Ketandan, An Historical Chinatown in Yogyakarta

History

This Yogyakarta's Chinatown has been around since the Dutch era in Indonesia. Historically, this Ketandan Chinatown emerged in the late 19th century until the early 20th century. At that time the Dutch government was implementing rules that restricted movement and limited their live area. By approvement of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono II (Yogyakarta King), Chinese residents were finally permitted to settle on land at the north of Beringharjo tradisional market, wishing that their trading activity would stimulated the market activity.

Ketandan Chinatown in Yogyakarta is one of the historic Chinatown in Indonesia. The Chinese merchants got their success in Yogyakarta by selling gold at their store house. Ketandan region is well known for its gold shops. Most of Chinese people there are indeed have profession as gold merchants by hereditary.

Over the time, this Ketandan Chinatown is become marginalized by various ways of developments. For example, many buildings in this region have been renovated. In terms of trade, it is also become marginalized and marginalized effected by increasing trade developments in ​​Malioboro area.

Therefore, conservation efforts to survive this chinatown have been done by various parties. Yogyakarta City’s Government for example, has set Kampong Ketandan as a Chinatown area which will be developed continuously. The buildings on this area will be made to be Chinese architectured, while the exists buildings will be maintained.

Passing Through Chinatown’s streets

In this Ketandan Chinatown, we can see Chinese architecture that is identical to the flats with their various chinese ornaments. The flats are mostly built stretching to the rear. These flats are once used as stores. Most of them work as a golds and jewels trader.

In this Ketandan Chinatown, exactly at the opposite of Beringharjo traditional market, there is an old drug store, namely 'Bah Gemuk Drug Stores'. It sells a variety of Chinese traditional medicine which its efficacy has been well-known throughout the world.

Arrive at Lor Pasar area, you can see some traditional stalls that sell a variety of needs, ranging from electronics, sewing kits and clothing accessories, cooking utility, until golden jewelry. This area has been well known as place to buy daily needs with cheap price. Beside selling new goods, some stalls also sell used goods. 

Since 2006, in line with the Indonesia reformation, every ahead of chinese New Year, Ketandan people  hold a Week of Chinese Culture. This festival that is held by the Yogyakarta city’s Government is held as an effort to maintain the identity of Ketandan region as a Chinatown.

Location

Interested to visit this Ketandan Chinatown? You can easily visit it because of its strategic location in the middle of town, at the south side of Malioboro, or at the north side of Beringharjo traditional market. Kampong Ketandan is located on the southeast of intersection of Malioboro st - Jend A Yani st- Pajeksan st- Suryatmajan st. You can start the tour from the side of the kampong, precisely on the street next to the Batik Terang Bulan shop.