Musi River is one of the characteristics of Palembang city; it is located in the middle and splitting the city into the upper (Hulu) and lower (Hilir) course. On the outskirts of the Musi River, there are a lot of raft houses and small businesses, such as fishing boat industry.
Sailing on Musi River is a pleasure presented in the city of Palembang. We can meet some tourist attractions and see daily activities around the river. Musi River is often used as the arena of ater festivals, such as boat racing (bidar), boat decorating contest, swimming race across the river, and other fun activities. So, bring your family and friends to visit this magnificent river!
Ampera Bridge is the landmark of the city of Palembang and Sumatera Selatan province. According to the history, the construction of this motion bridge began in April 1962. After the approval from President Soekarno, this 1.177 meter long bridge with a width of 22 meters, was named “Jembatan.” The formal ceremony was done in 1965; it was also the confirmation of using Bung Karno’s name as the bridge’s name. However, there was a political upheaval in the year of 1966. The anti-Soekarno movement was so powerful that the name of the bridge was changed to “Ampera.” The architecture technique used was brilliant. The centre of the bridge could be lifted to facilitate the water transportation. Eventually, all the lifting process had to be put to an end due to the age of the bridge. From time to time, a lot of changes have been made. With all the colourful lighting, today, this bridge is more organized and more beautiful than ever. No wonder more and more tourists are coming to visit Ampera.BENTENG KUTO BESAK | KUTO BESAK FORTRESS
Benteng Kuto Besak (Fortress Kuto Besak) was built on the idea of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I (1776-1803). The development began in 1780 and completed in 1797. Generally, this building measuring 288,75 meters long, 183,75 meters wide, 6,20 meters high walls, 1,99 meters of walls thickness. Benteng Kuto Besak was used as a palace and as a protection against the Dutch colonialist. At the time of its construction, Benteng Kuto Besak was surrounded by many rivers, such as Musi River, Tengkuruk River, Sekanak River, and Kapuran River. However, today, Tengkuruk River and Kapuran River are no longer exist because the Dutch decided to pile the river up. The location of this fortress is very strategic because it coexists with Ampera Bridge and stands on the bank of Musi River.
MASJID AGUNG | AGUNG MOSQUE
Agung Mosque, located in the downtown, is a legacy of the Sultanate of Palembang. This mosque was built in 1738 and completed in 1748 by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I, also known as Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jaya Wikramo. At first, the size of the building was 1080 square meters with the capacity of 1200 persons. The first expansion was done by generous Sayid Umar bin Muhammad Assegaf Altoha and Sayyid Ahmad bin Syech Sahab in 1897 under the leadership of Prince Nataagama Karta Mangala Mustafa Ibnu Raden Kamaluddin. There were a lot of expansions done on this wonderful mosque. The second was done in 1930. The third was in 1952 by Agung Mosque Foundation. The second floor of this mosque was built between the year 1966 and 1969. This construction concluded the development of the Agung Mosque.Today, the size has increased to 5.520 square meters with the capacity of 7.750 persons. Agung Mosque is not only used as a place to worship, but also as a tourist attraction in the city of Palembang.
KANTOR WALIKOTA PALEMBANG| MAJOR OFFICER
Established in 1928, this building formerly known as the Water Tower (Menara Air) or “Ledeng Office” by Palembang residents during the Japanese colonialist (1942-1945). It continued to serve as the city hall (regimental office) until the year of 1956. On August 21st of 1963, the Leideng Water Company was renamed Clean Water – Dinas Pekerjaan Umum of Praja Palembang.Since then (1963), Office of Clean Water Tower became Office of Government of Palembang City, also known as Office of the Mayor.
BUNDARAN AIR MANCUR
Located in a very special spot (across the Agung Mosque and facing the Ampera Bridge), Bundaran Ampera is the heart of Palembang. At night, many young couples, local, and domestic tourists would hang out and take pictures around this area.
MONUMEN PERJUANGAN RAKYAT
This building is located in the downtown, across the Agung Mosque. This is the monument of the “Lima Hari Lima Malam War” (Five Days/Nights War).This building was built in the shape of jasmine-flower. The five petals symbolize the purity of the heroes who fought in the spirit of Pancasila. The purpose of this monument is to honour the struggle of Sumatera Selatan residents against the Dutch colonists in January 1947. Inside the building, we can find most of the weapons used during the war and some legal documents about the fighting
MUSEUM SULTAN MAHMUD BADARUDDIN
According to the history, this building was built on the location called Benteng Kuto Lamo (Kuto Tengkuruk or Kuto Batu). The kingdom of Keraton Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayo Wikromo, also known as Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin, grew inside Benteng Kuto Lamo. Between the year of 1942 and 1945, the building was controlled by Japanese. After the proclamation of independence, Indonesia took over the building. In 1949, the government decided to name this building as Office of Toritorium Sriwijaya II. From 1960 to 1974, it was used as the Central Regiment of Sriwijaya. It is believed that Benteng Kuto Lamo was first resided by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I on Monday, September 29th of 1737. So, this building is now called Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum. Inside the museum, we can find some miniatures of old Palembang and some other things once belonged to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin.
