Vulnerability of the Magersari Heritage Settlement Keraton Kasepuhan in Indonesia for Pandemics: The case of Covid-19

Abstract

Keraton Kasepuhan is located in the Cirebon City, in the West Java Province of Indonesia. The keraton has a particular settlement area for abdi dalem (people who work at the palace) named Magersari. The Magersari area lies together with the Keraton building. Today, the Magersari settlement is of high density, and therefore is very susceptible to COVID-19. Social distancing practices are problematic. The aim of this study is to examine the vulnerability of the Magersari heritage settlement, against pandemics such as COVID 19. The study used qualitative methods through a rationalistic approach to examine the concept of social distancing as practiced in this settlement. The empirical data taken looks at the total house area, total residents, age of residents and house positions in the Magersari settlement. A descriptive analysis is accomplished to ascertain the distance parameters that can be practiced as recommended by the WHO. Then, it is calculated from total house area, total residents, and residents’ ages. The outcomes show the areas highly vulnerable to the pandemics of this nature. The recommendations will help the government of Cirebon City and Keraton Kasepuhan to follow up the efforts to safeguard the areas of Magersari heritage settlement of Keraton Kasepuhan