January 16, 2025
Driven by a passion for learning about Tionghoa culture, Elsa Novia Sena founded the Benteng Walking Tour to introduce the rich heritage of Cina Benteng to the masses. Her efforts have a positive impact on the community and help preserve the culture.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Elsa Novia Sena, a content creator who discussed my own culture, which is Cina Benteng and Peranakan Tionghoa Indonesian culture. I have been a content creator for 2 years. It turns out that my content can have an impact on cultural preservation and the community.
What makes you interested in learning more about culture and tradition?
In my daily life, I live with the Cina Benteng culture that was passed down from my family. I like to ask the reason behind certain behaviors and traditions and their meanings to my parents. Sometimes, they will explain, and sometimes, they do not answer. In general, I like Tionghoa culture because I had an experience as an exchange student in Taiwan for one semester, which I found not too different from the traditions in Indonesia. After reading the history of Taiwan and its relationship with Tionghoa-Indonesia, I became even more interested.
Can you tell me how the Benteng Walking Tour started and what its journey has been like until now?
Benteng Walking Tour was created because I found the Cina Benteng culture in Pasar lama very interesting. This is my perspective. From the outsider’s point of view, as someone who was not born in Tangerang, after doing a tour of Pasar Lama, Then, I tried to create Benteng Walking Tour by focusing not only on the history but also the acculturation between Cina Benteng and local culture. Benteng Walking Tour has been running for more than one year and will explore more of Cina Beteng Culture.
What fascinates you the most about Peranakan Culture?
What’s interesting about Peranakan Tionghoa is the mix of values between local tradition and the Tionghoa culture, creating a new and unique culture. Although the Tionghoa ancestry is only shared by blood, the culture remains alive and actively mixed with the local culture.
Why is it important to learn about culture and tradition?
Learning about our culture and tradition is crucial because it is who we are and our identity. In every tradition, there are many good life values and morals we need to keep.
What is your next plan in the near future?
The next plan is to explore more thoroughly Cina Benteng and Tionghoa culture that not many people know about, so the tradition won’t be lost.
#ThepublicBook #Profile