MUSEUM BALAPUTRA DEWA
This museum was built in 1977 with the traditional Palembang architecture. It took an area of 23.565 square meters and was inaugurated on November 5, 1984. At the beginning, it was named “Negeri Sumatera Selatan Province.” In the year of 1990, the government changed it to “Negeri Sumatera Selatan Province-Bala Putra Dewa Museum.”The words “Bala Putra Dewa” came from the name of Sriwijaya’s king who governed the land between 8th and 9th century. He also expanded the land to the Maritim Kingdom. Inside the museum, we can find a lot of collections of Sumatera Selatan’s culture. They include: ethnography objects, ceramics, modern technology, fine arts, flora / fauna, and geology
MUSEUM TEKSTIL
From all the 230 collections in Sumatera Selatan Textile Museum, many of the Songket and Batik clothes have been around for hundred of years. Also, some of them were given to the museum by Sultanate of Palembang Darussalam. Songket clothes displayed in the form of sarongs, traditional clothes, and sheets of cloth ready to sew; the motive is one of the Palembang’s cultures. This museum also has many old pictures of people who once wore Songket, such as Admiral Cheng Ho from China and/or Sultanate of Palembang. Traditional clothes of Palembang called Lutung clothes. It was worn by young men during the Dutch colonialist. Visitors also can watch how Songket is made: from the very beginning to the end where Songket is ready to be made into dress. Sumatera Selatan Textile Museum has numerous pictures of textile factory, P.T. Maratex, which was very successful in the 1960’s. Maratex has proven that Palembang is capable of producing a high-quality textile.
TAMAN PURBAKALA KERAJAAN SRIWIJAYA | SRIWIJAYA ARCHEOLOGI PARK
Sriwijaya Archaeological Park was built in the Karanganyar area because of many factors, one of them is: Karanganyar was a historic area and has many ancient collections. The 3 main buildings in this park are used to keep most of the Sriwijaya’s collections created between 7th and 13th century. There are also some carved stones from Cempaka Island. It is believed that Karanganyar was the centre of water source for Sriwijaya Kingdom. From the excavation in this area, people have found carved stones, potteries, ceramics, an old boat, and other historic materials.
MASJID LAWANG KIDUL | LAWANG KIDUL MOSQUE
Lawang Kidul Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the city of Palembang. This mosque is located nearby the Musi River and Lawang Kidul River, east Hilir II. This mosque was founded by Mgs. H. Abdul Hamid Bin Mgs. Mahmud, also known as Ki Merogan. He was the one who put the Islamic sentence, “Najar Mujal Lillahi Ta’ala” (6th Syawal 1310), on the mosque. It is believed that some of the materials used to build this mosque were: quicklime, egg, and sand. The type of wood used for the doors, pillars, and roof is called “Unglen wood”. The interior design has never been changed. There are 12 pillars with the height of 6 meters each. Each pillar has eight angles. All of them were made of Unglen wood.
MASJID KIAI MUARA OGAN | KIAI MUARA OGAN MOSQUE
Ki Merogan Mosque or Lawang Kidul Mosque were built at the same time (1310H) by Kyai Merogan (Mgs. H. Abdul Hamid Bin Mgs. Mahmud) using his own personal wealth. This mosque also has other names, such as Ki Merogan, Kiai Muara Ogan, and Kiai Marogan. This wonderful mosque is so famous that lots of people from Lampung, Jambi, and Java Island will come by every year. It is also usual that on every Friday, in Sya’ban month, and on every Haul Kiai Merogan festival, in Rajab month, thousands of people will come to worship, Sholat, and I’tikaf. Many also will visit Kiai Merogan’s tomb, located a block away from the mosque, to pay respect.
