Located in Mundu, Cirebon, West Java province, Setu Patok Lake is a beautiful and serene lake that has become a popular destination for the locals to just sit and watch the rice fields and Mount Ciremai from a distance.

Early History

Apart from the large amount of information about Setu Patok Lake which is mythical, other records show that the history of Setu Patok Lake begins in the 17th century AD when it was formed by the Sultan of Cirebon. The note states that the sultan ordered a dam to be built in the area to irrigate the rice fields surrounding the lake. This dam was built by local workers using traditional methods and materials such as stone and bamboo.

Setu Patok Lake continues to experience changes. In the 19th century AD, the Dutch colonial government took over the area and made improvements to the dam and the surrounding landscape. At that time, the Dutch colonial government also introduced new plants such as coffee and rubber which grew abundantly in the land around the lake. Rosella also grows a lot in the Setu Patok lake area where it is possibly used as a supply of fiber for sugar sacks. This is supported by the many sugar factories in Cirebon. The people around Setu Patok Lake are still fond of growing rosella plants and the harvest can sometimes be found in small shops selling vegetables in Cirebon.

In the 20th century AD, Setu Patok Lake became an important source of fish for the local community. Fishermen come to the lake to catch fish and sell them at the nearby market.

The history of Setu Patok Lake doesn't just stop there. This can be seen from the existence of several artificial caves which local people call Japanese caves. Most likely these caves were used by the Japanese military in the period before the independence of the Republic of Indonesia, or more precisely in the years 1942 - 1945.

Present time

Setu Patok Lake is now a beautiful and serene place that attracts local tourists. The lake is surrounded by beautiful rice fields and green hills, making it a perfect place for nature lovers. Now many non-permanent stalls have been set up which provide shelter while enjoying a wide view of the natural atmosphere accompanied by a cup of coffee.

Apart from that, Setu Patok Lake is also an important source of livelihood for the local community. Many local residents from both Karangdawa and Sinarancang villages use the lake area for plantations and rice fields. Residents call it the stealth rice field (sawah siluman) because it is dry in the dry season and flooded with water in the rainy season.

In the dry season, residents can plant the lake area with rice, tourists can also pass through the middle and climb the hill that is located at the center in of the lake because it is not flooded with water. On the other hand, during the rainy season, especially in March, the lake area will be completely covered with standing water so that the rice fields cannot be seen at all.