Hok Tek Bio: The First Temple in Bogor

Always full of visitors, this building of Chinese structure design is already 388 years old.

Bogor became one of the cities that hold various antique and historical buildings, including the house of worship for the Kong Hu Cu believers. The Tionghoans that reside in Bogor in 1672 had even build their house of worship in form of a temple. The now 338 years old temple is known as the Hok Tek Bio temple.

The Hok Tek Bio temple is the first temple in Bogor and has a Chinese architectural design. The temple which is now preserved by the government is located in the heart of Bogor, precisely at the back of Kebun Raya Bogor and left side of Bogor Plaza, Surya Kencana Street. Surya Kencana Street is also known as the China Town of Bogor city.

On the left side of Hok Tek Bio Temple, the building Vihara Dhanagun is located. Different from Vihara Avalokitesvara in Banten which is considered home to the Goddess Kwan Im, Vihara Dhanagun is a place for the Earth God, Hok Tek Seng Cin. In this place you can find relieves that are meaningful and also symbols of high significance for the Kong Hu Cu believers and of course the Tionghoans.

The Hok Tek Bio temple is maintained its originality. The pillars and offering wooden tables dominated by dark brown and red colors are still sturdy and very much cared for. This includes the Thikong table set by the entrance of the temple. Meanwhile, the four main pillars –two by the entrance and the other two not far from the offering and worshipping tables- are each wrapped by a giant dragon figurine, which holds a deep spiritual importance for the Tionghoans descents.

According to Susan Handoyo an official from the service section in Hok Tek Bio Temple, the shape of the temple is by and large still original. Whilst in many parts like the wall ornaments on the left and right sides of the temple were renovated in 2003. “Most of the Hok Tek Bio Temple structures are original. The conducted renovation only touched a few section, without altering its originality,” said Susan.

It is undeniable that Chinese architecture design highly influences the structure, such as the wooden details on every corners of the Hok Tek Bio Temple which still hold to more than three centuries. Of course, the wood that was made base material for this Bogor Tionghoans treasured temple’s structure is of  the finest selection, making it possible for the building to last this long of time.

Hok Tek Bio Temple is preserved by the government of Republic of Indonesia under the authority of Directorate General of Archaic and History, of the Department of Tourism and Culture. As well as the Bogor residents who practice Kong Hu Cu, Hok Tek Bio Temple is also often times visited by people from outside the city, such as from Jakarta, Tangerang, Depok, even from Bali and Kalimantan.

During the Chinese New Years namely Imlek, or on the Cap Go Meh celebrations, the Hok Tek Bio Temple is commonly filled with visitors. Aside from the  religious ceremonies, there are usually Tionghoan art events such as the Barongsai and Liong (Chinese spiritual lion and dragon), and also the Tanjidor, Jaipong, Sisingaan and Reog Ponorogo (various traditional performing-arts from Indonesia).