Penelehhistory.com: Surabaya (24/5/24) – The conservation project of Peneleh Cemetery, under the overarching theme “Peneleh as a Living Library,” is a follow-up to the Peneleh Festival 2023. This festival showcased Peneleh’s potential in history, culture, society, and culinary traditions, packaged into a local tourism package.
Historical and Cultural Value of Peneleh Cemetery
The European Cemetery of Peneleh is a treasure trove of value. Besides its historical significance, it holds cultural, educational, scientific, and architectural importance. The cemetery is not merely a burial ground but a valuable witness to world civilization in Surabaya.
Cosmopolitan History
Peneleh Cemetery is not only a Dutch burial site but also a resting place for various European communities. Besides Dutch citizens, there are also British, French, German, Armenian, Jewish, Chinese, and Japanese graves. This diversity reflects Surabaya’s cosmopolitan nature during the colonial era.
Need for Restoration
Due to this rich history, the idea emerged to transform Peneleh European Cemetery into a tourist attraction. Unfortunately, the cemetery is in poor condition. Many graves are damaged, even though many prominent figures rest there. To attract both national and international visitors, the cemetery must be restored and made accessible.
Bridge between Indonesia and the Netherlands
According to Max Meijer, Director of TiMe Amsterdam, there are still many descendants in the Netherlands of those buried at Peneleh Cemetery. Until now, little information about the cemetery is available, breaking the connection between them.
Mutual Cooperation
Based on two facts – the shared history between Indonesia and the Netherlands, and the existence of descendants in the Netherlands – the idea was born to jointly utilize Peneleh Cemetery. This project can serve as a diplomatic tool to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding despite the painful history.
The Peneleh as a Living Library Project
This bridge of understanding is currently being built by the Begandring Soerabaia community (Indonesia) and TiMe Amsterdam (Netherlands) through the “Peneleh as a Living Library” program. This program runs in 2024. At the end of May and early June 2024, Max Meijer and Pegra Timmer from TiMe Amsterdam will be in Surabaya to evaluate the project, which is scheduled to be completed by December 2024. (nng)
