It is said that after the establishment of the Sultanate in Cirebon. It was widened new territory by establishing settlements (kampongs) around in the 15th century AD.
There was a hamlet called Tegalmantro founded by a single woman named Nyi Mas Manawati or better known as Nyi Ageng Sumantro. She was known as an expert in weaving household products and had a flawless face. So many dignitaries from other hamlets wanted to purpose but were rejected because they were unable to meet the dowry requirements.
One of the applicants from Sultanate of Cirebon, Pangeran Kejaksan, was able to apply. Fulfilled all the requirements, including predetermined number of rattan weavers.
When all the requirements of the dowry were opened one by one. Witnessed by many dignitaries and the surrounding population, it turned out that the number of penjalin (rattan) did not match the amount specified. Therefore, Nyi Mas Sumantro perceived this as an act of dishonesty that was inappropriate for a dignitary, whose words should be truthful and dependable. Because of that, the proposal was rejected.
Pangeran Kejaksan was very embarrassed and confused because, in fact, before he left to
propose, the number of rattan had already been counted according to the requirements. However, as a wise ruler, he accepted the situation and then spoke to Nyi Ageng Sumantro, “If you cannot accept my proposal, that is no problem. However, I will give you all this rattan, so that you can use it to provide for and sustain the livelihoods of your children and grandchildren in the future”
After that incident, the people of Tegalmantro (Tegalwangi) village made a living by managing products made from rattan as raw material.
POST-INDEPENDENCE PERIOD 1945-1986
After Independence, the people of Tegalwangi began to spread massively throughout Sumatra, from Tanjung Karang to Aceh.
In general, they would search for rattan, make products, and sell them in the area where they lived.
For example, if they lived in the Palembang area. They would gather materials in Palembang, make products, and then sell them there.
Around the 1950s, the people of Tegalwangi had become well-established in the cities of Jakarta and Bandung. While those working in their hometowns had started to form cooperatives and run their own businesses independently.
In the 1970s, the people of Tegalwangi were assisted by the government through the establishment of UPT (Technical Implementation Unit). Which served as a center for product development. A cooperative was also established there.
At that time, the supply of raw materials had already come from various islands across Indonesia.
PERIOD YEAR 1986-2000
In 1986, the Indonesian government imposed a ban on the export of rattan raw materials, leading to a disruption in foreign industries as they were no longer able to obtain a steady supply of rattan.
Around Jakarta (JABODETABEK), Surabaya, and Semarang, many rattan furniture industries emerged to expand their market abroad. Which had already been established for a long time. Factories in these cities recruited many workers from Tegalwangi. In addition, subcontracting began to appear in Tegalwangi itself to meet the supply needs of factories in these cities and other factories as well.
During the next period, many factories in Jakarta faced bankruptcy because they could not compete with those in Cirebon. On the other hand, rattan products were becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Consequently, by the end of the 20th century, the rattan industry in Cirebon saw a major growth.