Vihara Tua Pek Kong

Tua Pek Kong Temple: History and Uniqueness of Chinese Place of Worship in Indonesia

Tua Pek Kong Temple is one of the places of worship for Buddhists and Confucians that has a long history in Indonesia. This temple is spread across various regions, especially in cities that have strong Chinese communities, such as Batam, Medan, and Singkawang. In addition to being a place of worship, this temple is also a religious tourism attraction for the general public.

History and Origins

The name “Tua Pek Kong” comes from Hokkien which means “Grandfather” and refers to a respected figure in Chinese culture, namely Zhang Li, a merchant from the Ming Dynasty who is believed to bring blessings to the Chinese diaspora community. The existence of the Tua Pek Kong Temple in Indonesia cannot be separated from the migration of ethnic Chinese since hundreds of years ago.

The oldest Tua Pek Kong Temple in Indonesia is estimated to have been established since the 18th century, and many of them are located in coastal areas that are centers of trade. These temples were often built by the Chinese community as a form of respect for their patron god.

Architecture and Uniqueness

Each Tua Pek Kong Temple has its own characteristics, but in general it has strong Chinese architectural elements. Some of the unique features that are often found include:

• Curved Gates and Roofs: Typical Chinese architectural style with dragon and phoenix carvings.

• Tua Pek Kong Statues: Usually there are large statues of the Tua Pek Kong Gods that are respected by visitors.

• Large Candles and Incense: As part of the worship ritual, red candles and large incense are important elements in the temple.

• Ornaments and Reliefs: Decorated with calligraphy and images of other Chinese gods.

Functions and Celebrations

In addition to being a place of worship, the Tua Pek Kong Temple is also a center for social and cultural activities for the Chinese community. Some of the celebrations that are often held at this temple include:

• Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year is always an important moment with various worship activities and traditional art performances.
• Cap Go Meh: A celebration 15 days after Chinese New Year which is usually enlivened by lion dance and tatung (spiritual shaman) attractions.
• The Birthday of the Tua Pek Kong God: A special celebration to honor the guardian god with a prayer procession and distribution of food to the community.

Religious Tourism

Many Tua Pek Kong Temples are religious tourism destinations. An example is the Tua Pek Kong Temple in Batam which is famous for its giant statues and beautiful gardens. In Singkawang, this temple is the center of the Cap Go Meh celebration which attracts tourists from various regions.