Purwakarta Regency is a regency in West Java Province, Indonesia. Its capital is located in Purwakarta, approximately 80 km east of Jakarta.

During the founding of the Republic of Indonesia, Purwakarta was known as the birthplace of several great statesmen and leaders from West Java. Among them were National Hero Kusumah Atmaja (the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia) and Ipik Gandamana (the first Regent of Bogor Regency, Governor of West Java, and Minister of Home Affairs).

Geographical Location

This regency borders Karawang Regency to the north and part of the western region, Subang Regency to the east and part of the northern region, West Bandung Regency to the south, and Cianjur Regency to the southwest.

Purwakarta Regency is located at the intersection of three very strategic main traffic corridors, namely Purwakarta-Jakarta, Purwakarta-Bandung and Purwakarta-Cirebon.

The area of ​​Purwakarta Regency is 971.72 km² or approximately 2.81% of the area of ​​West Java Province, with a population of 845,509 (2009 population projection) with an average population growth rate of 2.28% per year. The male population is 420,380, while the female population is 425,129.

Purwakarta Regency has the motto "Wibawa Karta Raharja." "Wibawa" means dignified or honorable, "Karta" means lively or lively, and "Raharja" means prosperous or prosperous. Therefore, "Wibawa Karta Raharja" can be interpreted as a region that is honorable/authoritative, lively/lively, and prosperous or prosperous.

Etymology

Purwakarta comes from the syllables "purwa," meaning beginning, and "karta," meaning bustling or lively. The name Purwakarta was given after the relocation of the capital of Purwakarta Regency from Wanayasa to Sindang Kasih.

The event of moving the district capital is commemorated every year on July 20 by retracing the steps from Wanayasa to Sindang Kasih.

History

Before Dutch colonialism

Purwakarta's existence is inextricably linked to the history of the struggle against the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Around the early 17th century, the Sultan of Mataram sent an army led by the Regent of Surabaya to West Java. One of its goals was to subdue the Sultan of Banten. However, during the journey, they clashed with VOC troops and were forced to withdraw.

After that, a second expedition was sent from the Mataram Army under the leadership of Dipati Ukur and also suffered the same fate. To hinder the expansion of the VOC's (VOC) territory, the Sultan of Mataram sent Penembahan Galuh (Ciamis) named R.A.A. Wirasuta who held the title of Adipati Panatayuda or Adipati Kertabumi III to occupy Rangkas Sumedang (East of Citarum). In addition, he also built defense forts in Tanjungpura, Adiarsa, Parakansapi and Kuta Tandingan. After establishing the fort, Adipati Kertabumi III then returned to Galuh and died. The name Rangkas Sumedang itself changed to Karawang because the condition of the area was swampy (Sundanese: "Karawaan").

Sultan Agung Mataram then appointed the son of Adipati Kertabumi III, namely Adipati Kertabumi IV, as Dalem (regent) in Karawang in 1656. Adipati Kertabumi IV was also known as Raden Adipati Singaperbangsa or Eyang Manggung, with the capital in Udug-udug.

During the reign of R. Anom Wirasuta, son of Panembahan Singaperbangsa who held the title R.A.A. Panatayuda I between 1679 and 1721, the capital of Karawang from Udug-udug moved to Karawang, with the area of ​​power covering the area between Cihoe (Cibarusah) and Cipunagara. The Karawang Regency government ended around 1811-1816 as a result of the transfer of control of the Dutch East Indies from the Dutch Government to the British Government.

Dutch colonial period

Between 1819-1826 the Dutch Government broke away from the British Government which was marked by efforts to return authority from the Regents to Governor General Van Der Capellen. Thus Karawang Regency was revived around 1820, covering the land area located to the east of the Citarum/Cibeet River and to the west of the Cipunagara River. In this case except for the Onder District of Gandasoli, now Plered District at that time included Bandung Regency. As Regent I of the revived Karawang Regency, R.A.A. Surianata from Bogor was appointed with the title Dalem Santri who then chose the regency capital in Wanayasa.

During the reign of Regent R.A. Suriawinata or Dalem Sholawat, in 1830 the capital was moved from Wanayasa to Sindangkasih which was inaugurated based on the besluit (decree) of the colonial government dated July 20, 1831 number 2.

Construction began with the filling of swamps to create Situ Buleud, the Residency Building, the Pendopo, the Grand Mosque, the Army Barracks in Ceplak, and the creation of Solokan Gede, Sawah Lega, and Situ Kamojing. Construction continued through the administration of the next regent.

Independence period

Karawang Regency with its capital in Purwakarta lasted until 1949. On January 29, 1949, with the Decree of the Mayor of Pasundan Number 12, Karawang Regency was divided into two, namely East Karawang became Purwakarta Regency with its capital in Subang and West Karawang became Karawang Regency. Based on Law number 14 of 1950, concerning the formation of district areas within the West Java Province, the determination of Purwakarta Regency was further regulated, with its capital in Purwakarta, which includes the Subang, Sagalaherang, Pamanukan, Ciasem and Purwakarta Districts.