MASJID SURO | SURO MOSQUE
Founded by K.H. Abdurrahman Delamat, a foster brother of Ki Merogan, in 1889, this mosque is located nearby Songket crafting in 30 Hilir. In 2001, it was renamed Al-Mahmudiyah. Long time ago, the Dutch colonialist successfully closed this mosque for 36 years; however, today, the main wood pillar is still standing solidly. Around the pillar, there are 4 springs. Al-Mahmudiyah can put up to 800 people inside and outside of the building.MASJID CENG HO | CENG HO MOSQUE
The name Admiral Cheng Ho can’t be separated from the city of Palembang. Cheng Ho travelled around the world and visited Palembang for three times. In 1407, Cheng Ho was ordered to hunt the pirates of Chen Tsu in Maritim areas. Because of his heroism, Palembang city will always remember his name. Although he did not leave any mosque or construct any building, he had left some Chinese cultures in Palembang. Al-Islam Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque was built 3 kilometres away from the downtown. Most of the fund came from Muslim-Chinese residents. The mosque was built with traditional Chinese architecture and dominated by the colour of red.
In fact, this mosque looks more like a pagoda. The building, with the size of 25 times 25 meters, stands on a 4.900 square meters area. The construction was begun in 2005 to celebrate the 600th year of Cheng Ho’s voyage.
In fact, this mosque looks more like a pagoda. The building, with the size of 25 times 25 meters, stands on a 4.900 square meters area. The construction was begun in 2005 to celebrate the 600th year of Cheng Ho’s voyage.
KLENTENG SOEI GOEAT KIONG | SOEI GOEAT KIONG TEMPLE
Tri Dharma Chandra Nadi, also known as Soei Goeat Kiong Temple, is very important to the existence of Kapitan Village and Chinese ancestries in Palembang. This temple, located nearby the 10 Hulu, Musi River, and Aur River, was built in 1733 and has a lot of stories. Soei Goeat Kiang Temple is used by 3 different religions as a place to worship and pray. The 3 religions are: Buddha, Thao, and Kong Hu Cu. The main rooms are: 3 praying rooms and 1 priest room. Each room has statues of Kwan Im (Goddess of Affection), Poo Sen (God of Healing), and Kwan Tun (God of Loyalty). The statue of Kwan Im is put in the middle. All the tiles used in the building are red tiles, and the motives are the image of Feng-Shui (eight angles).In the east of the temple, there is a Tanah Tumbuh. It is said that a female, named Fatimah, was buried there. If someone would like to pray in the temple, he is not allowed to bring any kind of dogs and place pork as the offering.On the back of the temple, there are: an altar full with all the statues given by the believers and a Ju Sin Kong altar. It is said that Ju Sin Kong was a believer and the protector of the city of Palembang.
BUKIT SIGUNTANG | SIGUNTANG HILL
Siguntang Hill was a historic place in the city of Palembang in the era of Sriwijaya. Today, it is treated as a historic hill for Buddhist. This area is located in the Lama Hill. It is 4 kilometres from the city of Palembang and by altitude 27 meters from sea level. This place is still kept sacred because there are several old graves around. In 1920, some people found a statue of Buddha in Amarawati art style with Sri Lanka facial expression. It was made in the 11th century. Today, the statue is placed in the yard of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum. The panorama of Palembang city can be viewed clearly from the top of Siguntang Hill. To get to the top of the hill, we can take the public transportation heading toward Bukit Besar
MAKAM KI GEDE ING SURO | KI GEDE ING SURO CEMETRY
Located in east Hilir II, Palembang, Ki Gede Ing Suro is the origin of the Sultanate of Palembang. This complex consists of 8 buildings and 38 graves. This cemetery complex was built in the mid of 16th century. Ki Gede Ing Suro was the founder of Islamic kingdom in Palembang, which later renamed “Sultanate of Palembang Darussalam.” Ki Gede Ing Suro was the son of Ki Gede Ing Lautan. Lautan was one of the 24 noblemen who moved to Palembang from Demak (Java) after the riot of Islamic kingdom. This riot marked the beginning of Majapahit kingdom, the largest kingdom after Sriwijaya.
MAKAM SABOKINGKING | SABOKINGKING CEMETRY
Makam Sabokingking is a graveyard of the early kings of Islamic empire in Palembang; it’s been around for 500 years. Some of the people buried there: Prince Sido Ing Kenayan and his wife, Queen Sihuhun, Sido Ing Pasaeran, also known as Jamaluddin Mangkuran I (1630-1652), Imam Al Habib Al Arif Billah Umar bin Muhammad Al Idrus bin Shahab, Prince Ki Bodowongso (1622-1635), and Commander Kiai Kibagus Abdurachman. The graveyard is located in Sei Buah, east of lower course II, Palembang. The graves of Prince Sido Ing Kenayan and his wife are not too far away from their grandfather’s, Ki Gede Ing Suro, which is located in Haji Umar Street, lower course I, Palembang. Queen Sihuhun was the granddaughter of Ki Gede Ing Suro. Under the reign of Prince Sido Ing Kenayan, Queen Sihuhun was able to create a law book called “Simbur Cahaya.” This was a written traditional law and applied in all of Sumatera Selatan. There are also public cemeteries around that area. To access this place, we can either go through the Sabokingking Street or Arafuru Street. Makam Sabokingking is the oldest graveyard for kings and royal families in Palembang
KAWAH TENGKUREP
Kawah Tengkurep is the name of a tomb complex of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I, a king of Palembang in the 18th centrury. This building called “Tengkurep” because its roof was made in the shape of a face-down-bowl.
