View source for Cirebon

{{Short description|City in West Java, Indonesia}}
{{about|the city of Cirebon|the regency|Cirebon Regency|the sultanate|Sultanate of Cirebon}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Cirebon
| native_name_lang                = id
| official_name                   = City of Cirebon<br>{{nobold|''Kota Cirebon''}}
| other_name                      = {{Hlist|Caruban|Cheribon}}
| settlement_type                 = [[List of regencies and cities of Indonesia|City]]
| translit_lang1                  = Regional
| translit_lang1_type            = [[Javanese script|Hånåcåråkå]]
| translit_lang1_info            = {{lang|jv|ꦕꦶꦉꦧꦺꦴꦤ꧀}}
| translit_lang1_type1            = [[Sundanese alphabet|Sundanese]]
| translit_lang1_info1            = {{lang|su|{{Sund|ᮎᮤᮛᮨᮘᮧᮔ᮪}}}}
| image_skyline      = {{Multiple image
| total_width       = 300
 | image1 = Cirebon_Kejaksan_Station.jpg
 | image2 = Sanctuary of Ong Tien.jpg
 | image3 = Keraton Kanoman Cirebon.jpg
 | image4 = Bundaran Krucuk, Kota Cirebon.jpg
 | image5 = The_Great_Mosque_of_Cirebon.jpg
| caption1    = [[Cirebon railway station]]
| caption2    = Mausoleum of [[Sunan Gunung Jati]]
| caption3    = [[Kraton Kanoman|Kanoman Palace]]
| caption4    = Krucuk roundabout
| caption5    = [[Great Mosque of Cirebon]] 
| perrow            = 1/2/2
| border            = infobox
}}
| image_shield                    = Seal of the City of Cirebon.svg
| image_flag= City Flag of Cirebon.svg
| nicknames                        = ''Kota Udang''<br>(City of Shrimps)

''Amsterdam van Java''<br>([[Amsterdam]] of Java)
| motto = {{force singular}} ''Gemah, Ripah, Loh Jinawi'' <br> (Prosperous, Peaceful, Abundantly Fertile)
| image_map                       = Map of West Java highlighting Cirebon City.svg
| mapsize                         = 
| map_caption                     = Location within [[West Java]]
| pushpin_map                     = Indonesia_Java#Indonesia
| pushpin_label_position          = right
| pushpin_map_caption             = Location in [[Java]] and [[Indonesia]]
| coordinates                     = {{coord|6.7071|S|108.5574|E|region:ID-JB_type:city|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type                = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = {{flag|Indonesia}}
| subdivision_type1               = [[Regions of Indonesia|Region]]
| subdivision_name1               = [[Java]]
| subdivision_type2               = [[Provinces of Indonesia|Province]]
| subdivision_name2               = {{flag|West Java}}
| established_title               = 
| established_date                = 
| leader_title                    = Mayor
| leader_name                     = {{Ill|Effendi Edo|lt=Effendi Edo|id}}
| leader_title1                   = Vice Mayor
| leader_name1                    = {{Ill|Siti Farida Rosmawati|lt=Siti Farida|id}}
| area_total_km2                  = 39.48
| area_land_km2                   = 
| area_water_km2                  = 
| area_water_percent              = 
| area_metro_km2                  = 1116.24
| elevation_m                     = 
| population_total                = 344851
| population_as_of                = mid 2024 estimate
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_urban                = 
| population_metro                = 2732822
| population_density_metro_km2    = auto
| population_note                 = <ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025">Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2025, ''Kota Cirebon Dalam Angka 2025'' (Katalog-BPS 1102001.3274)</ref>
| timezone                        = [[Time in Indonesia|Indonesia Western Time]]
| utc_offset                      = +7
| timezone_DST                    = 
| utc_offset_DST                  = 
| area_code_type                  = [[Telephone numbers in Indonesia|Area code]]
| area_code                       = (+62) 231
| blank_name_sec1                 = License plate
| blank_info_sec1                 = [[Vehicle registration plates of Indonesia|E]]
| website                         = {{URL|http://www.cirebonkota.go.id/|cirebonkota.go.id}}
}}
{{Contains special characters|Sundanese|compact=yes}}

'''Cirebon''' ({{IPA|id|t͡ʃirə'bɔn|audio|LL-Q9240 (ind)-Noaius Paticus-Cirebon.wav}}, formerly rendered '''Cheribon''' or '''Chirebon''' in English) is a port city on the northern coast of the [[Indonesia]]n island of [[Java island|Java]]. It is the only coastal city of [[West Java]], located about 40&nbsp;km west of the provincial border with [[Central Java]], approximately {{cvt|297|km}} east of [[Jakarta]], at {{Coord|6|43|S|108|34|E|region:ID_type:city}}. It had a population of 296,389 at the 2010 census<ref name="Biro Pusat Statistik 2011">Biro Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2011.</ref> and 333,303 at the 2020 census;<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021">Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2021.</ref> the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 344,851 (comprising 173,052 males and 171,799 females).<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025" />

