Benteng Heritage Museum

Traces of Benteng Chinese Civilization: History and Conservation of Benteng Heritage Museum

Museum Benteng Heritage is not just a historical tourist destination in Tangerang City, but a living artifact that records the pulse of the Benteng Chinese community for centuries. Located in the heart of the Pasar Lama area, this museum occupies an old building that bears silent witness to the extraordinary cultural acculturation between the Chinese ethnic group and local wisdom on the banks of the Cisadane River.

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Origins and Historical Background

The historical roots of Museum Benteng Heritage cannot be separated from the arrival of Admiral Cheng Ho's fleet in the Nusantara region. The name "Benteng" itself refers to Fort Makassar, built by the VOC in the 17th century on the banks of the Cisadane River to monitor trade movements and defense. The Chinese people who settled around the fort were then known as "Cina Benteng".

The building that now houses the museum is estimated to have been built in the mid-17th century, coinciding with the early development of Chinese settlements in Tangerang. For hundreds of years, this building served as a family residence (shophouse architecture) before eventually being abandoned and suffering severe physical degradation. Rescue efforts began when Udaya Halim, a local who cared about cultural preservation, purchased the building in 2009 to be restored and turned into the first private museum dedicated to Chinese history in Indonesia.

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Architecture and Construction Details

Architecturally, Museum Benteng Heritage carries a very strong traditional Chinese style, but with unique tropical adaptations. The building structure is in a "U" shape with an open courtyard in the middle known as tian jing (sky well). This feature functions as natural air circulation and lighting, while also having a philosophical meaning as a link between the inhabitants of the house and the sky.

The building's construction is dominated by old teak wood carved with intricate details. One of its architectural unique features is the use of a wooden joint system without nails, which demonstrates the sophistication of carpentry techniques at that time. The ground floor of the museum still retains ancient tiles imported directly from China and Europe. On the facade, there are wood carvings depicting Chinese mythology, such as phoenixes and dragons, symbolizing prosperity and protection.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

This museum serves as an important repository for the history of Chinese ethnic migration to Tangerang. One of the unique facts emphasized in the museum's collection is the landing of the first Chinese group under the leadership of Chen Ci Lung in 1407 at Teluk Naga. This event predates the arrival of Europeans in the region.

Inside the museum, visitors can find various artifacts related to the daily life of the Benteng Chinese community, ranging from ancient household items, a collection of foot-binding shoes (Lotus Shoes) used by Chinese women in the past, to ancient gambling tables that were part of the community's social history. The museum also houses important documents regarding the pepper trade in Tangerang, which was once a prime commodity under the rule of the Banten Sultanate and the VOC.

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Related Figures and Historical Periods

Although the identity of the original owner of this 17th-century building is not specifically recorded in public documents, the existence of this building represents the upper-middle class of the Chinese ethnic group during the Dutch colonial era. The museum also highlights the role of local figures in preserving traditions, including artisans of Tangerang's traditional batik and Gambang Kromong musicians.

The most prominent historical period in this museum is the transition period between the rule of the Banten Sultanate and the influence of the VOC. Tangerang at that time was a strategic border region, so the presence of the Chinese community here played an important role as an economic intermediary between the colonial powers and the local population.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

The restoration of Museum Benteng Heritage is considered one of the best old building conservation projects in Indonesia. The restoration process, which began in 2009, was carried out very carefully to maintain the authenticity of the materials. The restoration team stripped away decades-old layers of wall paint to uncover the original colors of the building.

Each rotten wooden part was replaced with old wood of similar characteristics to maintain structural integrity. Thanks to its dedication to preservation, Museum Benteng Heritage received an award from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2012. This award confirms that the museum meets international standards in terms of cultural heritage preservation.

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Cultural and Religious Significance

Culturally, this museum is the heart of the preservation of the unique Benteng Chinese traditions. Unlike Chinese communities in other cities, Benteng Chinese have traditions that are strongly assimilated with local culture, such as the use of kebaya encim and culinary traditions that blend Nusantara spices with Chinese cooking techniques.

The museum is also located near the Boen Tek Bio Temple, the oldest temple in Tangerang. This geographical proximity creates a mutually supportive cultural ecosystem. Inside the museum, there are rooms explaining religious rituals and ancestral beliefs, including the worship of deities considered to protect the Tangerang region.

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Unique Facts and Conclusion

One of the most interesting facts about Museum Benteng Heritage is its collection of antique scales (dacin) from various countries. This collection proves that Tangerang was once a busy international trading center. In addition, the museum has a collection of old cameras and record players that are still functional, adding an authentic vintage nuance.

The area around the museum, namely Pasar Lama, continues to function as a culinary and economic center, making Museum Benteng Heritage not a dead monument, but part of a still-vibrant environment. Through the existence of this museum, younger generations can learn how tolerance and cultural acculturation have naturally formed in Tangerang City for over six centuries. The museum stands tall as a reminder that a nation's identity is shaped by the meeting of various mutually respectful civilizations.