeted by red brick structures with delicate carvings. The most unique aspect is the application of original porcelain plates from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (China) and Delft ceramics (Netherlands) onto the walls of the main buildings. These plates are not mere decorations but symbols of Cirebon's past diplomatic and international trade relations.

The palace complex is divided into several functional areas:

1. Siti Inggil: Located at the front, it served as a place for the sultan to observe military drills or give instructions. There are five main buildings (pendopo) on Siti Inggil, each with specific functions such as Mande Malang Semirang, which has 20 pillars, symbolizing the attributes of Allah.

2. Bangsal Pringgadani: A waiting room for the sultan's guests.

3. Bangsal Prabayasa: The highly sacred throne room of the sultan.

4. Langgar Agung: A small mosque within the palace, representing the Islamic spirit in palace life.

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Historical Significance and Central Figures

The most central figure in Kasepuhan's history is undoubtedly Sunan Gunung Jati. As one of the Wali Songo (Nine Saints), he made Cirebon the center of Islamic propagation in West Java. Under his leadership, Cirebon broke free from Pajajaran's influence and grew into a sovereign sultanate.

Kasepuhan Palace also bears silent witness to the resistance against colonialism. Despite being under pressure from the VOC, the sultans of Kasepuhan strived to maintain their cultural and religious sovereignty. One of the most important historical artifacts here is the Kereta Singa Barong (Lion-Garuda Carriage). Built in 1549, this royal carriage is a masterpiece of ancient transportation technology with a suspension system that was highly advanced for its time. The carriage's design combines elements of an elephant (Hindu), a dragon (Chinese), and a garuda/lion (Islamic/Javanese), symbolizing friendship between ethnicities and religions.

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Cultural and Religious Functions

To this day, Kasepuhan Palace continues to uphold ancient traditions that attract thousands of visitors. The Panjang Jimat ceremony, held every 12th of Rabiul Awal (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday), is the most sacred occasion. During this ceremony, the palace's heirlooms are brought out and washed in a procession symbolizing the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW.

Furthermore, the palace plays a role in preserving Cirebonan art traditions, ranging from Cirebon Mask Dance, gamelan music, to glass painting. The presence of the seven wells, considered sacred by some communities, adds a spiritual dimension to the site, reflecting the acculturation between local beliefs and Islamic values.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As a building hundreds of years old, Kasepuhan Palace faces significant preservation challenges. However, thanks to its status as a Cultural Heritage Object (BCB) protected by law, conservation efforts are ongoing. Restoration is carried out periodically, especially on the shingle roofs and the cleaning of ancient porcelain pieces attached to the walls.

The sultanate, now led by Sultan Sepuh, collaborates with the central government and the West Java Provincial Government to ensure that the original structure is maintained without losing its historical value. The museum area within the palace has now been modernized to store heirlooms such as kris daggers, spears, ceremonial attire, and ancient manuscripts written on palm leaves.

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Little-Known Unique Facts

One interesting fact is the presence of the White Tiger Statue in front of the main gate, which is a symbol of respect for Prabu Siliwangi (Sunan Gunung Jati's grandfather), indicating that even though Cirebon had become an Islamic sultanate, they still respected their Hindu ancestors. Additionally, the palace's layout faces north (towards the sea) with mountains behind it (Mount Ciremai), following the Javanese cosmological concept of "Mountain-Sea" believed to bring balance to governance.

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Conclusion

Kasepuhan Palace is not just a relic of the past but a living institution. It is the personification of the inclusive Cirebon community's identity, open to differences yet steadfast in holding onto its traditional roots. Through its magnificent architecture and long history, Kasepuhan Palace continues to stand as a beacon of civilization in the land of Pasundan, reminding future generations of the glory and wisdom of their ancestors in weaving diversity.