The built-up area of Cirebon reaches out from the city and into the surrounding [[Cirebon Regency|regency of the same name]]; the [[List of metropolitan areas in Indonesia|official metropolitan area]] encompasses the whole of this regency as well as the city, and covers an area of {{cvt|1,116.24|km2}}, with a 2010 census population of 2,363,585; the 2020 census total was 2,603,924<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021" /> and the official estimate as at mid 2024 was 2,732,822.<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025"/>

Straddling the border between West and Central Java, Cirebon's history has been influenced by both [[Sundanese people|Sundanese]] and [[Javanese people|Javanese]] culture as well as [[Arab Indonesians|Arab]] and [[Chinese Indonesian|Chinese]],<ref name="Turner 229">{{Cite book |last=Turner |first=Peter |title=Java |publisher=Lonely Planet |date=November 1995 |location=Melbourne |page=229 |isbn=0-86442-314-4}}</ref> and is the seat of [[Sultanate of Cirebon|a former Sultanate]].

== Etymology ==
Being on the border of Sundanese (i.e., Western Java) and Javanese (i.e., Central Java) cultural regions, many of Cirebon's residents speak a dialect that is a mix of [[Sundanese language|Sundanese]] and [[Javanese language|Javanese]], known as ''Jawareh''. It is thought that the word "Cirebon" derives from the Javanese word, ''caruban'', meaning "mixed": a reference to the city's mix of Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, and Arabic cultural elements. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Sundanese words "ci" (water or river) and "rebon" ("shrimp").<ref name="Turner 2292" /> (Indeed, the main product of the city is [[fishery|fish]] including [[shrimp]].)

== History ==
{{See also|Sultanate of Cirebon}}

The sultanate court lies near the modern-day city of Cirebon on West Java's northern coast. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the sultanate thrived and became an important center in the region for trade, commerce, and Islamic study and dissemination in Java. In 1677, the sultanate split into four royal houses, leaving four [[Kraton (Indonesia)|kratons]] (palaces) in Cirebon; [[Keraton Kasepuhan]], [[Kraton Kanoman]], [[Keraton Kacirebonan]], and Keraton Keprabonan. Each has its own lineage and all are the descendants and stewards of the original Cirebon Sultanate.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

According to the manuscript ''Purwaka Caruban Nagari'', Cirebon started as a small fishing village in the 15th century named Muara Jati which attracted foreign traders. The port master at that time was Ki Gedeng Alang-Alang, appointed by the king of [[Galuh kingdom]], located inland in Kawali, [[Ciamis Regency|Ciamis]]. He later moved the port to Lemahwungkuk, {{convert|5|km}} to the south. As the new settlement leader, Ki Gedeng Alang-Alang was bestowed with the title "Kuwu Cerbon" (Cerbon village leader).

A 15th-century prince from [[Sunda Kingdom|Pajajaran]], Prince Walangsungsang, converted to Islam and was appointed as the ''Adipati'' (Duke) of Cirebon with the title ''Cakrabumi''. He established the new kingdom of Cirebon and declared independence from Sunda and Galuh. The establishment of the Cirebon Sultanate marked the first Islamic rule in western Java, transforming Muara Jati into a busy port.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cirebonkota.go.id/index.php/profil/sejarah/sejarah-pemerintahan/|title=Profil Sejarah Pemerintahan|publisher=Cirebonkota.go.id}}</ref> Cirebon was an independent sultanate under the leadership of [[Sunan Gunungjati]] in the early 16th century. After the Sunda Kingdom collapsed, the Sultanates of [[Sultanate of Banten|Banten]] and [[Mataram Sultanate|Mataram]] fought over control of Cirebon, which declared its allegiance to [[Sultan Agung]] of Mataram, whose grandson [[Amangkurat II of Mataram|Amangkurat II]] ceded the city to the Dutch in 1677.<ref name="Turner 2292">{{Cite book|title=Java|last=Turner|first=Peter|date=November 1995|publisher=Lonely Planet|isbn=0-86442-314-4|location=Melbourne|page=229}}</ref> In 1705, a treaty saw the Cirebon area west of Cisanggarung River become a Dutch protectorate jointly administered by three sultans whose courts rivalled those of Central Java.<ref name="Turner 2292"/> The Dutch authorities later established the Cirebon Residency (''Residentie Tjirebon'') which was composed of present-day Cirebon, Indramayu, and Kuningan.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=M2dfAAAAcAAJ&q=Residentie+Tjirebon&pg=PA85|title=Tijdschrift voor Nederlandsch-Indië|date=1874-01-01|publisher=Lands-Drukkerij|language=nl}}</ref>
[[File:Coat of Arms of Cirebon (1930).svg|thumb|right|200px|The coat of arms of Cirebon during the Dutch colonial era, granted in 1930]]

