Tua Pek Kong Temple

Traces of Chinese Civilization in Tanah Kayong: The Complete History of Tua Pek Kong Temple Ketapang

Klenteng Tua Pek Kong, officially known as Kelenteng Kyai Belitong, stands firmly as one of the most significant historical monuments in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan. Located in the heart of Ketapang city, precisely in the area that is now the center of economic activity, this place of worship is not merely a site for religious rituals, but a silent witness to Ketapang's transformation from a small river port into a dynamic cross-cultural trading hub.

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Historical Origins and Founding Era

The existence of Klenteng Tua Pek Kong cannot be separated from the wave of migration of ethnic Chinese, particularly the Teochew and Hakka tribes, to the coastal region of West Kalimantan in the 19th century. Although colonial administrative records often do not precisely state the date of the first stone laying, community elders in Ketapang believe that the initial foundation of this place of worship was laid in the mid to late 1800s.

In that era, Ketapang was known as "Tanah Kayong," a region rich in natural resources but with challenging terrain. Chinese immigrants who came to trade and mine felt the need to build a "spiritual sanctuary" to pray for safety from natural dangers and success in their business. Thus, a simple structure was erected and dedicated to the Earth God (Tua Pek Kong), who in their belief was the protector of the local area.

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Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

Architecturally, Klenteng Tua Pek Kong Ketapang exhibits a strong Southern Chinese traditional style, adapted to the tropical climate of Kalimantan. The building's structure is dominated by the color red, symbolizing happiness, and gold, symbolizing glory.

One of the most prominent features is its curved roof (Yanwei or swallowtail type), adorned with dragon and phoenix ornaments facing each other, symbolizing the balance between masculine and feminine elements (Yin and Yang). The main supporting pillars of this temple were originally made from the highest quality belian wood (ironwood) sourced from the interior of Kalimantan's forests, known for its resistance to termite attacks and extreme weather for centuries.

In the interior, the room layout follows traditional hierarchy. The main altar is placed in the most honorable position, facing the entrance to welcome positive energy. The carvings on the wooden walls depict classic Chinese epics and moral teachings that serve as guidelines for the local community's life.

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Historical Significance and Related Events

Klenteng Tua Pek Kong played a crucial role during the Japanese occupation and the war of independence. In the 1940s, the area around the temple became an information hub for local residents. Due to its strategic location near the Pawan River, the temple witnessed the flow of logistics and troop movements.

A unique historical fact is the use of the name "Kyai Belitong" for this temple. The name refers to the strong cultural assimilation influence in Ketapang. "Kyai" is a local honorific title, indicating how much the deity worshipped inside the temple was considered part of the ancestors or protectors of the Ketapang land broadly, transcending ethnic boundaries. This reflects the long-standing harmony between the Chinese newcomers and the indigenous people (Malay and Dayak) in Bumi Ale-Ale.

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Important Figures and Periods

In its journey, this temple was managed by figures from the Chinese community called "Kapitan" during the Dutch colonial era. These Kapitans were responsible not only for religious affairs but also served as a communication bridge between the Chinese community and the colonial government and the Matan Sultanate (Ketapang Kingdom).

The relationship between Klenteng Tua Pek Kong and the Matan Sultanate was very harmonious. History records that during major celebrations such as Chinese New Year or Cap Go Meh, the Sultanate often provided support or attended as a form of respect for the diversity of the kingdom's citizens. This period marked a golden age where the temple functioned as a social institution managing the welfare of its residents, from food aid to basic education for immigrant children.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

As one of the oldest historical sites in Ketapang, Klenteng Tua Pek Kong has undergone several renovations to maintain its structural integrity. Major restorations were carried out with great care to ensure that original elements, such as ancient floor tiles and pillar carvings, were preserved.

The Ketapang Regency Local Government has designated this area as part of the cultural heritage to be protected. Preservation efforts now focus not only on the physical building but also on documenting oral history from surviving witnesses. Although modernization surrounds the area with concrete shop houses, local authorities strive to maintain the temple's facade to remain a visual icon of the city.

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Cultural and Religious Importance

To this day, Klenteng Tua Pek Kong remains the main spiritual center for followers of Tridharma (Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism) in Ketapang. Every Cap Go Meh celebration, this temple becomes the starting point for dragon and lion dance parades that attract thousands of local and international tourists.

The importance of this temple for the modern community of Ketapang lies in its function as a reminder of the city's historical roots. Amidst the currents of globalization, Klenteng Tua Pek Kong stands as a symbol of cultural resilience. It teaches that a region's progress does not have to erase traces of the past, but rather make them its identity and foundation for a more inclusive future.

For historians and visitors, visiting Klenteng Tua Pek Kong is a way to re-read the pages of human migration history in the archipelago. Every corner of its building, from the scent of incense to the details of its wooden carvings, holds narratives of hard work, adaptation, and peace that have been cultivated for over a century in the land of West Kalimantan.