The Cirebon Regency Government in West Java is strengthening its ties with the Guangzhou City Government in China in the sectors of tourism and culture by collaborating to preserve the existence of the "Maritime Silk Road," which was once traversed by Admiral Cheng-Ho in the 14th century. Regent of Cirebon explained that this collaboration is an initial step to enhance relations with members of the Cultural Heritage Conservation of the Maritime Silk Road Cities Alliance (CAMSR), especially in the modern era. This serves as an initial gateway for regional governments to interact better and more modernly in the global arena to enhance the well-being of the community. According to him, this initiative can have a positive impact on tourism and culture in the Cirebon Regency, fostering their further development.
He added that Cheng-Ho's arrival also influenced the progress of social, cultural, and economic civilization in Cirebon. This influence can be seen in various aspects, such as architecture, batik motifs, culinary traditions, and Chinese ceramics that have acculturated with the local cultural system. Cirebon Regency is one of the landing locations along the trade route, and the spread of Maritime Silk Road culture has rapidly developed. He mentioned that Cirebon Regency is one of the nine regions in the Indonesian archipelago that served as a landing point along the Maritime Silk Road. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Guangzhou Culture, Television, Tourism Bureau mentioned that 2023 coincides with the One Belt One Road initiative and the 10th Cultural Journey of the Maritime Silk Road. This cultural journey begins from Guangzhou and reaches Indonesia, specifically in Cirebon, with the aim of continuing the friendship established along the Silk Road for thousands of years. The focus is preserving the cultural heritage of the Maritime Silk Road. He hopes that this collaboration can uncover new potential between Cirebon and Guangzhou because since thousands of years ago, Chinese trading ships sailed far to Indonesia, creating a legendary history along the Indian Ocean Maritime Silk Road.