During the time of the Dutch "[[Culture System]]" a flourishing trade in colonial cash crops attracted many Chinese entrepreneurs and that influence is still evident in the [[batik]] for which Cirebon is famous.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}}<ref name="Turner 2292"/> Cirebon suffered a [[famine]] in 1844, apparently triggered by a combination of [[drought]] and the shift from [[subsistence agriculture]] to cash crops, particularly [[indigo]] and [[sugarcane]], enforced by [[Dutch East Indies|Dutch's]] [[Cultivation System|Cultivation system]].

== Geography ==

===Climate===
Cirebon has a [[tropical monsoon climate]] (Am) with moderate to little rainfall from June to October and heavy to very heavy rainfall from November to May.
{{Weather box
|width = auto
| location = Cirebon
| metric first = Yes
| single line  = Yes
| Jan high C = 31.0
| Feb high C = 30.9
| Mar high C = 31.5
| Apr high C = 32.0
| May high C = 32.2
| Jun high C = 32.3
| Jul high C = 32.3
| Aug high C = 32.9
| Sep high C = 33.6
| Oct high C = 33.8
| Nov high C = 32.9
| Dec high C = 31.9

| Jan mean C = 26.8
| Feb mean C = 26.7
| Mar mean C = 27.2
| Apr mean C = 27.5
| May mean C = 27.5
| Jun mean C = 27.3
| Jul mean C = 27.2
| Aug mean C = 27.4
| Sep mean C = 27.9
| Oct mean C = 28.1
| Nov mean C = 27.9
| Dec mean C = 27.3
| year mean C =
| Jan low C = 22.7
| Feb low C = 22.6
| Mar low C = 22.9
| Apr low C = 23.0
| May low C = 22.9
| Jun low C = 22.4
| Jul low C = 22.2
| Aug low C = 22.0
| Sep low C = 22.2
| Oct low C = 22.5
| Nov low C = 22.9
| Dec low C = 22.8
|rain colour=green
|Jan rain mm=484
|Feb rain mm=402
|Mar rain mm=377
|Apr rain mm=193
|May rain mm=144
|Jun rain mm=77
|Jul rain mm=55
|Aug rain mm=42
|Sep rain mm=26
|Oct rain mm=62
|Nov rain mm=198
|Dec rain mm=333
|source 1 = Climate-Data.org<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://en.climate-data.org/location/764270/
|title = Climate: Cirebon
|publisher=Climate-Data.org
|access-date = 12 November 2020}}</ref>
}}

=== Administrative divisions ===
The city of Cirebon is divided into five administrative [[Districts of Indonesia|districts]] (''kecamatan''), listed below with their areas and their populations at the 2011 census<ref name="Biro Pusat Statistik 2011"/> and the 2020 census,<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021"/> together with the official estimates as at mid 2024.<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025" /> The table also includes the locations of the district administrative centres and the number of [[administrative village]]s in each district (all classed as urban ''kelurahan'').
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
! Kode <br>Wilayah
! Name of <br>District<br>(''kecamatan'')
! Area <br>in<br>km<sup>2</sup>
! Pop'n <br>(2010 <br>census)
! Pop'n <br>(2020 <br>census)
! Pop'n <br>mid 2024<br>estimate
! Pop'n <br> density <br> 2024 <br>(per km<sup>2</sup>)
! Admin<br>centre
! No.<br>of<br>villages
|-
| align="center"|32.74.01
| style="text-align:left;"| Kejaksan
| 4.45
| 42,300
| 45,966
| 46,895
| 10,538
| Kesenden
| align="center"|4
|-
| align="center"|32.74.02
| style="text-align:left;"| Lemahwungkuk
| 7.16
| 52,811
| 57,503
| 58,710
| 8,200
| Pegambiran
| align="center"|4
|-
| align="center"|32.74.03
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| 17.62
| 102,158
| 123,089
| 130,698
| 7,418
| Kalijaga
| align="center"|5
|-
| align="center"|32.74.04
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalipan
| 1.59
| 28,927
| 29,742
| 29,700
| 18,679
| Pekalipan
| align="center"|4
|-
| align="center"|32.74.05
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| 8.66
| 70,193
| 77,003
| 78,848
| 9,105
| Kesambi
| align="center"|5
|-
|
| style="text-align:left;"| ''Totals''
| ''39.48''
| ''296,389''
| ''333,303''
| ''344,851''
| ''8,735''
| ''Kejaksan''
| align="center"| ''22''
|}