The previous location of the tombs of kings who ruled in Palembang split from each other, but since the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayo Wikramo ruled, the tombs were moved into one location called Kawah Tengkurep Cemetery or Lemahbang Cemetery. Some of the royal family members buried here: Sultan Ahmad Najamuddin, Sultan Bahauddin and his wife, Sultan Diyauddin, and children of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I
HUTAN WISATA PUNTI KAYU | PUNTI KAYU FOREST
Punti Kayu Forest is a zoo and recreation place located about 6 kilometres away from the downtown. This forest, in fact, is a natural pine forest organized into natural parks. Inside, we can find man-made lake, souvenir shops, playground, restaurants, and other facilities. This forest acts as the lungs of the city. Every holiday, there will be some concerts organized in here. The panorama in Punti Kayu is full of pine forest (pine mercussi). The government also provides some wild animals inside the forest, such as: long-tailed macaque (Macaca Fascicularis), pig-tailed macaque (Macaca Nemestrina), etc. Visiting Palembang would not be complete if you don’t come to Punti Kayu
KAMPUNG KAPITAN | KAPITAN VILLAGE
Kapitan Village is a tourist attraction legacy of the Tionghoa ethnicity. It is located across the region 7 Ulu, precisely on K.H. Azhari Street. The word “Kapitan” came from Kapitan Tjoa Ham Hin. He was the last kapitan to lead Palembang. Kapitan House combines Palembang and Chinese architecture. It has 12 rooms, a prayer room, a living room, and a kitchen. The height of the main door is 3 meters, and the height of the house is 5,3 meters. There are a lot of old paintings, pictures, ancient statues of Toa Pe Kong in the living room. Besides Kapitan House, there is another one called Grey House. This is the place where Tjoa family would keep the ashes of the deceased ones. Both of them are 500 years old.
PEMUKIMAN PALEMBANG LAMO
Located nearby the Musi River, Arab village has many houses built in the Limas and Panggung styles. This village has proven that Musi River has been acting as the centre of Palembang city. Arab village is also known as 13 Hulu Village because it is located in Al-Munawar street, 13
Hulu, Palembang. Another Arab-dominated village in Palembang is called Kuto Batu. Both of the villages have been around for more than 300 years. Until today, most of the houses still have the old designs intact to them. There are about 8.000 Arab ancestries living here.
These villages often called “Assegaf complex.” Almost all the houses were built during the Dutch colonialist. There were an ice and lemonade factories around this area. Nearby the factories, there is a house which believed to be resided by Queen Juliana when the Dutch governed the Palembang city. The ice factory was named after her; however, today, the name and the design of the factory have been changed. The arrival of Arabs from Hadramaut brought a lot of changes to Palembang’s culture. In 1825, the Dutch government pointed one of the Arabs to be the captain of their ethnic group. The captain would live in a house called “Captain Arab.” The Dutch would also point the captains for China and India ethnic groups.
PULAU KEMARO | KEMARO ISLAND
Sailing through Musi River to Kemaro Island is a very exciting adventure. Kemaro is located 5 kilometres to the lower course of Ampera Bridge. There is one Buddhist temple. In Cap Go Me celebration, thousands of Chinese people from various cities, even from overseas, would come to this temple to pray and worship. This celebration lasts for 2 or 3 days. With the size of 3,5 hectares, Hok Tjing Rio Temple is also one of the pillars of Chinese’s presence in the history of Palembang. The architecture also reflects the typical structure of China's philosophy, as found in various temples in other regions. The whole building was painted red with the addition of golden colour. The building consists of: a pavilion on the bank of Musi River, 2 towers (where people will burn the gold money), main room, back room, and the sacred graves of Siti Fatima and Tan Po Han.
PULAU KERTO | KERTO ISLAND
Located nearby the Musi River, precisely in the district Gandus, the island is a pure natural beauty. This is the main attraction for the nature-lover tourists. This agropolitan area, which is still under development, has an element of agricultural production, distribution, research, and development.
