On the banks of the Loji River, piles of fish in bags and baskets lined up neatly, waiting for buyers. Since it was established in 1978, tons of fish have stopped by here. The wallless building, that is located within Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara, Pekalongan, (fisheries port) has been a fish auction place (Tempat Pelelangan Ikan…
“I want to go on an excursion. To go around the city. I want to see the crowds. I call a pedicab (becak), a train without a horse. Pedicab, pedicab, carry me around.” —Indonesian children song Isn’t it funny that there is a children song composed to describe the pleasure of traveling around the city…
“Pindang tetel is made of ‘pindang’ fish, right?” Indeed, this question often arises when we mention ‘pindang tetel’. In Indonesia, ‘pindang’ is commonly used to refer to a cooking method where fish is salted and seasoned, then smoked or boiled until dry for preservation. However, the answer to the question above is: no. Although the…
Freshness. That’s the gift offered by Kembang Langit Park. The cool air greeted us as we entered the village area where this park is located. The pine trees are shading us, like a giant umbrella that protects us from the sun. A sense of comfort surrounds us slowly. Kembang Langit Park, which is located in…
The sweetness was immediately replaced by the spicy kick that took over after the first bite. Yes, Botok Setan’s faint spiciness on its first mouthful is known to have a shocking effect, as well as making us addicted to it. A sweet taste that ends in such spiciness. Herein, lies the pleasure of enjoying a…
As a coastal city, Pekalongan has several beaches that are suitable to be visited during sunset. Pasir Kencana Beach, which is only 4 km from downtown Pekalongan, could be an option. From the entrance gate, visitors will be welcomed by a fish statue–an icon of Pasir Kencana Beach–surrounded by a stretch of pine trees. Usually,…
“It took 3 years to make a piece of our batik cloth,” said Widianti Widjaja from Oey Soe Tjoen’s batik while stretching out some of her unfinished work. His statement seemed to explain why Oey Soe Tjoen’s batik was so expensive. Yes, the development of the batik art and industry in Pekalongan cannot be separated…
Hutan Kota Rajawali (Rajawali City Forest), commonly abbreviated as HKR, is a green open space in the middle of Batang City. This 2-hectare forest, which is overgrown with teak trees, is now also an arena for Pasar Minggon Jatinan – a traditional market that offers an experience to go back in time while tasting traditional…
Canting is a traditional tool used by batik makers to attach malam (hot wax) to the fabric as a color barrier. On batik tulis (hand-drawn batik), canting tulis that is shaped like a pen is used to trace patterns and draw batik motives on the fabric. On batik cap (stamped batik), the canting used is…
Besides being known as the City of Batik, Pekalongan is also known as the City of Santri (Muslim scholars). With the majority of its population being Muslim, several religious traditions are still preserved in this city. One of them is Syawalan celebration. In Pekalongan, Eid, as the biggest holiday of Muslims are commemorated not only…