The five districts are sub-divided into twenty-two urban villages (''kelurahan'') which are listed below with their populations at the 2010 census<ref name="Biro Pusat Statistik 2011"/> and the 2020 census,<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021"/> together with their post codes:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| Kode <br>Wilayah
! District <br>(''kecamatan'')
! Village <br>(''kelurahan'')
! Pop'n <br>2010<br>census
! Pop'n <br>2020<br>census
! Post<br>code
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.01.1001
| style="text-align:left;"| Kejaksan
| style="text-align:left;"| Kejaksan
| 8,959
| 9,086
| 45123
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.01.1002
| style="text-align:left;"| Kejaksan
| style="text-align:left;"| Sukapura
| 13,341
| 14,502
| 45122
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.01.1003
| style="text-align:left;"| Kejaksan
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesenden
| 11,875
| 13,475
| 45121
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.01.1004
| style="text-align:left;"| Kejaksan
| style="text-align:left;"| Kebonbaru
| 8,125
| 8,823
| 45121
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.03.1001
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| style="text-align:left;"| Kalijaga
| 29,550
| 36,627
| 45154
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.03.1002
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| 18,725
| 21,936
| 45153
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.03.1003
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| style="text-align:left;"| Kecapi
| 22,222
| 23,981
| 45152
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.03.1004
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| style="text-align:left;"| Larangan
| 14,364
| 16,111
| 45151
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.03.1005
| style="text-align:left;"| Harjamukti
| style="text-align:left;"| Argasunya
| 17,297
| 24,434
| 45155
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.04.1001
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalipan
| style="text-align:left;"| Jagasutra
| 9,704
| 10,004
| 45115
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.04.1002
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalipan
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalipan
| 6,195
| 6,211
| 45117
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.04.1003
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalipan
| style="text-align:left;"| Pulasaren
| 7,313
| 7,598
| 45116
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.04.1004
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalipan
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekalangan
| 5,715
| 5,929
| 45118
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.05.1001
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| style="text-align:left;"| Pekiringan
| 11,198
| 11,901
| 45131
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.05.1002
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| style="text-align:left;"| Sunyaragi
| 10,779
| 12,342
| 45132
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.05.1003
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| 9,291
| 8,690
| 45134
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.05.1004
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| style="text-align:left;"| Drajat
| 15,100
| 15,737
| 45133
|-
| style="text-align:center;"| 32.74.05.1005
| style="text-align:left;"| Kesambi
| style="text-align:left;"| Karyamulya
| 23,825
| 28,333
| 45131
|}

== Demographics ==
The city's [[population]] was 298,224 at the Indonesia census of 2010.<ref name="tempo">{{cite web |url=http://www.wartono.org/hg/bandung/2010/09/01/brk,20100901-275625,id.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407073334/http://www.wartono.org/hg/bandung/2010/09/01/brk,20100901-275625,id.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |title=Bandung Kota Terpadat di Jawa Barat &#124; nusa &#124; Tempo.co |publisher=Tempointeraktif.com |date=2010-09-01 |access-date=2012-05-23 }}</ref> The official estimate as at mid 2024 was 344,851.<ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2025" /> As with other coastal cities in Indonesia, a large population of [[Chinese Indonesian|ethnic Chinese]] has flocked into the city as a result of long-term [[China|Chinese]] immigration since the 17th century. Other communities include Malays, Koreans, Arabs, Indians, Japanese.<ref name="ReferenceA">TFI</ref> Significant suburbs lie within densely populated [[Cirebon Regency]], and the official metropolitan area encompasses this entire regency as well as the city.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|-
! Administrative division
! Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! Pop'n <br>(2010 <br>census)
! Pop'n <br>(2015 <br>census)
! Pop'n <br>(2020 <br>census)
! Pop'n <br>mid 2024<br>estimate
! Pop'n <br>density <br> 2024 <br>(per km<sup>2</sup>)
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| Cirebon City
| 39.48
| 296,389
| 307,319
| 333,303
| 344,851
| 8,735
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[Cirebon Regency]]
| 1,076.76
| 2,067,196
| 2,124,866
| 2,270,621
| 2,387,961
| 2,218
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| '''Greater Cirebon'''
| '''1,116.24'''
| '''2,363,585'''
| '''2,432,185'''
| '''2,603,924'''
| '''2,732,812'''
| '''2,448'''
|}

Although surrounded by Sundanese-speaking areas in West Java, linguists have stated that Cirebon (and the historically related region of [[Serang]] city in [[Banten Province]]) are inside its own Cirebonese language area. In addition, this is supported by a large portion of the Cirebon people referring to themselves as "Wong Cirebon" ("[[Cirebonese people]]"), and to their language as "Basa Cirebon" ("Cirebonese"). Cirebonese language is related to Javanese and Banyumasan with dialects such as the ''Jawareh'' (half-Javanese half Sundanese), ''Plered'', and ''Dermayon''. There are also native Sundanese speakers in the city, who speak a local dialect known as ''Bahasa Sunda Cirebon'' (Cirebonese Sundanese language) which contains unique words not found in its Priangan counterpart.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

