Zheng's expedition feted in Semarang

SEMARANG, Central Java: Commemorating the 600th anniversary of the journey of Chinese Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho, as he is known locally) to Semarang, a week-long festival is to be held here from Aug. 1 to Aug. 7.

Chairman of the organizing committee Sindu Dharmali said the festival would be held concurrently at three different venues: the Sam Poo Kong Temple, which he is said to have built, the Tay Kak Sie Temple and the Central Java Trade and Promotion Fairground (PRPP) on Marina Beach.

Various programs ranging from cultural performances and talks to business activities have been prepared for the event.

These include a Chinese acrobat show, shadow puppet performance, decorative lamp festival, lion dance Barongsai competition, photo exhibition of Cheng Ho's world expedition, international bonsai contest, a trade fair, and the lighting of a six-meter candle, which is expected to be participated in by hundreds of monks from Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Business communities from the same countries, according to Dharmali, will also participate in the trade fair, which is to be held at PRPP.

"This is an incredible moment that is not just important for the tourism industry and future investment in the province but is also good for the local economy. That's why we are trying our best to involve as many parties as possible," Dharmali said.

One of the most awaited, festive, and colossal events, however, is probably the scheduled six-hour Sam Poo Parade on August 4. Starting at 5 a.m., the parade will take two different routes from the Tay Kak Sie Temple to the Sam Poo Kong Temple and back again to the Tay Kak Sie Temple.

The rally will be held to parade the statue of Cheng Ho along Semarang's main streets, and is expected to attract thousands of Chinese descent in the region. -- JP