SEMARANG, GISTARA GEYA – The sun shines brightly scorching the plains when travelling along the corridor of Semarang’s old town, of Central Java. The trees only spreads within an interval of 10 minutes when traveling through the corridor by becak (three-wheeled, man-powered rickshaws). An effort made to avoid scorching sun, travelers often come to small huts where food and drinks are offered. The huts are favorable for them to take shelter since there is almost not shady tree.
Not far from the cluster of huts in which street vendors offer the goods, there is flea market. The collections which are sold varies greatly such as charcoal iron, the image of Buddha, Guan Yin (Chinese Bodhisattva/ Goddess of Compassion), calendar plates featuring mandarin actress, the late Teresa Teng (Deng Li-jun). the situation of old town in Semarang is almost the same with the one in Jakarta. Not only the series of old buildings, the corridors have always been good place for some homeless people including becak drivers.
Some of them only use a mat when asleep through the night. Like the one in Jakarta old town, some parking areas are often occupied by homeless people. When the sun starts to rise in the east, some of them still do not get up. And the ones in Semarang, they fall asleep just on their own becak. At midday, they can feel the breeze pleasing them to work around the old town. “most of becak drivers here, we come from Demak (27,8 kilometers from Semarang). We usually go back to our hometown twice or thrice in a month to see our family. We lift travelers either foreign or local (tourists) who wish to look around Semarang’s old town. When we get tired, we just sleep on our own becak. We use mats for night’s sleep. We can not afford to rent a house,” said Hassan, one of becak drivers in Semarang. He is originally from Demak, and has spent around fifteen years driving becak in Semarang.
The atmosphere of both Semarang and Jakarta’s old towns are always romantic at evening time. Some old buildings have changed into either café or restaurant. One of them is Ant building (Gedung Semut) in Semarang which has changed its function since three and half years ago. It becomes a restaurant. Meanwhile, some business in Jakarta keep looking for old building for commercial use. They open café, restaurant for new business. “Nighttime is always more beautiful especially recreational parks which are always crowded by people,” Hassan said.
Holiday destination, offering an atmosphere of colonial history are always related to old town site. Jakarta and Semarang, so far have become the most favorite places for travelers who wish to see historical artefact. A series of antiques and old building with exotic architecture, inheriting from Dutch colony. Semarang is one of the most favored place to visit due to the historical value and exotic artefacts.
Semarang, from time to time is a place where the mixture of ethnicity and culture, from east Asia and Europe. Another fascinating historic holiday is about the harmony of Javanese, Chinese, Arabic and Dutch cultures which travelers can feel the atmosphere. Those are beautiful for travelers who have experienced visiting the places, and feeling the atmosphere of valuable pieces of memorabilia in history. The harmony of mixed culture offering beauty of human life in Semarang, such as China-town, Kauman area, etc. “But in the city center of Semarang, what we can see everyday is trade activities. It is very obvious, we can see hectic business in Semarang.
Culinary is one of good business in the city center. More and more people enjoy, eating their food ‘lesehan’ (sitting with cross-legged position, on the mat) has been favored. People queue in line in the morning before going to work to buy some food for breakfast. The price is quite expensive for Semarang people, but it is always crowded there,” said Moelyono Soesilo, Semarang-based coffee businessperson said. (LIU)