==Campaign for Cirebon Province==
In the modern era, some of the local political elite in Cirebon and surrounding regencies have campaigned for Cirebon city, together with the regencies of [[Cirebon Regency|Cirebon]], [[Indramayu Regency|Indramayu]], [[Kuningan Regency|Kuningan]] and [[Majalengka Regency|Majalengka]] to be established as a new province (''Provinsi Rebana'') - in the same way as [[Banten Province]] was formed in 2000 by splitting it away from [[West Java]].<ref>Arya Dipa, [http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/05/31/council-urged-endorse-formation-cirebon-province.html Council urged to endorse formation of Cirebon province'], ''The Jakarta Post'', 31 May 2012.</ref> To be a new province it is required that it should be proposed by at least five regencies. Leaders from four of these administrations have given their consent, but [[Majalengka Regency]] has turned down the idea and indicated that it would prefer to stay part of West Java. However, the lack of support from the Majalengka area does not preclude Cirebon city and the other three regencies from continuing to promote the idea.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediaindonesia.com/read/2012/02/21/299930/289/101/Masyarakat-Majalengka-Tolak-Provinsi-Baru|title=Masyarakat Majalengka Tolak Provinsi Baru|date=February 21, 2012}}</ref>

The potential size and population of this possible Province would be as follows:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin-bottom: 0;"
! Name !! Capital !! Area <br> in <br>km<sup>2</sup> !! Pop'n <br> 2010 <br> census !! Pop'n <br> 2020 <br> census <ref name="Badan Pusat Statistik 2021"/>!! Pop'n <br> mid 2024<br>estimate<ref>Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 2024.</ref>
|-
|-
| Cirebon City || Cirebon || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 39.48}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 296389}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 333303}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 344851}}
|-
| Cirebon Regency || [[Sumber, Cirebon|Sumber]] || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1076.76}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 2067196}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 2270621}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 2387961}}
|-
| [[Indramayu Regency]] || [[Indramayu]] || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 2099.42}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1663737}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1834434}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1914037}}
|-
| [[Kuningan Regency]] || [[Kuningan]] || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1194.09}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1035589}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1167686}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1213927}}
|-
| [[Majalengka Regency]] || [[Majalengka]] || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1204.24}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1166473}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1305476}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 1352541}}
|-
| '''''Totals''''' ||  || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 5613.99}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 6229384}} || align="right" |  {{formatnum: 6911520}}|| align="right" |  {{formatnum:7213.317}}
|}

== Economy ==
Cirebon City's economy is influenced by its strategic geographical location and by the characteristics of natural resources. Thus, the structure of its economy is dominated by manufacturing, trade, hotels and restaurants, transport and communications, and service sectors. [[Tomé Pires]] in the [[Suma Oriental]] around the year 1513 mentioned Cirebon was one of the trade centers on the island of [[Java]]. After Cirebon was taken over by the [[Dutch East Indies]] government in 1859, it was designated as a transit port for import-export goods and as a communications route to the political control center for the region in the interior of Java.

Until 2001, the economic contribution to the City of Cirebon was characterized by processing industry (41.32%),
followed by trade, hotels and restaurants (29.8%), transport and communications sector (13.56%), and services sector (6.06%). Other sectors (9.26%) included mining, agriculture, construction, electricity, and gas. Aside from fishery, its harbor, Tanjung Emas, on the [[Java Sea]] has been a major hub for [[timber]] from [[Borneo]].

==Culture==
Cirebon itself is known as ''Grage'' in the Cirebon dialect of Javanese language, which came from the words "'''Negara Gede'''", meaning "Great Kingdom." As a port city, Cirebon attracts visitors and settlers from elsewhere in Indonesia and from other nations as well. Cirebon culture was described as Java ''Pasisiran'' (coastal) culture, similar to the cultures of Banten, Pekalongan, and Semarang, with notable mixtures of Sundanese, Chinese, Arabic-Islamic, and European influences.

=== Arts and crafts ===
[[File:Batik Mega Mendung.jpg|thumb|150px|right|A Megamendung batik motif from Cirebon.]]
[[Batik]] textiles from Cirebon, especially Cirebon batik with vivid colors with motifs and patterns, that demonstrate Chinese and local influences, are well known. Chinese influences can be seen in Cirebon's culture, most notably the Cirebon batik ''Megamendung'' pattern that resembles Chinese cloud imagery. The [[Trusmi Batik Village|Trusmi]] area is the production center of Cirebon batik. Cirebon Glass Painting is another aspect of Cirebon arts and crafts. The imagery in glass painting is usually derived from [[wayang]] theme to [[Islamic calligraphy]].

