Tangerang history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Tangerang dates back centuries, with the first written records appearing in the early 16th century. The accounts of the Portuguese traveller Tomé Pires, dated 1513–1515, mention a port called Tamgaram, which was part of the Hindu Sunda Kingdom. It is believed that the name "Tangerang" itself originates from a monument erected to mark the border between the territories of the Banten Sultanate and the Dutch East India Company.

Key Factors of Formation

The establishment of Tangerang as a significant settlement was driven by several key factors, primarily its strategic location.

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the Cisadane River, which historically served as a natural boundary between the Banten Sultanate and the territory of Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), controlled by the Dutch.
• Military and Strategic Importance: In 1684, during the war with the Banten Sultanate, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a military camp here. Shortly thereafter, around 1685, a fort was built to strengthen their position, which was rebuilt in stone in 1708. This consolidated Tangerang's role as a vital frontier and defensive point.
• Proximity to the Capital: Throughout its history, Tangerang has developed in close connection with Jakarta, gradually transforming into its crucial satellite city.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its early years, Tangerang was characterised by a blend of cultures and active trade. Being a port city, it attracted merchants and settlers. One of the city's unique features was the formation of a Chinese Indonesian community known as the "Cina Benteng" (Benteng Chinese), who settled in the vicinity of the Dutch fort. This community made a significant contribution to the cultural and economic development of the region, creating a unique synthesis of Chinese and local traditions that remains an important part of Tangerang's identity today.

Key Dates in the History of Tangerang

The history of Tangerang is a journey from a border post to one of the largest industrial and economic centres in Indonesia. Here are the main milestones of this development:

• Circa 1407 — The landing of Chinese navigator Admiral Zheng He on the northern coast of Java, marking the beginning of the formation of Chinese communities in the region.
• 1652 — The Banten Sultanate appoints three leaders (Maulana) to govern the region known as "Tangerang", which became one of the first official mentions of this name.
• 1684 — The Dutch East India Company (VOC) signs an agreement with the Banten Sultanate, establishing the Cisadane River as the boundary, with the Tangerang territory coming under Dutch control.
• 1740 — The Batavia Massacre (Chinese Massacre) occurs, after which many Chinese refugees from Batavia (Jakarta) relocate to Tangerang, strengthening the local "Cina Benteng" community.
• Early 19th Century — Tangerang becomes part of the Batavia district and actively develops as an agricultural region specializing in rice and coconut cultivation.
• 1945 — Following the proclamation of Indonesian independence, Tangerang becomes part of the West Java province.
• 1981 — Tangerang receives the status of an administrative city within the Tangerang Regency, reflecting its growing economic and demographic importance.
• 1985 — Soekarno-Hatta International Airport opens, becoming the main air gateway to Indonesia and a powerful stimulus for the city's development.
• 28 February 1993 — Tangerang officially receives municipality status (autonomous city), separating from the regency of the same name.
• 2000 — Tangerang becomes part of the newly formed Banten province.
• 2008 — Tangerang Regency is divided, and a new city is formed from its southern part — South Tangerang (Tangerang Selatan).

Stages of Tangerang's Development: From Outpost to Metropolis

The development of Tangerang is a vivid example of transformation from a border fortification into one of Indonesia's most important industrial and transport hubs. The city has passed through several key stages that have defined its modern appearance.

• Foundation as a Border Post (17th-18th Centuries). Initially, Tangerang was founded as a military outpost of the Dutch East India Company on the border with the Banten Sultanate. This strategic position defined its early history and contributed to the formation of the unique "Cina Benteng" Chinese-Indonesian community, which has played a key role in the city's economy and culture for centuries.
• Agrarian Centre (19th – Early 20th Centuries). During the colonial period, the city turned into an important agricultural region, supplying neighbouring Batavia (Jakarta) with rice, coconuts, and other produce. This laid the foundations for its economic ties with the capital.
• Industrial Boom (1970s – Present). Beginning in the second half of the 20th century, Tangerang experienced rapid industrialisation. Proximity to the capital and the availability of land attracted numerous manufacturing facilities. Today, there are over 1,000 factories and plants in the city, making it one of the country's largest industrial centres.
• Opening of Soekarno-Hatta Airport (1985). The establishment of Indonesia's main international airport within the city's territory was a turning point in its history. The airport not only turned Tangerang into a key transport hub but also gave a powerful boost to the development of logistics, hospitality, and related industries.
• Obtaining City Status (1993). On 28 February 1993, Tangerang was officially separated from the regency of the same name and received the status of an autonomous city (kota). This administrative step formally consolidated its increased economic and demographic significance.
• Transformation into a Satellite City (1990s – Present). The active population growth of Jakarta led to suburbanisation and the development of Tangerang as its fully-fledged satellite city. Large-scale residential complexes, shopping centres, and business districts are being built here, and the transport system, including express trains and toll roads, is closely integrated with the capital's agglomeration.