Administrative divisions

In 1968, based on Law No. 4 of 1968 concerning the Establishment of Purwakarta Regency and Subang Regency, the Decree of the Mayor of Pasundan was amended and stipulated the Establishment of Purwakarta Regency with the Purwakarta Kewedanaan Area added with two villages each from Karawang and Cianjur Regencies so that in 1968 Purwakarta Regency only had 4 sub-districts, namely Purwakarta, Plered, Wanayasa and Campaka Districts with a total of 70 villages. Subsequently, the arrangement of village areas, sub-districts, the formation of sub-districts and the elevation of sub-district status to independent sub-districts was carried out. So at that time Purwakarta Regency had an area of: 183 villages, 9 sub-districts, 8 sub-districts and 11 sub-districts. Based on the development of Purwakarta Regency, in 1989 the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs Number: 821.26-672 dated August 29, 1989 was issued regarding the birth of a new institution called the Purwakarta Regent's Assistant Work Area, Purwakarta Region which includes the Purwakarta District, Jatiluhur District, Campaka District, Cibungur District Representative, whose headquarters of the Purwakarta Regent is in Purwakarta. While the Plered Region Assistant Work Area includes the Plered District, Darangdan District, Tegalwaru District, Maniis District, Sukatani District, whose headquarters of the Purwakarta Regent is in Plered. The Wanayasa Region Assistant Work Area includes Wanayasti District, Subang, Sagalaherang, Pamanukan, Ciasem and Purwakarta. In 1968, based on Law No. 4 of 1968 concerning the Establishment of Purwakarta Regency and Subang Regency, which was inaugurated on January 31, 1990, by the Deputy Governor of West Java. After the enactment of Law No. 22 of 1999 concerning Regional Government, and the commencement of the implementation of Regional Autonomy in Purwakarta Regency on January 1, 2001, and through Regional Regulation No. 22 of 2001, there has been a restructuring of the government organization in Purwakarta Regency.

Climate

The climate conditions in Purwakarta Regency are included in the tropical climate zone, with an average rainfall of 3,093 mm/year and is divided into 2 rain zone areas, namely: a zone with temperatures ranging between 22o-28oC and a zone with temperatures ranging between 17o-26oC.

Topography

1. Mountainous Region. This region is located in the southeast at an altitude of 1,100 to 2,036 meters above sea level, covering 29.73% of the total area.
2. Hilly and Lake Area. This area is located in the northwest at an altitude of 500 to 1,000 meters above sea level, covering 33.8% of the total area.
3. Mainland Region. This region is located in the north at an altitude of 35 to 499 meters above sea level, covering 36.47% of the total area.

Geology and Geohydrology

The geology of the Purwakarta area consists of clastic sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, shale, sandstone, and volcanic rocks such as tuff, volcanic breccia, intrusive igneous rocks, marl claystone, conglomerate, and marl. Intrusive igneous rocks include andesite, diorite, vetrophyre, basalt, and gabbro. These rocks are generally found in the southwest of Purwakarta Regency. Marl or quartz sandstone is the oldest type of rock in Purwakarta Regency, found along the banks of the Jatiluhur Dam (Ir. H. Djuanda Dam).

Meanwhile, younger claystone (Miocene) is spread around the northwest and eastern parts of Purwakarta Regency along with old volcanic deposits originating from Mount Burangrang and Mount Sunda, namely tuff, basaltic andesite lava, volcanic breccia and lahar. On the surface of the rock there are deposits resulting from young volcanic eruptions including sandstone, lahar, lapilli, basaltic lava breccia, tuffaceous agglomerate, tuff sand, lapilli and scoria lacustrine.

Based on the conditions and types of rocks mentioned above, the Purwakarta Regency area contains geological resources such as andesite, limestone, clay, sand, quartz sand, stone sand (sirtu), trass, phosphate, barite, and gypsum. Most of the soil types are latosol, while a small portion are alluvial, andosol, grumosol, lithosol, podzolic, and regosol. The potential described above has encouraged the emergence of mining activities in Purwakarta Regency.

Purwakarta is located in the Citarum River Basin (DAS) with a slope of 0-40% and the Cilamaya River Basin. This significantly influences the hydrology and drainage system of the Purwakarta area. In this basin, the Ir. H. Djuanda Dam was built in Jatiluhur (7,757 ha.) and Cirata (1,182 ha.), which functions as 'flow control', irrigation, power generation, and as a source of drinking water for DKI Jakarta. The area of ​​​​the two dams is equivalent to 9.19% of the area of ​​​​Purwakarta Regency. The construction of these dams was made possible by the presence of several rivers.

