JP/5/CHENG

JP/5/CHENG

Zheng He was greater than Christopher Columbus: Semarang MSG
factory owner

Suherdjoko
The Jakarta Post/Semarang

Why is the 600th anniversary of Admiral Zheng He's 28-year
exploration (1405 to 1433) commemorated in a large-scale way in
Semarang from August 1 to August 7? Zheng He only spent one month
in Simongan, Semarang. He built a mosque which later was turned
into a temple, and left behind a well that is still used.

The following are excerpts from an interview by The Jakarta
Post's stringer in Semarang, Suherdjoko, with the chairman of
Zheng He's 600th anniversary exploration organizing committee,
Sindu Dharmali, here on Friday.

Sindu, a Chinese-Indonesian, who owns a monosodium glutamate
(MSG) factory and chairman of the Tay Kak Sie Foundation,
answered elaborately in a mix of Indonesian, Chinese and Javanese
languages.

JP: What is the main aim of organizing the anniversary?

SD: There are two purposes that we wish to realize. First, to
encourage tourism in Semarang and Central Java, in general.

The second purpose is to attract foreign investors here and
surrounding areas.

I'm sure that by commemorating it in a grand way, many people
will come to Semarang. They can observe and witness the condition
and situation here firsthand.

JP: Is it necessary to attract investors through this
commemoration. Why do you choose the Zheng He figure as the main
attraction?

SD: You're right. But I still regard Zheng He has a strong
influence to attract tourists, which will later spread to
investors to establish their businesses here.

For Asians, including Indonesians, Zheng He is a figure to be
proud of. His reputation had been proven much earlier than the
Europeans.

JP: Can you explain further on the Zheng He's dominance?

SD: Why not. Zheng He was the great explorer. It is still
debatable, but he is greater than Christopher Columbus. The (feat
of the) European was very small compared to Zheng He.

Just look at Columbus' men, only a few dozen people. Zheng He
had more than 27,000 people, not to mention his fleet of ships.
Columbus only had a fleet of three ships, but Zheng He's fleet
reached some over 200 ships.

JP: How do you present Zheng He's greatness, especially to the
people of Semarang, keeping in mind that the history of Zheng He
has never been taught in (government-run) schools?

SD: Now, that will become a challenge for the organizing
committee. Apart from the Sam Poo Kong statue and ritual
procession from the Tay Kak Sie temple to Sam Poo Kong temple, I
have requested the committee to hold other special performances.

I have requested them to make a replica of Zheng He's junk. It
is still being built at the Semarang river, opposite the Tay Kak
Sie temple on Lombok Lane in Semarang's Chinatown area.

Many foreign journalists have taken photos or recorded it on
video. Residents of Semarang have flocked to the site to see the
construction of the Chinese junk every afternoon.

The programs are divided into five. The first will be mass
prayers slated to be attended by monks from various countries,
including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and China.

Second, there will be a seminar on the history of Zheng He's
voyage and Zheng He's role in promoting pluralism back in the
15th century.

Third, there will be performances including Javanese puppetry,
Chinese acrobatics and a barongsay competition.

The fourth is the international trade exhibition and the
inauguration of newly renovated Sam Poo Kong Temple, which was
believed to be built by Zheng He in the 15th century.

The functions will take place in Central Java's Trade and
Promotion Center in Marina Beach, Sam Poo Kong Temple and Tay Kak
Sie Temple.