Kuta Traditional Village Faces Multiple Challenges; Residents Hope for a Visit from the Governor of West Java
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Ciamis, June 18, 2026, inet99.id — The Chairman of the West Java Sundanese Customary Council (Majelis Adat Sunda Jawa Barat), Inspector General of Police (Ret.) Dr. H. Anton Charliyan, affectionately known as Abah Anton Charli, accompanied by three council members—Kang Aip, Kang Epi Lo of Ciamis, and expert staff member Kang Dindin Mauludin—conducted a courtesy visit and field assessment to Kuta Traditional Village in Ciamis Regency on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Customary Elder Ki Warja, Deputy Customary Elder Abah Udin, Customary Secretary Kang Firman, and Chairman of the Mosque Prosperity Council (DKM) Abah Didi.
During the meeting, a number of historical facts and current conditions regarding Kuta Traditional Village were revealed. The name "Kuta" is believed to derive from the word Mahkota (Crown), as the area was once considered the prospective site for the establishment of the Galuh Kingdom Palace during the reign of Prabu Ki Ajar Sukaresi around the 10th century.
Today, all residents of Kuta Traditional Village embrace Islam, a faith introduced by Wali Tunggal of Cirebon Girang. Geographically, the village is situated at the easternmost part of West Java Province and directly borders Central Java.
Kuta Traditional Village covers an area of approximately 185 hectares and is home to 97 households. Located at an elevation of 500–600 meters above sea level, the village includes approximately 31 hectares of protected customary forest (Leuweung Tutupan) that has been carefully preserved for generations.
Agricultural land consists of approximately 10 hectares of rain-fed rice fields, while the remaining 140 hectares comprise dry agricultural land cultivated with sugar palm, coffee, coconut, and various other crops.
Despite its agricultural potential, development remains constrained by limited access to water resources. During the dry season, residents face significant challenges not only in irrigating their farmland but also in securing sufficient water for daily necessities such as cooking and bathing.
Nevertheless, the people of Kuta Traditional Village continue to produce high-quality traditional palm sugar and palm sugar crystals (gula semut). Production has reportedly doubled following technical assistance provided by Mr. Willy, who is known as a trusted associate of H. Hashim Djojohadikusumo.
From an infrastructure perspective, access to Kuta Traditional Village via the Ketapang–Banjar route is relatively good. However, several road sections along the Kawali route remain damaged. In addition, approximately 1.3 kilometers of roads within the traditional village area are in poor condition and require urgent improvement.
Kuta Traditional Village continues to uphold its ancestral customs rigorously, earning it the nickname "Kampung Sarebu Pamali" (The Village of a Thousand Taboos). Among the customary regulations still observed are:
The prohibition of burying deceased persons within the traditional village area.
The prohibition of staging traditional wayang performances.
The prohibition of constructing permanent buildings made of cement.
The prohibition of wearing black clothing when entering the protected forest area.
The prohibition of individuals wearing official government uniforms from entering the customary village area.
In addition, the community continues to observe several annual traditional ceremonies, including:
1. Hajat Suguhan, held annually on the 5th day of Safar.
2. Hajat Bumi, celebrated on the 1st of Muharram.
3. Hajat Babarit Tolak Bala (Ngabuburak Nu Rujit), a traditional ritual seeking protection from misfortune.
Discussions with customary leaders and local residents highlighted several pressing issues that require serious attention from the Ciamis Regency Government, the West Java Provincial Government, and the Ministry of Culture.
First, Kuta Traditional Village has yet to obtain legal recognition of its communal customary land rights (tanah ulayat), despite the availability of approximately 15–20 hectares of land that could be collectively managed by the indigenous community.
Second, adequate irrigation infrastructure is still lacking, preventing the agricultural sector from reaching its full potential.
Third, approximately 1.3 kilometers of village roads within the customary settlement require rehabilitation.
Fourth, several essential facilities needed to support the sustainability of the traditional village are not yet available. These include a Bale Ageung (traditional assembly hall), a model traditional house pavilion, Bumi Alit, Bumi Ageung for safeguarding heirlooms and historical artifacts, a Leuit (traditional rice barn), a surau or mosque, a representative entrance gate, and the revitalization of the Kalpataru Monument, which is currently in a deteriorated condition.
Fifth, environmental strengthening programs are needed through the planting of long-term tree species such as sugar palm, kirai, albasiah, water-retaining vegetation, and hybrid coconuts. The community also seeks support for the cultivation of high-value economic crops, including nutmeg, Robusta coffee, Musang King durian, honey pineapple, English melon, black dragon fruit, water apple, guava, and various medicinal plants.
The residents of Kuta Traditional Village also expressed their hope that West Java Governor Kang Dedi Mulyadi (KDM) would visit the village in person. According to local residents, the village has never received an official gubernatorial visit, including during the administrations of Ahmad Heryawan, Ridwan Kamil, and other governors.
"The community's aspiration is simple: they hope this traditional village will receive greater attention so that its cultural heritage, environmental conservation efforts, and the welfare of its people can continue to flourish," said Abah Anton Charli at the conclusion of the visit.
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