Rajapolah is a village (desa) and an administrative district (kecamatan) in Tasikmalaya Regency in the Province of West Java, Indonesia. It covers a land area of 16.40 km2, and had a population of 44,479 at the 2010 Census[1] and 50,201 at the 2020 Census;[2] the official estimate as at mid 2023 was 51,965 - comprising 26,456 males and 25,509 females.[3]
The district is well known for its handicrafts, and is one of the most important districts in Tasikmalaya Regency, both economically and culturally.
Geography
Rajapolah is situated in the middle of the drainage basin of northwestern Tasikmalaya Regency. The district lies in a relatively low-laying ground at an average height of 450 m and is surrounded by the Galunggung highlands to the west and the 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 16.40 km2, consisting of 39% of drylands and 61% 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.[4]
Villages
The district centre is in the village of Rajapolah, and the district is sub-divided into eight rural villages (desa), all listed below with their areas and populations as at mid 2023,[3] together with their postcodes.
Kode Wilayah
Name of desa
Area in km2
Population mid 2023 estimate
Post code
32.06.34.2001
Dawagung
3.18
6,841
46155
32.06.34.2002
Rajapolah (village)
1.27
6,862
46155
32.06.34.2003
Manggunjaya
2.45
11,736
46155
32.06.34.2004
Manggunsari
2.55
5,411
46155
32.06.34.2005
Sukaraja
2.33
7,095
46183
32.06.34.2006
Rajamandala
1.38
4,711
46155
32.06.34.2007
Sukanagalih
1.52
4,951
46155
32.06.34.2008
Tanjungpura
1.72
4,358
46155
32.06.34
Totals
16.40
51,965
Culture
A picture taken from a handicraft shop in Rajapolah Handicraft Centre in Rajapolah Subdistrict
The people of Rajapolah District, with an estimated population of 51,965 in mid 2023,[3] 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.A., Europe, and some Asian 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.
