Sunda Wiwitan

Sunda Wiwitan

By: Abah Roy
Chairman of DPC ASWIN Cirebon City

Sunda Wiwitan is an original belief of the Sundanese people that has existed since ancient times before the arrival of major religions such as Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, or Buddhism in the archipelago. The word “wiwitan” itself means “origin” or “beginning”, so Sunda Wiwitan can be interpreted as the original teaching or initial belief of the Sundanese people.

Characteristics and beliefs of Sunda Wiwitan:

1. Believe in Sang Hyang Kersa (The Almighty) – similar to the concept of God in monotheistic religions.

2. Respect nature, ancestors, and spirits as part of God’s creation.

3. Have moral and spiritual values ​​that are passed down from generation to generation.

4. Have their own place of worship such as kabuyutan (holy place), for example in the Ciptagelar Traditional Village and Kasepuhan Banten Kidul.

Is Sunda Wiwitan a religion?

Formally, in Indonesia only 6 major religions are recognized (Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism). Sunda Wiwitan is not included in this list, but since the issuance of the regulation on Belief Adherents in KTP, Sunda Wiwitan has been recognized as part of the local belief or spirituality.

So, Sunda Wiwitan is not a religion in the formal sense of the state, but is a belief system that is very close to the spirituality and culture of the Sundanese people.

Cirebon City, April 15, 2025

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