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.