Prince Sri Mangana Cakrabuana, son of Prabu
Siliwangi from the Kingdom of Padjajaran Bogor is written as the founder of Keraton
Pakungwati since 1480. Eventhough he holds a status of a crown prince and
regent in Cirebon, this title does not hold him back to separate himself with
the Padjajaran kingdom. The decision was made to declare independence in
developing and spreading Islamic religion and to be completely free from
Hinduism (the official religion of
Padjajaran kingdom).
The name Pakungwati is adapted from Ratu Ayu
Pakungwati’s name, the daughter for Prince Cakrabuana’s own daughter. In later
days, Ratu Ayu Pakungwati marries with Syarif Hidayatullah, or popularly known
as Sunan Gunung Djati. After the death of Prince Cakrabuana, Sunan Gunung Djati
inherited the trone in 1483. Besides being a well-respected leader, Sunan
Gunung Djati is known as a great religious teacher in Cirebon.
In year 1568, Sunan Gunung Djati passed. His
position is inherited by his grandson, a golden prince with title of Panembahan
Ratu. During this golden prince era that the new Keraton is build on the
western part of Dalem Agung, named Keraton Pakungwati. Since 1697, Keraton
Pakungwati is well known as Keraton Kasepuhan and the sultan is knows as Sultan
Sepuh. In 1988, to preserve the authenticity of the Keraton, especially the
antiques inherited from the Kesultana Cirebon, two rooms that is located in the
forefront of the Keraton Kasepuhan is made to a public museum.
Upon touring Keraton Kasepuhan you’ll feel like
visiting the olden Cirebon. The presence of Keraton Kasepuhan solidify the fact
that Cirebon has gone trough cultural mix. The mix is not only the blending of
Javanese and Sundanese culture , but also have the mixture of world cultural such
as, Chinese, Arabic, and European cultures. This fact is the one that
differentiate the identity and typicality of the modern Cirebonese.
The presence is felt once you enter the Keraton. The
two white tiger in the entrance does not only symbolize that Kesultanan Cirebon
is the re-generation of the Padjajaran Kingdom, but is also symbolize the
influence of Hinduism. The architecture of the gate carries a Balinese design,
while the sculpture and scriptures in the door and gateway the carries a European
touch. The gate of Siti Hinggil is made of Chinese ceramics and the wall
surrounding the Keraton are made of red bricks, which is identical of Javanese
architecture. These are the evidence of the culture mix.
The nuance of culture mix is very much evident the
moment we step in the front room, which is currently a museum. Besides the fact
that its filled with accessories of the Javanese kingdoms, such as golden lion
train, two antique human sedans and several heirloom that aged about hundreds
of years. Also in this museum, the visitors could see many collections of
souvenir such as jewelry and weapons from other nations, such as Egyptian
rifle, Mongolian Cannon, Portuguese Chain-mail and others. The king’s throne is
made of ordinary wood with nine colored flags representing Wali Songo. This further
solidifies the influence of the Javanese culture and Islamic culture towards
the Cirebon Sultanate.
In the backyard of the Keraton, visitors could
witness the grandness of Palace garden and several wells, on which the water is
believed to carry blessings. This location is crowded with pilgrimage guest
during the panjang jimat ceremony held by the Keraton every year, in an event
to commemorate Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW.
