Mayor Emphasizes the Importance of Real Action and Cross-Sector Collaboration to Advance Cultural Tourism

SOUTH TANGERANG, Kontroversinews, Com. – The Mayor of Cirebon, Effendi Edo, emphasized that the rich history and culture of the City of Cirebon must not stop at just narrating the greatness of the past. He called for the importance of real action and collective collaboration in a friendly evening entitled “Uniting Steps and Strengthening Cirebon” at The Radiant Center, South Tangerang, Friday (19/12/2025).

​In the presence of a number of regional heads and community figures, the Mayor stated that without concrete steps, Cirebon’s abundant cultural assets will only become historical displays. He emphasized that the development of the tourism and arts and culture sector requires synergy from all stakeholders so that the big vision of developing the region can be immediately accelerated in the field.

​”Cirebon is rich in history and culture, but if we just keep quiet without taking real action, everything will be in vain. Let’s stop just talking about potential and start doing something real for a more advanced Cirebon,” stressed the Mayor in front of figures and cultural observers.

​The Mayor also underlined the importance of collaboration in making the development vision of Cirebon City 2025-2029 a success. The City Government is committed to bringing about significant changes through the development of integrated tourist areas. The main focus is directed at strengthening local cultural identity as a driving force for the economy, so that modernization does not eliminate the traditional roots of society.

​He hopes that dialogue like this will create harmony between the aspirations of cultural activists and the government’s strategic programs. According to him, unifying perceptions from an early age is the key to ensuring that Cirebon remains strong as a center of civilization amidst rapid global development.

“This step is expected to be able to create a tourism ecosystem that is not only physically beautiful, but also alive with value,” he said.

​In line with this vision, the Head of the Cirebon City Culture and Tourism Service (Disbudpar), Agus Sukmanjaya, explained a strategic tourism road map with the concept of “Equitable and Sustainable”. This road map is a derivative of the spirit of real action instructed by the Mayor to improve tourism governance in the next few years.
​
“We are not only building physically, but reviving the spirit of ‘Living Heritage’ in the palace area so that it becomes a global cultural and historical center. This is a form of our real action in preserving ancestral heritage while packaging it professionally to attract tourists,” said Agus Sukmanjaya when explaining the plan to develop the Cirebon City tourism area for 2026-2029.

​In its presentation, the government has mapped priority areas which include Palace Tourism (Kasepuhan, Kanoman, Kacirebonan, and Kaprabonan), Marine Tourism in the Kejawanan area, and the revitalization of the Old City Area. Each area will be designed to have visual markers (landmarks) and iconic public facilities that prioritize visitor comfort without damaging existing historical values.
​
This development strategy also touches on regional aspects in each sub-district. In Kejaksan District, the focus is on structuring the trade area and revitalizing the Sukalila River. Meanwhile in Lemahwungkuk, emphasis is placed on the coastal economy. The Kesambi, Harjamukti, and Pekalipan sub-districts are each projected to become public service centers, empowerment of urban farming MSMEs, as well as quality public space-based culinary centers.

​Agus also invited all elements to make the “Calendar of Events” that had been prepared a success, including national scale cultural festivals.

“Through integration with the Rebana Metropolitan area and optimizing the blue economy on the coast, Cirebon City is optimistic that it will be able to transform into a service and trade center that remains proud of its heritage identity,” he concluded.