The architectural appearance of Tangerang represents an eclectic mix, reflecting its journey from a colonial post to a modern industrial metropolis. Unlike ancient cities with clearly defined eras such as Gothic or Renaissance, urban planning here was formed under the influence of the utilitarian and cultural needs of different periods.

Historical Heritage: Colonial and Chinese Styles

The early architecture of the city is concentrated in the old market area known as Pasar Lama. This district is the heart of historic Tangerang. Here, one can see traces of several eras:

• Chinese Architecture: The "Cina Benteng" community has had a significant influence on the city's appearance. The brightest example is the Boen Tek Bio temple, founded in 1684. It is the oldest Chinese temple in the city, demonstrating traditional Chinese architecture with its intricate decorative elements, carved wooden details, and characteristic curved roofs.
• Dutch Colonial Style: During the period of Dutch rule, buildings were constructed in the Pasar Lama area and along the Cisadane River that combined European features with adaptations to the tropical climate. This manifested in the form of shophouses, administrative buildings, and residential houses with high ceilings and large windows for better ventilation. Many of these structures still shape the look of the old quarters.

Modern Development: Modernism and Functionalism

Since the end of the 20th century, especially after the opening of the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang has experienced rapid growth that has defined its modern architectural landscape. This stage is characterised by the following features:

• Industrial Architecture: As one of the largest industrial centres in Indonesia, the city is built up with numerous factories and warehouses, where the main focus is on functionality rather than aesthetics.
• Modernism and Postmodernism: Tangerang's development as a satellite city of Jakarta has led to the appearance of large-scale residential complexes, modern shopping centres, office buildings, and hotels. Their architecture follows global trends of modernism with its clean lines and use of glass and concrete.
• Iconic Modern Structures: One of the symbols of modern Tangerang is the Al-Azhom Grand Mosque (Masjid Raya Al-Azhom). It is known for its unique architecture — it has no central columns, and five huge domes, symbolising the five pillars of Islam, merge into a single structure. This makes it one of the most recognisable and architecturally interesting mosques in the region.

Prominent Figures Associated with Tangerang

The city of Tangerang, with its rich and multifaceted history, is the birthplace and place of activity for many iconic figures who have left a mark on the history, politics, culture, and sports of Indonesia. Here are some of them:

Historical Figures and Politicians

• Oey Giok Koen — Kapitan Cina (Captain of the Chinese) of Tangerang in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During the Dutch colonial era, he was an influential leader of the Chinese community, a major landowner, and a public figure. His role was key in the system of indirect rule, and his family remained one of the wealthiest and most influential in the region for generations.
• Hassan Wirajuda — An Indonesian politician and diplomat born in Tangerang. He served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia from 2001 to 2009, playing an important role in shaping the country's foreign policy in the 21st century.
• Arief Rachadiono Wismansyah — A modern political leader serving as the Mayor of Tangerang. His activities are connected with the governance and development of the city as one of Jakarta's largest satellites and an important economic centre.

Cultural and Art Figures

• Prilly Latuconsina — One of the most popular contemporary actresses, singers, and media personalities in Indonesia, born in Tangerang. She gained fame through roles in numerous TV series and films, winning prestigious awards. Prilly is a bright representative of the country's modern pop culture.

Athletes

• Ilham Jaya Kesuma — A famous Indonesian footballer and striker. Although he was not born in Tangerang, his name is inextricably linked with the local football club Persita Tangerang, where he spent the best years of his career. He became the top scorer of the Indonesian league and was a key player for the national team, bringing fame to the Tangerang club throughout the country.