=== Performing arts ===
[[File:Tari_topeng_cirebon.jpg|thumb|150px|left|[[Cirebon mask dance]]]]
The [[Cirebon mask dance|Tari Topeng Cirebon]], or Cirebon mask dance, is a dance style peculiar to the city. [[Topeng]] Cirebon mask dance, inspired by Javanese [[Panji (prince)|Panji]] cycles is one of notable Cirebon traditional dance and quite famous within [[Indonesian dance]]s.

Cirebon culture is also influenced by Islamic Middle Eastern culture, such as the ''Burokan'' tradition where people exhibit the image of [[buraq]] — traditionally made from the bamboo frame and paper skin, or other materials — in processions around the village accompanied with music. The traditions of the bamboo statues borne in these processions are similar to Sundanese ''Sisingaan'', Betawi ''[[Ondel-ondel]]'', or Balinese ''[[Ogoh-ogoh]]'' processions, yet differ in their Islamic theme. ''Burokan'' are usually held during festive occasions such as circumcision or marriage, and are accompanied by popular Cirebon folk songs, such as ''tarling.''

'''Tarling''' is a musical tradition reminiscent of Bandung's ''kecapi suling'' music with except that it features guitar, ''[[suling]]'' (bamboo flute) and voice.<ref name="Turner 229"/> The name derived from ''gi'''tar''''' (guitar), and ''su'''ling''''' (flute).

===Sports===
Cirebon is the home town of the PSGJ Cirebon football team, the club plays in the [[Liga Nusantara]].
Another team, Cirebon Football Club, team also plays in the [[Liga Nusantara]] is based in the Bima stadium Cirebon. Other popular sports in Cirebon include [[Futsal]].

=== Court culture ===
The four remaining palaces (''[[Kraton (Indonesia)|kraton]]'') of the [[Sultanate of Cirebon]] are Kraton [[Kraton Kasepuhan|Kasepuhan]] (built 1447), Kraton [[Kraton Kanoman|Kanoman]] (built 1678), Kraton Kaprabonan (built 1696) and Kraton [[Kraton Kacirebonan|Kacirebonan]] (built 1808), all run as cultural institutions to preserve [[Cirebon#Culture|Cirebonese culture]]. Each kraton still holds their own traditional ceremonies and have become the patrons of [[Cirebon#Arts_and_crafts|Cirebonese arts]]. 

The flag of the former Cirebon Sultanate is called ''Macan Ali'' ("Panther of Ali"), with Arabic calligraphy arranged to resemble a [[Panthera|panther]] or [[tiger]]; this indicates Islamic influence, and is also a reference to the tiger banner of the [[Sundanese people|Sundanese]] Hindu [[Prabu Siliwangi|King Siliwangi]] of [[Pakuan Pajajaran]]. The royal lineage of Cirebon is still well-respected and held in high prestige among the people of Cirebon, although it no longer holds any political power.

The royal carriage of Kasepuhan's ''Singa Barong'' and Kanoman's ''Paksi Naga Liman'' carriage both resemble the [[chimera (mythology)|chimera]] of three animals: eagle, elephant, and dragon. These symbolize [[India]]n [[Hinduism in Indonesia|Hinduism]], [[Arab Muslims|Arab]] [[Islam in Indonesia|Islam]], and [[Chinese Indonesians|Chinese influences]]. The images of ''Macan Ali'', ''Singa Barong'', and ''Paksi Naga Liman'' are common motifs in Cirebonese [[batik]].

=== Cuisine ===
As a coastal city, Cirebon's main industry is fishery. Its products include ''[[terasi]]'' (shrimp paste), ''[[petis]]'', ''krupuk udang'' ([[shrimp crackers]]) and various [[salted fish]]. Cirebon is famous for its high quality salted fish, such as ''jambal roti'', ''juhi'' (salted cuttlefish), ''rebon'', and ''ebi'' (dried small shrimp). These products are often sought by visitors, especially Indonesian domestic tourists and visitors from other cities, as ''oleh-oleh'' (food souvenirs).

Cirebon is also known for its local cuisines and delicacies, such as ''[[empal gentong]]'' (offal curry ), ''[[mie koclok]]'' (chicken noodle soup with coconut milk), ''[[nasi lengko]]'' (rice with bean sprouts, fried [[tofu]], and fried [[tempeh]], topped with [[peanut sauce]] and [[soy sauce]]), ''[[nasi jamblang]]'' (rice of various side dishes), ''[[tahu gejrot]]'' (fried tofu with ground garlic, chili, and shallot, topped with thin and sweet soy sauce), ''tahu petis'' (dry fried tofu served with [[petis]] dip sauce), ''tahu tek-tek'' (fried tofu topped with peanut sauce and mixed with vegetables), ''ayam panggang'' (barbecued chicken), and ''[[docang]]'' ([[lontong]] with sour vegetable soup).

