JP/17/IMAGES

JP/17/IMAGES

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An historic legacy celebrated in Semarang

The provincial capital of Central Java, Semarang, recently
wrapped up a week of celebrations held to mark the 600th
anniversary of the arrival of Chinese explorer Admiral Zheng He
(known locally as Cheng Ho).

The highlight was a street carnival, Sam Poo Kong Kirab (Sam
Poo Kong parade), held last Thursday, in which people from
throughout the city and groups from as far afield as Surakarta
and Yogyakarta also participated.

Sam Poo Kong is also the name given to a temple located in
Gedung Batu, believed to be the area where Zheng He and his
massive fleet landed.

Following the celebrations, the provincial administration
announced that it would adopt the temple as a provincial icon,
for Zheng He was highly regarded, not only for building links
between his place of origin and local people but also for
promoting the study of science during his time in Semarang.

Below are images from the celebrations -- proof of how vibrant
and deeply rooted is the influence that Zheng He and his
entourage had on the cultural development of the city.

-- Text and photos by Suherdjoko

Captions :

Photo A :
A nighttime view of Sam Poo Kong temple.

Photo B :
A man from Tegal, Central Java, rides by dressed as Admiral Zheng
He.

Photo C :
Highly distinctive makeup adorns the face of a man who has vowed
to use it if his wish is fulfilled by Zheng Ho's spirit.

Photo D :
A Muslim tomb tower with Chinese porcelain ornamentation.

Photo E :
A group of women perform a dynamic Chinese dance.

Photo F :
Surakarta Palace guardians and a horse-drawn cart take part in a
procession.

Photo G :
A g Gambang Semarang troupe stages a street performance. This
type of show is believed to have its roots in Gambang Kromong,
originally performed by ethnic Chinese from Jakarta.