The village, which is located a dozen kilometres from Palembang, has a group of Songket crafters. The perfect location will attract tourists to come and enjoy the panorama of this beautiful village.
PUSAT KERAJINAN SONGKET | SONGKET CENTER
Songket is a type of traditional-Melayu cloth from Indonesia and Malaysia. It is usually created manually by hand using gold and silver threads. Usually, it is only worn in formal gathering. Songket has a long history; it was first sold between Tiongkok and India. The Chinese would prepare the silk, and the India would prepare the gold and silver threads. Songket was created by mixing the both of them. Songket is weaved on a Melayu machine. The complicated motives are created using gold and silver threads with the help of one small needle. Palembang’s Songket is the queen of all cloth. It is not easy to make.
The crafters have to be very skilful in order to creat this priceless cloth. The centre of Songket crafting is located nearby the downtown, precisely in 30 – 32 Hilir, Palembang. The shop also sells many beautiful traditional souvenirs.
PUSAT KERAJINAN SENI UKIR | CARVING ART CENTER
Palembang’s carving art has different motive compared to other regions. It is strongly influenced by China’s style. Most of the motives used are: plants, jasmine, lotus, but no human and animals. The type of wood usually used is “Tembesu” and other high quality woods.
A lot of people love Palembang’s carving art; however, it is not known why many of the customers prefer the motives of opened roses, closed roses, and even the leaves. Located in 19 Hilir, there are favourite shops produce many unique motives for wedding altars, desks, frames, and chairs.
CITRA GRAND CITY (The Next Metropolitan City)
Citra Grand City Palembang is a joint operation project with PT Cipta Asrigriya. Targeted to middle segment, the project was introduced to the market in August 2008 and has positive response. So far, around 150 units have been sold. The development will cover an area of 160 ha and will be equipped with a golf course.
KAMBANG IWAK
Located in the downtown, Kambang Iwak provides a lot of fun facilities. There are entertainment areas, family games, culinary, and many cafés. This area is organized so beautifully that many people would come to jog and hang out.
STADION GELORA SRIWIJAYA | GELORA SRIWIJAYA STADIUM
Gelora Sriwijaya Palembang Stadium in Jakabaring is one of the best stadiums in Sumatera Selatan Province. It was built for the PON XVI in 2004. Today, it is used as the exercise building and the office of Sriwijaya FC (Palembang’s soccer club)
DANAU OPI | OPI LAKE
Located nearby the Ogan Permata Indah Complex and Glora Stadium in Jakabaring, OPI Lake is very popular among Palembang residents. The water is pure blue, and there are fun facilities such as Jet Ski, banana boat, rubber boat, etc.
BAGUS KUNING
Located across the Hulu II, precisely in Bagus Kuning Plaju Complex, this is the grave of Queen Bagus Kuning. Today, it is considered sacred. Legend said that Queen Bagus was a holy person and the descendant of Rasulullah SAW. She spread the religion of Islam to her land, Batanghari Sembilan, in the 16th century. Queen Bagus had never married and never have a single period during her life, which means: she was a pure and divine woman.
There is always at least one monkey staying nearby the grave. People believe that the monkeys are the successors of Siluman Kera who lost the fight against the Queen. Siluman Kera swore that his successors would be the loyal followers of Queen Bagus.
PUSRI
P.T. Pupuk Sriwidjaja (Pusri) was founded in Palembang, Sumatera Selatan, in December 24th, 1959. This was the first urea fertilizer factory in Indonesia. At first, it produced around 100 thousand tons of urea per year. In 1972, the redevelopment was done. Today, it produces 2,26 million tons of urea per year. The products, divided to main product and by-product, are produced by the main Pusri Factories II, III, IV, IB, and other smaller factories, such as CO2, dry ice, Nitrogen, and Oxygen factories.
The main product consists of: Ammonia and urea. The by-product consists of: Ammonia Excess, Oxygen, Nitrogen, dry ice, and CO2. As the forerunner of the national fertilizer industry, P.T. Pusri has a lot of experts. Those experts would be sent to help other factories in the other provinces and even other countries. The condition surrounding P.T. Pusri is very beautiful; no wonder so many people would come to hang out here.
PERTAMINA
Plaju and Gerong River refineries are the oldest oil refineries in Indonesia. They were the forerunner of Pertamina. Plaju refinery was founded in 1900, and Gerong River was founded in 1926. Long time ago, they were the most productive refineries in the country. The condition surrounding the refineries is wonderful; no wonder so many people would come to spend their time here.