== Tourism ==
{{cleanup rewrite|section=yes|date=December 2014}}
[[File:Gate Keraton Kasepuhan Cirebon.jpg|thumb|Gate at [[Kraton Kasepuhan|Keraton Kasepuhan]]]]
As one tourist destination in [[West Java]], Cirebon City offers many charms ranging from a historical tour of the royal glory of [[Islam]], the story of the trustees, Complex [[Sunan Gunung Jati]] in Mount Sembung about {{convert|15|mi|order=flip}} to the west of the city center, [[Great Mosque of Cirebon]], [[At-Taqwa Mosque, Cirebon|At-Taqwa Mosque]], [[Chinese temple|temple]] ancient buildings and relics of [[Netherlands]].

Cirebon is a [[palace]] at the same time in the city, namely [[Keraton Kasepuhan]] and [[Kraton Kanoman|Kanoman]]. Everything has architecture a combination of elements culture Islam, [[China]], and [[Netherlands]]. Characteristics of the palace buildings are always facing [[north]] and there is a [[mosque]] nearby. Each palace has [[square]] as a gathering place, [[Market (place)|market]] and sculpture tiger in park or page forward as a symbol of [[Sri Baduga Maharaja|King Siliwangi]], the central character formation [[Sultanate of Cirebon]]. Another feature is the [[Ceramic|plate]] [[porcelain]] original China are so trimmer wall. Some dishes supposedly derived from [[Europe]] when Cirebon so port trade center island [[Java]].

Cirebon city park has some of them Waterpark Sunyaragi and Park of Ade Irma Suryani. Water Parks Sunyaragi has technology flow water advanced in his time, the water flows between the terraces where the princess king preening, page grass green where the knight practice, plus tower and room privileged that door was made of curtain water.

=== Orientation and places ===
[[File:Entrance to Makam Sunan Gunung Jati.jpg|thumb|Entrance to the tomb of [[Sunan Gunung Jati]].]]
The main boulevard is Jalan Siliwangi. It runs from the train station to the canal via the ''Pasar Pagi'' ("Morning Market"). Then the street becomes Jalan Karanggetas along which are most of Cirebon's banks, restaurants, and hotels. There are a number of historic buildings and other key sites in Cirebon, some of them in an advanced state of decay. These include the buildings of the several kratons, the Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque, and the Gua Sunyaragi Park.<ref>Nana Rukmana, '[http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2012/07/16/52-cirebon-historic-buildings-peril.html 52 Cirebon historic buildings in peril'], ''The Jakarta Post'', 16 July 2012.</ref>

[[Wali Songo]], especially [[Sunan Gunung Jati]], is known to have influenced the city's history. Sunan Gunung Jati's grave is located several kilometers outside the city in the Gunung Jati district. There are two temples and a cave system built by two Chinese architects around the 1880s, decorated by Chinese and Western porcelain. The village of Trusmi, about five kilometers outside of Cirebon, has been noted for [[batik]] production. Plangon is a habitat of monkeys.

[[Mount Cereme|Mt Ceremai]], the highest peak in West Java, is a large volcano situated about {{cvt|40|km}} to the south of Cirebon. Parks and other tourist spots on the slopes of Mt Ceremai are popular places for groups from Cirebon to visit during weekends to escape from the hotter climate on the coast. The village of Linggajati, near the town of Cilimus, (where the [[Linggadjati Agreement]] was signed) is one such place. Public transportation brings tourists and visitors here.

=== Cityscape ===
{{wide image|Cirebon Skyline.jpg|1024px|Cirebon Skyline}}

==Transportation==
===Airport===
Cirebon residents are now using [[Kertajati International Airport]], serving the Greater Cirebon metropolitan and surrounding area.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

[[Cakrabhuwana Airport]] in Penggung, Harjamukti subdistrict also serves the [[Indonesian Air Forces|TNI-AU]]. The city lies on [[Jalur Pantura]] ('''Pant'''ai '''U'''ta'''ra''' Jawa), a major road on the northern coast of Java that stretches from [[Anyer]], passes through [[Jakarta]], and ends at [[Surabaya]].

===Port of Cirebon===
{{Main|Port of Cirebon}}
[[File:Port_of_Cirebon.jpg|right|thumb|Port of Cirebon.|191x191px]]
The Port of Cirebon was established by the [[Netherlands|Dutch]] in 1865, principally as an export point for spices, sugar cane, and raw materials from West Java. Warehouses and open storage areas were developed by 1890, and a [[British American Tobacco]] cigarette factory was built in the early 20th century.

