Gresik Old Town Area (Gresik Heritage)

Exploring the Traces of Civilization in Gresik Old Town: A Port of Cultural and Historical Transmission

Gresik Old Town Area is a historical mosaic that records Gresik's long journey as one of the most important ports in the Nusantara. Located on the north coast of East Java, this area is not just a collection of old buildings, but a silent witness to socio-cultural transformations involving various ethnicities, religions, and political powers over centuries. The city is known by the nicknames "Giri Ambal-ambalan" or "Bandar Ageng", referring to its role as an international trade center from the Majapahit Kingdom era to the Dutch East Indies colonial era.

Historical Roots and Area Formation

The existence of Gresik Old Town cannot be separated from the role of its ancient port, which has been recorded in Chinese chronicles from the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. In the 14th century, Gresik had already become a major emporium where traders from China, Arabia, Gujarat, and Persia met. The name "Gresik" itself is believed to originate from the word "Giri-gisik", meaning mountain by the beach, referring to its topographical features.

The peak of urban planning development, whose remnants we see today, occurred gradually. Significant transformation began with the entry of Islamic influence through figures like Syekh Maulana Malik Ibrahim. However, the organized administrative structure of the old city began to form strongly during the Dutch colonial period (VOC to the Dutch East Indies government), when Gresik was designated as the center of the residency government and a major logistics hub before this role gradually shifted to Surabaya.

Architecture and Harmonization of Three Villages

The main uniqueness of Gresik Old Town Area lies in its ethnically-based settlement zoning, often referred to as the Wijkertelsel system. The area is divided into three main zones, each with a unique architectural character:

1. Arab Village (Gapura Area): Located around the Gresik Grand Mosque and the tomb of Maulana Malik Ibrahim. Its architecture is dominated by Middle Eastern-style houses with high ceilings, large wooden doors, and ventilation designed for optimal air circulation. The narrow alleys in this area create an atmosphere reminiscent of old cities in Hadramaut.
2. Chinatown Village (Basuki Rahmat Street Area): Features a row of shophouses with characteristic gable roofs and Chinese ornaments. Here stands the Kim Hin Kiong Temple, built in 1153 AD (according to a local inscription), making it one of the oldest temples in East Java. The architecture here reflects an acculturation between local styles and strong Chinese elements.
3. Colonial Village (Raden Santri Street and Pahlawan Street Area): This area is inhabited by buildings in the Indische Empire and Art Deco styles. Buildings such as former government offices, salt warehouses, and Dutch officials' residences feature large pillars (Doric/Ionic), wide windows, and thick walls symbolizing colonial power.

Historical Significance and Important Events

Gresik played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in the Nusantara. The presence of the tomb of Siti Fatimah binti Maimun (11th century) and the tomb complex of Sunan Gresik (Maulana Malik Ibrahim) make this city a spiritual center. Furthermore, Gresik was the "gateway" for merchants who brought spices from Maluku to be exchanged for Chinese ceramics or Indian textiles.

One unique fact is Gresik's role as a center for traditional shipbuilding and religious book printing in the past. In the 19th century, Gresik also became a center for indigenous economic resistance through successful trading guilds and fishery entrepreneurs, which later gave rise to a new middle class capable of building magnificent houses (often called Rumah Gajah) that combined Javanese, European, and Islamic elements.

Figures and Golden Age

The great name of Sunan Giri (Raden Paku) is closely associated with the history of Gresik. Although his administrative center was in Giri Kedaton (hills), his economic impact was felt all the way to the port area in the Old Town. During the golden age of Giri Kedaton, Gresik functioned as a sovereign port that not only served trade matters but also inter-kingdom diplomacy in Eastern Nusantara.

In the colonial era, figures like Nyai Ageng Pinatih, the first female harbormaster in Gresik, demonstrated how progressive the social order in this area was. She was known as the adoptive mother of Sunan Giri and a successful businesswoman who managed port logistics with a firm hand.

Preservation and Revitalization Efforts for "Gresik Heritage"

For decades, Gresik Old Town Area experienced degradation due to massive industrialization around it. However, since 2021, the Gresik Regency Government, along with the Central Government, has undertaken a massive revitalization with the concept of an "Integrated Heritage District".

This revitalization project includes sidewalk arrangement, drainage systems, and the installation of classic-style decorative lighting to enhance the area's aesthetics. The arrangement is done without altering the original facades of the old buildings. Now, streets like Basuki Rahmat Street and Raden Santri Street have been transformed into pedestrian-friendly areas, similar to the Old Town area in Jakarta or Braga Street in Bandung, but with a more religious and multicultural local identity.

Cultural and Religious Values

To this day, Gresik Old Town Area remains a center for religious activities. The traditions of "Pasar Bandeng" (Milkfish Market) and "Malam Selawe" (Night of the 25th) are two annual events rooted in the long history of this area. Pasar Bandeng, which originated from the tradition of Sunan Giri's students showcasing their cultivated produce, has now become a major cultural festival that enlivens the economy in the heart of the Old Town.

The harmonious diversity among the Arab, Chinese, and Javanese descendant communities in this area is a tangible proof of the tolerance that has been established for hundreds of years. The presence of mosques, temples, and colonial churches in close proximity emphasizes Gresik's status as an open and inclusive port city.

In conclusion, Gresik Old Town Area is not just a historical tourist destination, but a laboratory of civilization. Every street corner offers stories of maritime glory, steadfast faith, and the adaptability of its people to the changes of time. Through continuous conservation efforts, Gresik Heritage is expected to remain a proud identity for future generations, connecting a glorious past with a dynamic future.