Hey Sobat Buddhi!

Do you know, there is a rich and interesting history behind the Cibens (Benteng Chinese) in Tangerang? Now, the history is displayed in the form of literature books, photography and traditional musical instruments such as Gambang Kromong which we can find at the Study Center of Chinese Benteng (Pusat Kajian Cina Benteng), located in the Boen Tek Bio Temple.

The Study Center of Chinese Benteng was established on January 12th, 2024 that coincide with the 12th anniversary of the Boen Tek Bio Foundation. The purpose of its establishment is to preserve the Chinese benteng culture.

"Ciben" is a term for the Chinese community in Tangerang whose physical appearance no longer looks like Chinese origin in general. Despite, they still preserve the Chinese culture until now. In the Study Center of Chinese Benteng, we met the keeper, Mr. Ikhsan. He showed us some of Ciben's remainings, such as:

1. Gambang Kromong, an acculturation music instrument, a combination of Betawi with Chinese musical instruments, including Teh Yan. It is still used until now to entertain hosts and guests at events, celebrations or parties. One of the people who still preserve Teh Yan is Mr. Oen Sin Yang who is well known as Mpe Goyong. During his almost 45 years as a Teh Yan artist, Mpe Goyong admitted that he has been invited several times to festivals in Indonesia and abroad.

2. Guzheng (Chinese Harp)  is one of the most popular traditional Chinese musical instruments. The guzheng has a shape like a convex box and is made of wood as a sound box, with 21 strings on top of it. The guzheng is played by plucking. The fingers for picking use tools in the form of false nails made from tortoise shell or plastic. The right hand is generally used to play melodies, while the left hand is used to play chords.

3. Le Tong Leh Wa, is a doll made out of paper that usually used when the Cibens passed away. They believe that death is a new beginning of a new life. The figure of Le Tong Leh Wa is a symbol of helper to help and serve before the process of reincarnation. Le Tong Leh Wa usually comes with a prayer paper house.

Here, we also see some photographs that show us a glimpse of history that is related to Chinese Benteng.

The Chinese Benteng Study Center provides us an opportunity to learn more about the cultural heritage of the Chinese Benteng. This study center is open to the public and free of charge, so everyone, including you, are welcomed to visit this place to learn more about the Chinese Benteng culture.

Now you know!

This article is made by Felica & Gissa