Port activity is dominated by bulk imports of coal, liquid asphalt and vegetable oils for the [[West Java]] hinterland. Until 2002, the port also catered for minor [[containerization|container]] trade and [[cruise ship]]ping. In 2006 the port handled 3.27 million [[metric tons]] (MT) of trade, more than 90 percent as imports from other Indonesian ports.

== Public service ==
Nearly 93% of the population has been underserved by service water from PDAM Cirebon, the majority of customers in the city's water supply to households (90.37% or as many as 59,006) of the total number of existing connections (65,287).<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Ciptakarya.pu.go.id |url=http://ciptakarya.pu.go.id/profil/profil/barat/jabar/cirebon.pdf |title=Profile Cirebon }}</ref>

== Health ==
Since the [[Dutch East Indies]] government, Cirebon City has had a hospital named Orange, which unveiled its use on August 31, 1921, and commenced operations from September 1, 1921. Currently the name of Orange Hospital become Gunung Jati Hospital.

In 2009 in the city of Cirebon has been available about 6 general [[hospitals]], four maternity hospitals, 21 health centers, 15 health centers Maid, 20 Mobile Health Center, and 81 Pharmacies and Drug Stores 31. With the number of medical personnel such as specialist doctors about 94 people, and 116 general practitioners, 37 dentists, 847 nurses, and 278 midwives.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cirebonkota.go.id/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/B5-KES.pdf |title=Cirebon health data |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512082957/http://www.cirebonkota.go.id/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/B5-KES.pdf |archive-date=2013-05-12 }}</ref>

==Notable people==
{{Main category|People from Cirebon}}

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{more citations needed|date=August 2017}}
{{Main|List of twin town and sister cities in Indonesia}}
Cirebon has [[Town twinning|sister relationships]] with a number of towns worldwide:
*{{flagicon | USA}} [[Atlanta]], United States
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Seoul]], South Korea
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Suwon]], South Korea
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Jeonju]], South Korea
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Hwaseong City|Hwaseong]], South Korea
*{{flagicon|KOR}} [[Busan]], South Korea
*{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Moscow]], Russia
*{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Brisbane]], Australia
*{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Melbourne]], Australia
*{{flagicon|IRL}} [[Dublin]], Republic Of Ireland
*{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], Australia

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center">
File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Prent voorstellende Cheribon in de zeventiende eeuw gezien vanaf de rede TMnr 60034631.jpg|The port of Cirebon in the 17th century
File:Taqwa.1.jpg|[[At-Taqwa Mosque, Cirebon|At-Taqwa Mosque]]
File:Cirebon City Hall.JPG|The main building of the [[Cirebon City Hall]]
File:DPRD_Kota_Cirebon-Jie.jpg|The building of Cirebon City Legislatures (''DPRD'')
File:Building in Keraton Kasepuhan.jpg|Building inside Keraton Kasepuhan complex
File:Symbol Keraton Kasepuhan.jpg|Sculpture in Keraton Kasepuhan
File:Sunyaragi2.jpg|Sunyaragi meditation caves
File:Klenteng_Kwan_Im,_Cirebon_2_-_panoramio.jpg|[[Guanyin]] Temple in Cirebon
File:Gedung BAT -Jie73.jpg|Former building of the British-American-Tobacco
File:Cirebonese Art Batik - Mahabharat Scene with Arjun & Krishna in Chariot - Gita.jpg|Cirebonese Batik Art depicting Hindu Gods [[Arjuna]] and [[Krishna]] in their chariot in [[Mahabharata]]
</gallery>

==See also==
{{portal|Indonesia}}
* [[List of cities in Indonesia]]

==Footnotes==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Graaf, H. J. de (Hermanus Johannes de Graaf), 1899-(?), "Chinese Muslims in Java in the 15th and 16th centuries: the Malay Annals of [[Semarang]] and Cerbon / translated and provided with comments by H. J. de Graaf and [[Theodoor Gautier Thomas Pigeaud]]; edited by M.C. Ricklefs. Publisher: [Melbourne] | Monash University, 1984. Description: xiii, 221 p. | folded map ; 21&nbsp;cm. {{ISBN|0-86746-419-4}} | Series: Monash papers on Southeast Asia; no. 12
*{{cite book |title=Sejarah Cirebon |first=P.S. |last=Sulendraningrat |publisher=Balai Pustaka |location=Jakarta |year=1985 |oclc=246515112}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.cirebonkota.go.id/ Official site]

{{West Java}}
{{Most populous cities in Indonesia}}
{{Dutch colonies|East India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cirebon| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in West Java]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Indonesia]]