Traces of China in the City of ‘Santri’

Kompas/Irma Tambunan

Local men of Chinese and Malay descent are seen sharing a joke in Ulu Gedong hamlet, Jambi city, Friday (2/6). People of Arabic, Chinese and Malay descent have lived side by side in harmony in the area of Seberang Kota Jambi (Sekoja) for over three centuries. The area, which is known as the “City of practicing Muslims (santri)”, is also home to a Chinatown of the classical Malay Kingdom.

For more than three centuries, people of Chinese descent have built their lives  in the middle of the old city of practicing Muslims (santri), in the Seberang Kota Jambi area, or Sekoja. There have never been any conflicts, even though they live side by side with residents of Arabic and Malay descent.

Traces of acculturation are strongly felt here, especially during the month of Ramadhan. In the early evening, almost all locals gather along the road bordering the Batanghari River to enjoy the breaking-of-the-fast meal together.