ຂປລ
More than 600 years ago, the renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He, who hailed from the shores of Dianchi Lake in Yunnan Province, undertook seven voyages to the Western Seas, with his fleet calling at Java, Indonesia, on six occasions. On 30 June, following in the footsteps of this historic envoy of friendship—affectionately known in Indonesia as "Sam Poo Kong"—the "Zheng He Odyssey: Global Friendship Envoy" cultural exchange series was launched in Jakarta, attracting more than 160 participants from the political, business, academic, and cultural sectors of China and Indonesia, as well as representatives of overseas Chinese associations.
The two-day event, organised by the Information Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Yunnan Province, features more than 10 activities. These include the donation ceremony of a Zheng He treasure ship model, a cultural bazaar, a creative poster exhibition, the International Symposium on the Global Civilisation Initiative and the Spirit of Zheng He, and the appointment ceremony for young friendship envoys from China and Indonesia. The event aims to draw on the spirit of Zheng He as a bridge of friendship, promote the values of peace, friendship, openness and inclusiveness, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Chen Wu, Education Counsellor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Indonesia, said that during the 76 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, cooperation across the "Five Pillars"—politics, the economy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, maritime affairs, and security—has progressed steadily. He highlighted landmark achievements such as the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway and the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative, which have delivered tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations. He expressed hope that both countries would continue to draw inspiration from Zheng He's voyages by becoming inheritors of the spirit of peace, promoters of practical cooperation, and guardians of enduring friendship.
Wen Liao, Full-time Deputy Director of the Spiritual Civilisation Office of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, said that Yunnan, the birthplace of Zheng He, shares a deep historical connection with Indonesia. He noted that exchanges between the two sides have evolved from cultural interaction and trade into institutionalised, multi-level and comprehensive cooperation covering modern agriculture, biomedicine, clean energy, cultural and educational exchanges, and ecological conservation. He expressed the hope that both countries would continue to carry forward Zheng He's spirit and write a new chapter of friendship in the new era.
Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Events Organisation and Development at Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, said that many historical sites and local traditions associated with Zheng He can be found throughout the Indonesian archipelago, including in Semarang, where they have become valuable cultural and tourism assets. He expressed the hope that initiatives such as the "Zheng He Route" would further strengthen people-to-people exchanges and that 2026—the final year of the Five-Year Plan of Action for the Indonesia–China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—would provide an opportunity to elevate bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism and public exchanges.
A highlight of the event was the donation of a 71-centimetre-long and 60-centimetre-high model of Zheng He's treasure ship from Yunnan to the Sam Poo Kong Foundation in Semarang. The model was crafted by Fu Kunxiang and Wang Li, recognised inheritors of the intangible cultural heritage of traditional ship model craftsmanship in Kunming. Based on the design of the Ming Dynasty treasure ship, the model follows the traditional Fuchuan (Fujian-style sailing vessel) design, featuring a sharp-bottomed, broad-hulled structure with nine watertight bulkhead compartments and a keel, faithfully recreating the grandeur of Zheng He's fleet.
Wang Li said she hoped the model would serve as a lasting symbol of friendship between China and Indonesia and help carry forward the spirit of Zheng He into the modern era.
Zhang Chaolong, Chairman of the Sam Poo Kong Foundation in Semarang, noted that the Sam Poo Kong Temple, located in Central Java, was built by local residents in honour of Zheng He. He said the ship model, originating from Zheng He's hometown of Yunnan, carries special significance and would be treasured as another symbol of the long-standing friendship between Indonesia and China.
The event also featured cultural performances by artists from both countries. Performers from Yunnan presented the folk dance "Silk Road Nanyang • Bamboo Fence Whisper" along with a medley of traditional Yunnan folk music, while Indonesian performers showcased traditional dances, including "Tarian Nusantara", celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations through music and dance.
In addition, visitors enjoyed a cultural bazaar and a creative poster exhibition. Guests had the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese crafts such as Dongba papermaking, tie-dye, and Dai brocade weaving, while sampling Yunnan Pu'er tea and Yunnan Arabica coffee.
The poster exhibition featured part of The Voyages of Zheng He, a monumental traditional Chinese painting created over 13 years by renowned Chinese artist Zhong Kaitian, alongside 30 award-winning works from the "AI World Heritage & Zheng He Legacy" creative poster design competition. The exhibition combined traditional Chinese artistic techniques with artificial intelligence to present Zheng He's cultural legacy through both classical artistry and contemporary innovation.
KPL
