The men behind Zheng He's successful expedition

Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post/Semarang

When Zheng He sailed through Asia 600 years ago, 27,000 people were aboard his fleet of 253 ships.

The crew included soldiers, sailors, doctors, weapon makers, agricultural experts, nutritionists, cooks, political observers, carpenters, poets and traders.

"Through these experts, Zheng He promoted peace and friendship during. When they went ashore, the experts taught the locals about farming and cattle breeding," said Hembing Wijayakusuma, the editor of Zheng Chinese Muslim: The Mystery behind His Voyage across the Archipelago.

Historian Gan Kok Hwie said when Zheng He's fleet landed at Semarang city, his men shared their agricultural knowledge with the local people.

The Chinese explorers discovered many of the people of Semarang were still living in caves.

"During their stay in Semarang, Zheng He's men also taught the locals how to build houses," said Kok Hwie.

Historian Slamet Muljana, in his book titled The Fall of Java- Hindu Kingdoms and the Rise of Islamic Kingdoms across the Archipelago, said the ships had often anchored for the purpose of repairs.

Slamet said Zheng He's fleet sailed back and forth from China to African countries seven times in 28 years.

In order to keep his men healthy, doctors were among Zeng He's crew. Large drums of soil were transported from China so the crew could cultivate vegetables, even while at sea.

Zheng He's fleet was prepared for battle as he had recruited war strategists and blacksmiths.

There were also traders, who returned to China with ivory, diamonds and other precious goods and zoologists who brought back giraffes, zebras and lions. The emperor, Yung Lo, was so elated when he saw the animals he called them heaven-sent.

Zheng He's voyage was a remarkable feat made possible through careful preparations. In Semarang, the 600th anniversary of the voyage will be celebrated on Aug. 3 and Aug. 4.