Conservation and Revitalitation in Semarang Chinatown (Klenteng “Chinese Shrine” as Physical Characteristic in Semarang Chinatown)

Abstract

Semarang Chinatown is one of the oldest kampungs in Semarang and still can be identified in present time with its very thick Chinese culture values. As an area that has very thick Chinese culture values, Semarang Chinatown is identified to havea lot of local wisdom. One of the local wisdoms can be seen in the meaning of Chinese shrine placement in Semarang Chinatownnear the river or at the end T-intersection road. Everything in Chinatown area always has meaning, including the placement concept of Chinese shrine. Based on the phenomenon,the researchobjective is to find out the meaning of Chinese shrine placement in Semarang Chinatown area. This research is a descriptive qualitative study where the field data wasobtained through the study of literature and field observations, then analyzed to obtain the synthesis of the discussion. The data collected in this study consists of primary data and secondary data taken through observation, interview, and literature study. From this research, it canbe revealed that there are two concepts of Chinese shrine placement:an the T-intersection and near the bank river. Both of the placement conceptsof Chinese shrine in Semarang Chinatown have a cosmic meaningto protect Chinatown area from negative energy and to keep prosperity in the Chinatown area. Eventhough the meaning is just imaginary, the placement concept creates a physical characteristic toward Semarang Chinatown area.