ASAL-USUL KARAWANG || (Sejarah Terbentuknya Kabupaten Karawang)

Summary

Karawang, located in West Java, has a rich historical background. The name Karawang is believed to originate from the Sundanese word 'Karang' meaning full of holes. This area has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological sites like Batu Jaya and Cibuaya indicating early settlements. Islam spread through the region, notably by Sheikh Hasanuddin. Over time, Karawang shifted under various kingdoms, including the Mataram Sultanate and later the Dutch colonial power. Known as a rice-producing region, it also played a crucial role in Indonesia's independence movement. The administrative division evolved over centuries, with significant changes in the 20th century.

Takeaways

• 😀 Karawang is a regency in West Java with a historical name derived from the term 'Karawang' in the Bujangga Manik manuscript, dating back to the late 15th century.
• 😀 The name 'Karawang' possibly originates from the word 'karawaan', which signifies a region abundant in swamps, supported by various 'Rawa' place names.
• 😀 Human habitation in Karawang dates back to ancient times, with significant archaeological sites like Batu Jaya and Cibuaya, predating the Tarumanagara Kingdom.
• 😀 Karawang was initially under the influence of Hinduism and Buddhism, with later Islamic expansion through figures like Syekh Hasanuddin bin Yusuf Idovi (Syekh Kur).
• 😀 Syekh Kur played a key role in the spread of Islam in the Karawang region, founding a pesantren (Islamic school) in Desa Pulau Kelapa and marrying the local noblewoman Ratna Sondari.
• 😀 The region underwent administrative changes, with the division of areas along the Citarum River, with one side falling under the Sultanate of Cirebon and the other under Banten.
• 😀 The Mataram Sultanate began administering Karawang in 1632, with Wira Perbangsa becoming the first Wedana (governor) and fostering agricultural development, particularly rice irrigation systems.
• 😀 Karawang’s first Bupati (regent), Raden Adipati Singap Perbangsa, assumed office on September 14, 1633, marking the official foundation of Karawang as a regency.
• 😀 After the fall of the Mataram Sultanate to the Dutch, Karawang came under Dutch control, but the region played a significant role in Indonesia's fight for independence, particularly in Rengas Dengklok.
• 😀 During Indonesia's independence struggle, Karawang became known as the 'City of the Pioneers of Independence' due to its pivotal role in the early resistance against colonial rule.

Q & A

What is the origin of the name 'Karawang'?

The name 'Karawang' comes from the word 'Karang Ti' mentioned in the Bujangga Manik manuscript, written around the end of the 15th century. It is believed to mean 'full of holes', referring to the area's topography that once had many holes or pits.

What historical event linked Cornelis De Hotman to Karawang?

Cornelis De Hotman, the first Dutch person to set foot on the island of Java in 1596, mentioned a place between Pamanukan and Jayakarta, located at a cape, which is present-day Karawang.

What does the word 'karawaan' suggest about the area of Karawang?

The word 'karawaan', as speculated by historian Cecep Supriadi, suggests that Karawang was once an area abundant with swamps, as evidenced by local names like Rawa Gabus, Rawa Monyet, and Rawa Merta.

What role did Syekh Hasanuddin play in the spread of Islam in Karawang?

Syekh Hasanuddin, also known as Syekh Kur, was a patron sent by the Champa kingdom to spread Islam in the Karawang region. He married Ratna Sondari, the daughter of the ruler Ki Gede Karawang, and established a pesantren in the area.

How did the region of Karawang transition between different rulers?

Karawang was initially under the control of the Sunda Kingdom, then later came under the influence of the Sultanate of Cirebon and Sultanate of Banten. Eventually, it became part of the Mataram Sultanate in 1632.

What was the significance of the development of irrigation in Karawang?

The introduction of irrigation in Karawang, particularly under the rule of Adipati Kertabumi 3 in the 17th century, transformed the area into a major rice-producing region on Java, which continued until the late 20th century.

Who was the first bupati (regent) of Karawang?

The first bupati of Karawang was Raden Adipati Singaperbangsa, who was appointed on September 14, 1633. This date is now celebrated as the day of Karawang's establishment.

What role did Karawang play in Indonesia's independence struggle?

Karawang, particularly the Rengas Dengklok district, was a key location in the struggle for Indonesian independence. It was the site where the first Indonesian flag was raised before the Proclamation of Independence in 1945.

How was the region of Karawang divided after the fall of the Sunda Kingdom?

After the fall of the Sunda Kingdom, the region between the Angke River and Cipunegara River was divided by Sunan Gunung Jati into two parts. The area to the east of the Citarum River was under the Sultanate of Cirebon, while the western part was under the Sultanate of Banten, which later became Jayakarta.

How did Karawang's administrative boundaries change after Indonesia's independence?

After Indonesia's independence, Karawang's administrative boundaries underwent several changes. In 1948, the region was split into two parts based on the Citarum and Cilamaya rivers, leading to the creation of Karawang Barat (West Karawang) and Karawang Timur (East Karawang). These divisions were later reorganized into separate districts, with Karawang Barat becoming part of the present-day Karawang Regency.