Rajapolah is a district in Tasikmalaya Regency in the Province of West Java, Indonesia. The district is well known for its handicrafts. Rajapolah is one of the most important districts in Tasikmalaya Regency, both economically and culturally.

Geography edit

Rajapolah is situated in the middle of the drainage basin of northwestern Tasikmalaya Regency. The district lies in a relatively low-laying ground at average height of 450 m and surrounded by Galunggung highlands to the west and Sawal highlands to the east. The land of the district is mainly a gently inclined area as it slopes down from the west towards the east exit channel of the basin of the Citanduy River.

Located 17 km northeast of Tasikmalaya Regency's capital Singaparna, the district comprises an area of 16.9204 km2, consists of 6.5917 km2 of dryland and 10.3287 km2 of wetland. It borders with Jamanis District to the north, and borders with Ciamis Regency to the east as it lined with Citanduy River. On the south, Rajapolah is bounded by Cisayong District, and on the west is bounded by Sukahening District.[1]

Governance edit

The district of Rajapolah is divided into 8 villages.[1]

  • Manggungjaya
  • Tanjungpura
  • Sukaraja
  • Rajapolah
  • Dawagung
  • Manggungsari
  • Rajamandala
  • Sukanagalih

Culture edit

 
A picture taken from a handicraft shop in Rajapolah Handicraft Centre in Rajapolah Subdistrict

The people of Rajapolah District, estimated population of 51,524 in mid 2023,[2] are noted for their traditional works, the handicrafts. They produced a wide range area of crafts, from decorative items such as wall hangings, rugs, jewelry boxes, picture frames, to functional goods, like baskets, bags, mats, racks, plates, sandals, and cushions. Their products are exported worldwide, mainly to the U.S., Europe, and some of Asia regions. Most of the artisans created their works traditionally with their hands through weaving, plaiting, and coiling, and commonly using simple and traditional equipment. Their creations are mainly made from natural materials, such as wood, bamboo, reed, cane (rattan), rush, water hyacinth, sisal fibre, ash-wood splints, jute cord, absorbent paper, pandan, mendong (straw), and other natural materials.

Notes and references edit

  1. ^ a b "Rajapolah" (in Indonesian). Tasikmalaya Regency Government. Retrieved 18 January 2011. {{cite web}}: External link in |authorlink= (help)
  2. ^ Badan Pusat Statistik, Jakarta, 28 February 2024, Kabupaten Tasikmalaya Dalam Angka 2024 (Katalog-BPS 1102001.3206)