Boen Tek Bio Temple

Dynamics of Performing Arts and Traditional Crafts

One of the main pillars of Boen Tek Bio Temple as a cultural center is the preservation of Benteng Chinese performing arts. One of the most prominent is Gambang Kromong, an acculturated musical orchestra that blends Chinese instruments like tehyan, kongahyan, and sukong with Javanese gamelan instruments such as kendang, kempul, and gong. In the temple courtyard, this art form is often performed not just as entertainment, but as a cultural identity that unites various ethnic elements in Tangerang.

Besides music, Boen Tek Bio is a center for nurturing Barongsai and Liang Liong arts. The Boen Tek Bio Barongsai group is known for its high discipline and often represents Tangerang City in various national competitions. Regular training sessions held in the temple area are open to local youth, creating a space for intergenerational interaction. Wushu martial arts also form an integral part of the cultural programs here, where traditional techniques are passed down to shape strong character and physique for its practitioners.

Cultural Calendar: Iconic Festivals and Celebrations

Boen Tek Bio Temple is the epicenter of various major festivals that attract thousands of tourists and cultural researchers. The Imlek and Cap Go Meh celebrations here always present a different nuance with the grand procession of *Kio* (deity palanquins). However, the most unique and specific event for Boen Tek Bio is the Gotong Tepekong Ritual, held every 12 years (Year of the Dragon). This colossal festival involves all elements of Tangerang society and demonstrates how strong the historical roots of this temple are on the cultural map of Banten.

Additionally, there is the Peh Cun celebration held on the Cisadane River, located not far from the temple. Boen Tek Bio plays a central role in ritual processions such as the dragon boat cleansing and Twan Yang prayers. This festival is not just a boat race, but a manifestation of respect for nature and ancestors, which includes unique traditions like standing eggs upright at noon precisely when the sun is directly overhead.

Educational Programs and Cultural Literacy

As a cultural center, Boen Tek Bio has a strong commitment to education. The temple often serves as a laboratory for students, historians, and anthropologists who wish to study the history of the Benteng Chinese. The temple management actively provides information about the distinctive South Chinese architecture applied to the temple buildings, including the philosophical meanings behind the wood carvings, dragon ornaments, and the symbolism of red and gold colors.

Non-formal educational programs also target children through Mandarin language classes and introductions to traditional ceremony procedures. This aims to ensure that younger generations do not lose their cultural orientation. Furthermore, a small library and historical archives managed by the foundation help document the journey of the Chinese community in Tangerang since the Dutch colonial era, making it an important reference for local historical literacy.

Community Empowerment and Social Harmony

The role of Boen Tek Bio Temple extends to the socio-economic realm. The temple's presence in the Pasar Lama area has driven the growth of traditional culinary-based MSMEs. Signature dishes like Kue Keranjang, Sate Babi, and Asinan Sewan have flourished due to the cultural ecosystem supported by the temple. Through empowerment programs, the temple often organizes cultural bazaars that provide a space for local artisans to showcase their work.

In terms of community involvement, Boen Tek Bio is a symbol of tolerance. Social service programs, food parcel distributions, and free health services are often conducted regardless of religious background. The harmonious relationship with the nearby Jami Kali Pasir Mosque is a tangible proof of how this cultural center plays a role in maintaining social stability and inter-religious harmony in Tangerang City.

Architecture and Cultural Heritage Conservation

Efforts to preserve cultural heritage at Boen Tek Bio are reflected in the physical maintenance of its buildings. Every detail of the building, from the floor tiles imported directly from China in the past to the teak wood support pillars, is maintained using traditional conservation techniques. Restorations always refer to the original form to ensure its historical value is preserved.

The temple's architectural philosophy, which adheres to Feng Shui principles, is also an interesting object of study. The placement of the altar, the building's orientation facing away from the river, and the presence of an old well within the temple complex are part of the intangible cultural heritage whose explanations are continuously shared with visitors. This temple has been designated as a Cultural Heritage Site, affirming its position as a historical site protected by the state through coordination with the Tangerang City and Banten Provincial Governments.

Role in Local Cultural Development

Boen Tek Bio Temple functions as a catalyst for cultural development in Tangerang City. With its unique "Cina Benteng" identity—a blend of authentic Chinese culture with local Betawi and Sundanese cultures—this temple adds a distinct color to Banten's tourism. The presence of inclusive cultural programs makes Boen Tek Bio a public space where intercultural dialogue occurs naturally.

Through various artistic initiatives and festivals, the temple helps promote Tangerang's image as a city rich in history and diversity. Boen Tek Bio not only preserves the past but also actively shapes the future by ensuring that the values of virtue (Boen), morality (Tek), and glory (Bio) remain ingrained in the hearts of modern society.

In conclusion, Boen Tek Bio Temple is more than just an old monument. It is a dynamic cultural institution, a school of life where traditions are learned, arts are celebrated, and harmony is practiced. Its existence proves that ancestral heritage can survive and thrive if managed with a spirit of openness and dedication to the community. For anyone visiting Tangerang City, Boen Tek Bio offers a profound spiritual and intellectual journey into one of the most fascinating cultural mosaics in the Nusantara.