by Hayati Nupus
JAKARTA, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Behind a gracefully displayed blue-and-white porcelain bowl in Jakarta's Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics lies a trace of Asia's diplomatic past: the legendary voyages of Chinese admiral Zheng He.
An exhibition, titled "Miles Apart, Close at Heart," revives the epic journeys of the Ming Dynasty sailor who traveled widely across Asia, including regions that are now part of modern-day Indonesia.
"This exhibition is a true testament to the spirit of collaboration and a reflection of the historical legacy and shared values that continue to connect our two nations today," said Rano Karno, Jakarta's deputy governor, at the opening ceremony.
Featuring more than 60 artifacts, the exhibition scheduled for July 11-Aug. 11 was jointly organized by the China Maritime Museum, the Shanghai Art Collection Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics in Jakarta.
Some 620 years ago, in the 15th century, Zheng He commanded what was then the world's largest fleet on seven diplomatic expeditions. He sailed across towering waves to Southeast Asia, South Asia, West Asia, and the eastern coast of Africa, fostering exchanges between civilizations and leaving a lasting legacy of peace and cooperation.
A highlight of the exhibition is a striking illustration of the massive "Baochuan" treasure ship. These ships carried diplomatic envoys, precious goods from China, and gifts exchanged with other kingdoms.
Visitors can also view detailed maritime navigation maps, fleet formation diagrams, and shipbuilding tools, all of which demonstrate the advanced maritime technology of China's Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Other exhibition highlights include documents chronicling Zheng He's westward journeys, offering insights into countries he visited, and ceramics thought to be part of diplomatic exchanges.
In Indonesia, historical records confirm Zheng's visits to key ports such as Palembang, Gresik, and Semarang. Sites like the Sam Poo Kong Temple in Semarang and Cheng Ho Mosques in cities like Palembang and Surabaya stand as enduring markers of his presence.
The exhibition has seen a steady stream of local and international visitors move through the galleries. Many paused to examine tri-lingual infographics in Indonesian, English, and Chinese, and closely studied the artifacts on display.
"It feels like stepping into a time machine. I never realized how deeply connected China and Indonesia have been for centuries," said Maria, a visitor from Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Istiani from Tangerang could not stop marveling at the sophistication of the Baochuan ship. "Seeing the treasure ship illustration and the ceramics makes me imagine how massive and advanced their fleet was 600 years ago."
The exhibition not only commemorates 620 years since Zheng He's first voyage but also marks several milestones in Indonesia-China relations: 75 years of diplomatic ties, and the 70th anniversary of the Asia-Africa Conference.
"This partnership is not only about presenting a remarkable collection but also about fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding and strengthening the long-term ties between Indonesia and China," said Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, head of Jakarta's Provincial Culture Agency. ■