Based on the Environmental Database, the rivers in Purwakarta Regency are (1) Cilamaya River which is the Main River (order 1 in the watershed) with a length of 62 km, an average width of 30 m, and a water discharge of 366 m3/second. The Cilamaya River has order 2 in the watershed, namely: Ciracas River, Cijambe River, Cisaat River, Cibongas River, Cilandak River, etc. (2) Cikao River, which is the Main River (order 1 in the watershed) with a river length of 45 km, a width of 40 m. The Cikao River consists of several order 2 rivers in the watershed, namely: Cigintung River, Cigadung River, Cikembang River, Cicadas River, Cigajah River, Cisitu River, Cibingbin River, Cigorogoy River, Ciledug River, Citajur River, Cigalugur River, Cinangka River, etc. (3) Cilangkap River, which is the main river (order 1 DAS) with a length of 16 km, width of 4 m. This river has order 2 in the DAS, namely the Cioray River and the Cijalu River. (4) Ciampel River which is the main river (order 1 DAS) with a length of 14 km and a width of 4 m. The Ciampel River has order 2 in the DAS, namely the Cikapuk River, Sumurbeunying River, Cilabuh River, Ciwaru River and Cikantong River.

Socio-cultural

Like most people living in central West Java, the lifestyle of the people of Purwakarta Regency is dominated by Sundanese culture. In keeping with the times, marked by the development of information and communication technology, the people of Purwakarta have been greatly influenced by foreign cultures.

However, the local culture remains fundamentally Sundanese and steeped in religious values, particularly Islam. The majority of the population of Purwakarta Regency is Muslim, with the remainder non-Muslim. In other words, the people of Purwakarta are a religious community.

Transportation

Public bus routes that run through Purwakarta Regency include those to Jakarta, Bandung, Bogor, Bekasi, Karawang, Cilegon, Tasikmalaya, Garut, Sumedang, Cirebon, and cities in Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java. Trains also operate to Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Karawang, and Bekasi.

For people living around the Jatiluhur Reservoir, the mode of transportation commonly used is small boats (under 7 GT).

Purwakarta is traversed by the Jakarta-Cikampek and Cikampek-Purwakarta-Padalarang (Cipularang) toll roads. Toll gates in Purwakarta Regency are located at Cikopo (Cikampek), Sadang, and Jatiluhur. However, Purwakarta Regency does not have a single bus terminal with adequate facilities.

Tourism site

Natural tourism

1. Jatiluhur Reservoir, with an area of ​​8,300 hectares, located approximately 9 km from the city of Purwakarta, offers complete and attractive recreational facilities and water sports such as: rowing, windsurfing, water skiing, power boating, sailing, and yachting. Facilities available include a hotel and bungalows, a bar and restaurant, tennis courts, a swimming pool with water slides, a meeting hall, and a playground. For younger tourists, there are youth huts and a spacious area for outbound activities and camping located on the hills shaded by trees. In the waters of Jatiluhur Reservoir, there is also a floating net cage fish farm which is a special attraction. During the day or night, we can fish while enjoying grilled fish. Especially for educational tourism, those who want to learn the ins and outs of this reservoir, Perum Jasa Tirta II provides experts.
2. Cirata Reservoir, with an area of ​​62 km2 is located at an altitude of 223 m above sea level surrounded by hills. If you travel from the city of Purwakarta via Plered, you will arrive in Cirata in ±40 minutes with a distance of 15 km. On the way you will pass the Bendul peuyeum trading center and the Plered Ceramic Industry Center in addition to enjoying the natural beauty along the Plered-Cirata road.
3. Situ Wanayasa is a natural lake located at an altitude of 600 m above sea level with an area of ​​7 ha, located ±23 km from the city of Purwakarta with cool air with Mount Burangrang in the background.
4. Ciracas Hot Springs. Located ±8 km from Situ Wanayasa, located at the foot of the hill surrounded by trees and rice fields with cool air. There are around 12 hot springs.
5. The Curug Cipurut waterfall, located approximately 3 km south of Wanayasa, is a convenient location for both hiking and camping. It's located at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level.
6. Badega Gunung Parang is a natural tourist attraction offering rock climbing facilities. Located 28 km from the city of Purwakarta, it sits at an elevation of 983 meters above sea level.
7. The western cliff of Mount Parang, Purwakarta
8. Japanese Cave is located approximately 28 km from the city of Purwakarta, at an elevation of approximately 700 meters above sea level, surrounded by tea plantations, pine trees, cloves, and mangosteens, and within the peak area of ​​Mount Burangrang. Japanese Cave is an artificial cave built by the Japanese (Romusha) around 1943 as a hiding place.
9. Bojong Tourism Village is located in Pasanggrahan Village, Bojong District, ±35 km from Purwakarta City, at an altitude of ±650 m above sea level, surrounded by trees, hills, rice fields, natural views of Mount Burangrang and people's plantation areas.
10. Via Ferrata Tour Rock climbing tours by climbing iron ladders equipped with special safety equipment called a double lanyard system, with climbing techniques such as Via Ferrata, it allows everyone to climb Parang Cliff without having special abilities, located at Parang Cliff, Pasanggrahan Village, Cirangkong Hamlet.
11. Situ Buleud is a 4-hectare circular lake located in the center of Purwakarta. It is a Purwakarta landmark. It is said to have been a rhinoceros bathing spot in the past, and during the Dutch colonial period, it became a resting place. An underground museum and a Siliwangi fountain park, similar to those in Singapore, will be built around Situ Buleud.
12. Sajuta Batu Tourism Village, located in Pasanggrahan Village, Tegalwaru District, one of the natural tourist destinations in Purwakarta, with a typical Purwakarta rural atmosphere. There are various types of tourist attractions available, including recreational tourism with village and hamlet exploration with a treat of pristine natural panoramas, fishing tourism, pilgrimage and trekking tourism, rock climbing on Mount Parang (the largest andesite mountain in Indonesia) and exploring the Jonggrang Kalapitung folklore on Mount Bongkok, exploring Goa Bolong Mount Parang and there are camping facilities and off-road areas in the Mount Salasih area.

