Semarang is one of the cities located on the coastal area of
North Java, which is also the capital city of Central Java Province. Since the
8th century, Semarang, at that time was named Pragota, was the major harbor of
Mataram Kuno Kingdom that was centered in Yogyakarta. This harbor was the
center of departure for the seamen of Mataram Kuno, who could sail to Tanjung
Harapan, Africa, and Madagascar, long before the European sailors had their
voyage and before Christopher Columbus found Africa. As the Javanese Port,
Semarang was not only a dock for the local, but also for the foreign ships from
the whole part of the world. In other word, Semarang was a gate for
international trading route. Through Pragota harbor, Mataram Kuno exported rice
and imported cotton from India. Later, the cooperation continued to cultural
domain and trust, which was proven by the existence of Gedong Songo Temple
(Gedong Songo Temple) on the slope area of Ungaran Mountain (13 kilometers from
Rawa Pening).
In the 15th century, Pragota was called on by a big ship led
by Admiral Cheng Ho, a Chinese that was well-known because of his peaceful
diplomatic journey to many parts of the world using colossal fleet. To
commemorate him, a great temple named the Great Sam Poo Kong Shrine was build.
Then, the Chinese culture brought by Cheng Ho and his people assimilated with
the local one, so that there was a mixed culture that influenced each other in
many fields, especially in Gastronomy (culinary). The examples of this
acculturation are the legendary Soto Bangkong, Pong Tofu, and lumpia (Lumpia
Gang Lombok), which are the combination of Javanese and Chinese culinary.
Later, the Chinese descendants, who permanently stay in Semarang, live in an
area that is called Chinatown.
Not far from this location, there is a site consists of old
building with European architectural style, which is called Kota Lama or Little
Netherland. Located around Berok River, there is an area surrounded by canal
and polder, which became the center of Semarang city in the Dutch colonialism
era. One of the buildings that become the landmark of this city is Blenduk
church. After enjoying the beauty of Kota Lama, it’s better for you to visit
Oen Shop, a legendary restaurant since 1936 with various kinds of Dutch food
that is cooked with classic recipe.
The glory of Semarang as a lively port did not only happen
in the past, but it is still continuing up to now. In the past, Pragota harbor
was a dock for Cheng Ho’s ship, and now, it becomes a dock for luxury passenger
ship containing foreign tourists. It also developed into industrial city, a
place where the first Indonesian jamu (herbal medicine) company established.
The history of the development of this company can be seen in Museum Record of
Indonesia (Indonesia Record Museum / MURI) that is managed by PT. Jamu Jago and
Jamu Nyonya Meneer Museum.
Semarang also posses
many glorious worth-visit buildings with interesting architectural style. In
the area of Pecinan, there is various size of temple that can be an interesting
reference of architectural journey. Moreover, Lawang Sewu that was constructed
with art deco style has twins tower in front. This building, which was
originally named as Nederlandsch-Indische Spoorweg Maatshcappij (NIS), was
actually built as the Dutch Railways Division. For you who are interested in
architectural trip, a visit to Masjid Agung Jawa Tengah (The Great Mosque of
Central Java) on Gajah Street is a right choice with its six hydraulic
umbrellas and a ninety-nine-meters lighthouse that combine an architectural
style from Middle East, Rome, and Java.
As the last recommendation for your excellent trip to
Semarang, we suggest you to visit Gardu Pandang Gombel in Semarang Atas (the
highland area of Semarang). From this place, you can see the beautiful scenery
of Semarang city in the evening with its special view. You can also see ships
and vessels back and forth in the harbor. Not only that, when the sun goes down
and closes the day, there will be fantastic colors appear. To complete your
journey before you really leave this city, don’t forget to buy special food
from Semarang, wingko babat and bandeng presto, in the gift shop on Pandanaran
Street.
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