Message of Peace from the Foothills of Mt. Ciremai

Living in harmony despite differences in religion and ethnicity is more than just a habit in Cigugur district, Cirebon, West Java.

Kompas/Rony Ariyanto Nugroho

People carry rice and crops at the peak of the Seren Taun 1950 Saka Sunda celebration in Cigugur, Kuningan, West Java, on Thursday (14/9). Seren Taun in Cigugur is celebrated both by the Sunda Wiwitan people and the general public who joyfully integrate in diversity.

“Sanajan sewang-sewangan tapi teu ewang-ewangan”, an ancient Sundanese proverb goes. The meaning is similar to Indonesia’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika”. Unity in diversity. Long before the nation achieved independence, the spirit already flourished in Cigugur, Kuningan.

Living in harmony despite differences in religion and ethnicity is more than just a habit in Cigugur district, Kuningan, some 35 kilometers from Cirebon, West Java. A series of Seren Taun ritual events to commemorate the coming of the year 1950 in the Saka Sunda calendar was held from Saturday (9/9/2017) to Thursday (14/9/2017). These events are proof that peace is the lifeblood of the people living on the foothills of Mount Ciremai. Attended by adherents of the local Sunda Wiwitan belief, the annual event is a celebration by and for the people.