RRI.CO.ID, Cirebon - An ancient, inscribed stone (prasasti) hidden deep within a former wilderness serves as a vital physical link to the governance of the historic Sunda Kingdom. Located in Cikalahang Village, Dukupuntang Subdistrict, the Batu Tulis Huludayeuh Site marks a monumental chapter in West Java's history.

The caretaker (juru kunci) of the Huludayeuh Site, Edi, revealed that the sacred inscription was first stumbled upon by local residents back in 1930. At the time, the area was still a dense, untouched forest. The artifact was exposed only after a massive banyan tree collapsed, revealing the ancient stone embedded directly beneath its roots.

Formal scientific research on the artifact was initiated in February 1991, which officially cemented its status as a protected cultural heritage site due to its undeniable links to the Sunda Kingdom. Based on expert epigraphic analyses, the monument was carved under the direct decree of a monarch titled Sri Maharaja Ratu Haji.

“This stone was inscribed by royal order as a commemoration of the works that have been carried out for the benefit of the community,” Edi explained, noting that the stone was commissioned to commemorate major public works projects executed for the welfare of the kingdom's citizens, as quoted by Antara.

Currently, the historical site remains open to the general public free of charge. It frequently welcomes students, researchers, and history enthusiasts who wish to explore the roots of Cirebon's ancestral culture.

This living piece of history has drawn significant attention and structural backing from the Cirebon Regency Administration. Local authorities are looking to position the landmark as a premier destination for cultural and historical education.

Head of the Cirebon Regency Culture and Tourism Agency, Fajar Sutrisno, said that the site possesses immense historical value because it acts as an open book regarding the administrative journey of the Sunda Kingdom in the Cirebon region. He stressed that such physical evidence must be actively protected and introduced to the public, particularly the younger generation.

"This is one of the important pieces of evidence of the historical journey of the Sunda Kingdom in the Cirebon region that needs to be preserved and introduced to the public," Fajar Sutrisno remarked in Cirebon on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Fajar added that the Huludayeuh Site offers a unique dual appeal for educational tourism, allowing visitors to delve into regional history while simultaneously enjoying the scenic natural panorama of the surrounding area. He emphasized that structural preservation efforts by the state must go hand-in-hand with grassroots public education to ensure the area's historical legacy remains well-protected against the pressures of modern development. ***