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Cheng Ho Procession Festival Showcases Chinese and Javanese Acculturation
WINDONESIA August 7, 2024
The 2024 Cheng Ho Procession Festival. (Jateng Pos)
The 2024 Cheng Ho Procession Festival was held at the Great Sam Poo Kong Temple in Semarang City, Central Java, from Aug. 2 to 4 2024. The festival was held to commemorate the 619th anniversary of Admiral Cheng Ho/Zheng He's voyage to what is now Indonesia.
The Cheng Ho Procession Festival was attended by hundreds of participants from various regions of Indonesia, who came to watch the procession of the Kimsien (god statue) from the Tay Kak Sie Temple to the Sam Poo Kong Temple. The Cheng Ho Procession Festival also included a Prayer Ritual as a form of gratitude for the admiral's arrival to Indonesia.
The 2024 Cheng Ho Procession Festival was also enlivened by artistic performances and entertainment, a culinary and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) bazaar, as well as various competitions with participants including those from local communities.
The 2024 Cheng Ho Procession Festival also attracts tourists from abroad, such as Singapore and China. The event showcases both traditional Chinese dance and music as well as expressions of Javanese culture, making it a presentation of Semarang's cultural acculturation.
The festival, which is one of the 110 agendas listed in the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry/Agency (Baparekraf)'s Karisma Event Nusantara strategic program that promotes tourist destinations through local events, is also held to preserve Chinese culture in Indonesia. It is hoped that this event can strengthen ties between residents and promote Semarang City as a cultural tourism destination.
On the first day, the Cheng Ho Procession Festival opened with the performance of the Naga Sakti Barongsai, band performances, and a fireworks display. The second day was enlivened by performances from Yakustik, Soegi Bornean, and Dikta.
On the last day, visitors watched the Kimsien procession as well as performances by Nacha Dharma Barongsai, Putera Mataram Barongsai, Soo Hap Hwee Barongsai, Djien Hoo Tong Barongsai, Teratai Emas Barongsai, Bangau Puti Barongsai, and San Guo Tonggak Barongsai.
There was also a special performance by the Cheng Ho Cabaret from the Sekat Taman Art Studio. The Cheng Ho Procession Festival closed with a performance by Jathilan Sekar Turonggo Jati.
Admiral Cheng Ho was one of the figures who influenced Chinese culture in Indonesia. The time of Cheng Ho's arrival in Semarang cannot be confirmed with certainty. However, based on historical studies, he most likely visited in the 15th century. During his journey, the admiral accompanied his fleet leader, Wang Jing Hong, in Semarang City.
To commemorate Wang Jing Hong, a statue was made in Batu Caves which is also Cheng Ho's resting place. This location now also hosts the Sam Poo Kong Temple.
Admiral Cheng Ho is an important figure in the history of relations between China and Indonesia. His travels have made a significant contribution to the history of the archipelago. Cheng Ho's legacy can still be felt today and is part of Indonesia's cultural identity.
Source: jatengpos.co.id