Indonesia
The Oldest Hok An Kiong Shrine
Built in 1830, the shrine is still operational as a worship place until today, 185 years later.
Chinatown area in North Surabaya has at least four major shrine, including the oldest Hok An Kiong. This temple is more familiar as known as Klenteng Coklat and Klenteng Slompretan, being at the intersection of Jl Cokelat and Jl Slompretan (former Tepekong Straat).
The building is 10 x 30 meters with two altars. This temple building was not only initiated by a Chinese figure in the past, Superkids. Instead Chinese from Hok Kian who were joining in the community called Hok Kian Kong Tik or Hok Kian Tick Kong. They brought the workers and building materials straight from China to establish the first shrine in Surabaya.
According to Ong King Ngik the bio kong (caretaker), the original temple Hok An Kiong actually consisted of only one altar, which is facing straight ahead the gate. On the main altar there is a host statue of the Goddess Makco Poo, the ruler of the seven oceans. Then caretaker of the shrine add more building along with the statue of the other gods-goddesses. The mural on the walls that telling the history of the War Commander Kwan Kong who became leader to three royal dynasties of Chinese leaders, has also been restored.
The beautiful paintings on the inside wall of the building were originally plain black and white images. Then some ceramic company took charge on the shrine’s improvement. “The original drawing was made directly on the cement wall. Those drawings were then traced to ceramics, stained, and reattached to the wall as we can see now,” the 67 years old man explained.
Hok An Kiong is a Tri Dharma temple run by Suka Loka Foundation. This place became a worship site for the followers of the teachings of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. Thereby, Superkids, there are many ritual activities held here throughout the year. As ceremony worshipping of the descent of Toa Pek Kong, the rise of Kong Tik Cun Ong and Imlek celebration. “The biggest event is Chi Swak Dai Swei at the main pillars of the prayer site,” said Ong King Ngik.
In addition to the highly respected statue Makco Poo, there are 22 statues of other Gods-Goddesses in the Hok An Kiong temple. In front of the altar visitors are greeted by Giyan Kung (The Almighty God), two doormen Cin Siok and Oe Tie Poo Kiong, and inside there is Makco Poo along with his companion Kwang Kong, as well as other gods such as Hok Tek Cin Zinc (God of Earth), Cai Sen Ye (God of Money), Dai Sang Han (Tauw Teaching God), and Pek Hoh Well (White Tiger).
This ancient shrine opens every day at 06.00 to 17.00. Visitors are not limited to those who come to pray, the domestic and foreign tourists often visit there too. Hok An Kiong becoming increasingly popular as it is one of the destinations tourism bus Surabaya Heritage Track (SHT), which is managed by House of Sampoerna Museum. Every beginning of the year before of the Chinese New Year celebrations, SHT puts Hok An Kiong into tourist route. Hundreds of people were driven around the shrine every week.
Hok An Kiong Shrine
Jl Coklat 2, Surabaya
HAFIDA INDRAWATI
PHOTO: HAFIDA INDRAWATI