Cultural tourism

1. The State Building, built in 1854 during the Dutch colonial period in European architectural style, now serves as the Purwakarta Regent's Office.
2. The Residency Building, the same age as the State Building, was built during the Dutch colonial era. It now houses the office of the Regional Coordinating Agency IV, located on Jalan KK. Singawinata.
3. The Grand Mosque, located next to the State Building, was built in 1826 during the Dutch colonial period. Restoration began in 1993, preserving its original form and historical significance. It was inaugurated by the Governor of West Java in 1995.
4. The Plered Ceramics Industry Center is located in Anjun Village, approximately 13 km from Purwakarta. This industry is estimated to have existed since 1904, producing high-quality ceramics for export to countries including Japan, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Singapore. The types of ceramics produced include earthenware, terracotta, and porcelain.
5. The Songket Fabric Industry, produced by PT. Sinar since 1956 for export to Brunei and domestic consumption.
6. Buncis and Domyak arts are typical arts of Purwakarta besides wayang golek, celempungan, dances, degung, ketuk tilu, jaipongan, tungbrung, reog, calung and other regional arts.

Pilgrimage Tourism

1. The tomb of RA. Suriawinata. The founder of the city of Purwakarta who died in 1827, he was the 9th Regent of Karawang and is buried in the middle of Situ Wanayasa.
2. The tomb of Sheikh Baing Yusuf, who died in 1856, is located behind the Purwakarta Grand Mosque. He was a prominent scholar in his time, residing in Kaum (Paimbaran, near the Grand Mosque) in Purwakarta and establishing an Islamic boarding school.
3. The tomb of Mama Sempur is the tomb of Sheikh Tubagus Ahmad Bakri as-Sampuri. The sacred tomb of Sempur is the tomb of Mama Sempur. He was a respected and prominent Islamic religious figure, so that now many visitors make pilgrimages to the tomb. It is located in Sempur-Plered, 14 km from the city of Purwakarta.

Artificial Tourism

1. Sri Baduga Park The Sri Baduga Park fountain, a new icon of Purwakarta, is touted as being identical to the Wing of Time Fountain in Singapore. Furthermore, the Sri Baduga Park fountain, claimed to be the largest in Indonesia, is connected by several other fountains from north to south. Meanwhile, right in the middle of the lake are four tiger statues and one statue of Sri Baduga Maharaja.

Food

1. Sate Maranggi. What distinguishes it from other satays is its soy sauce marinade, which is blended to create a unique flavor—sour, sweet, and spicy. Besides sate maranggi, many Sundanese restaurants also serve grilled fish, steamed fish (pepes), fried chicken, and grilled chicken (bakakak), complete with freshly made chili sauce.
2. Soto Sadang. This soto is named Soto Sadang because it was originally located in Sadang, Purwakarta, at the intersection of the main road to Jakarta and the train tracks. However, since the construction of the flyover, the restaurant has moved towards Purwakarta city, to Jalan Veteran.

Souvenirs

1. Simping. This food comes in the form of flat, thin, round sheets, usually white, and has a savory taste. It's made from rice flour with various spices.
2. Peuyeum bendul
3. Cigarette Sugar
4. Candied nutmeg
5. Green tea
6. Colenak
7. The opposite
8. Browyeum (Brownies Peuyeum). This souvenir is the result of an innovation of bentul peuyeum combined with brownies, resulting in a distinctive taste, and can be obtained at Perum Bukit Panorama Indah, behind the Police Station.

Source: Purwakarta Regency Website, Wikipedia