Pangandaran

History

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History of Pangandaran Regency: The Gem of East Priangan

Origins and Etymology

The name "Pangandaran" etymologically derives from two Sundanese words: Pangan (food) and Daran (visitor). Historically, this area began as a small fishing settlement developed by migrants from Central Java. The key figures in opening this land were Aki and Nini Antep, who cleared the forest on the peninsula. Since ancient times, this region has been known as a stopover for sailors due to its strategic geographical location as the southern gateway to West Java.

Colonial Era and Japanese Occupation

During the Dutch colonial period, Pangandaran began to receive special attention as a conservation area. In 1922, the Dutch East Indies government, through Y. Eyken, proposed the Pangandaran peninsula area to become a hunting ground, which was later designated as a Nature Reserve in 1934 by a Governor-General's decree. Remnants of colonial heritage can still be found, including the legendary Banjar-Cijulang railway line, built between 1913 and 1921 to transport agricultural products like copra and rubber.

During World War II, Japan recognized Pangandaran's strategic position as a southern coastal defense fortress. They built dozens of defensive caves (Japanese Cave) scattered throughout the Nature Reserve area to anticipate Allied attacks from the Indian Ocean. The existence of these concrete fortifications stands today as silent witnesses to how crucial Pangandaran was on the military map of Greater East Asia.

Independence Era and Struggle

After the Proclamation of Independence in 1945, Pangandaran was not spared from the dynamics of the physical revolution. This region became a defense base for local fighters against the Dutch Military Aggression. One important historical moment was the community's participation in supporting the logistics of the Siliwangi Division fighters. Administratively, for decades Pangandaran was part of Ciamis Regency before finally undergoing a major transformation in the modern era.

Modernization and Regional Autonomy

The modern historical milestone for Pangandaran occurred on October 25, 2012, when the Indonesian House of Representatives officially established Pangandaran Regency as a New Autonomous Region (DOB), separating it from Ciamis Regency. This move was pioneered by local figures united in the Presidium for the Establishment of Pangandaran Regency to accelerate development in the southern region. With an area of 1,134.75 km², this regency is now a new economic growth center in West Java.

Cultural Heritage and Traditions

Pangandaran's rich history is reflected in the Hajat Laut or Larung Sesaji tradition, a ritual of thanksgiving by fishermen to the Creator, which has been performed for generations for hundreds of years. Performing arts like Ronggeng Gunung also form a unique identity that combines mystical elements, history, and folk entertainment.

Today, Pangandaran has transformed from a remote fishing village into a world-class tourist destination without abandoning its historical roots. The Marlin Fish Monument in the city center symbolizes the unwavering spirit of its people in building a brighter future in the land of East Priangan.