Good News! The Ministry Has Designated The Glodog Nine Block Monastery As A Historical Relic

Indonesian Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (left) signs the historical inscription of Vihara Dharma Jaya Toasebio Petak Sembilan, Glodog (Via ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion has designated Vihara Dharma Jaya Toasebio Petak Sembilan, Glodog, West Jakarta, as a historical inscription after the installation and signing of the inscription which was displayed on the inside of the building.

The inauguration was marked by the opening of the red cloth veil by the Special Staff of the Minister of Religion for Media and Public Communication, Wibowo Prasetyo and the Chairman of the Vihara Dharma Jaya Toasebio Foundation, Arifin Tanzil last Saturday.

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas had previously signed the historic inscription at the Indonesian Ministry of Religion's Office, Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta on 12 May. The Toasebio Temple has been around since it was rebuilt in 1751 and is now 271 years old.

On that occasion, Wibowo Prasetyo expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Vihara Dharma Jaya Toasebio Foundation to build the inscription as a form of devotion to the predecessors.

As well as education for the current generation to be able to remember the services and kindness done by the elders in the past, as well as paying tribute to the founders of the foundation for their dedication so far.

This monastery was founded by nine people, namely Ferdinand Kencana Jaya, Husin Buntara Sjarifudin, Husen Buntara Sjarifudin, Agustinawati, Rachman Santosa, Lauw Kiong Hoa, Wong Sem Fie, Harjanto, and Mujadin Pangestu.

"High respect for the nine founders in 1983 who jointly established the Wihara Dharma Jaya Toasebio Foundation which has grown to this day," said Wibowo in an electronic message received in Jakarta, Monday, June 20.

Furthermore, Wibowo said that this inscription will also be a means of reminding the importance of caring and understanding history, a record that will be passed on to future generations.

"The previous generation built the road that will be passed by the next generation," said Wibowo quoting a wise proverb.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Dharma Jaya Foundation Toasebio Arifin Tanzil in his speech explained about the history of the foundation's establishment and its benefits for Buddhists.

He also conveyed the history when his grandfather donated a plot of land to the foundation at Wihara Dharma Jaya Toasebio.

"Currently, the land that has been donated has become the property of the Wihara Dharma Jaya Tosebio foundation," said Arifin.

This temple was rebuilt starting in 1751 and in 1754 functioned as a place of worship for the Chinese in Batavia. This temple was burned down by the Dutch East Indies government because it was related to individuals involved in the tragedy of Kali Angke and Geger Chinatown.

In order to clarify the history, an inscription of the history of the temple was made, so that it is known to the public and foreign tourists.

Kevin Wu, Chairman of the Dharmapala Forum of United Buddhist Activists (FABB) who was present on the occasion, invited the youth to rise up and take an active role in building the spirit of brotherhood and unity as well as maintaining diversity.