PEKALONGAN Meaning and
Definition
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Pekalongan is a noun that refers to a city located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is also the capital of the Pekalongan Regency. This bustling city is situated on the northern coast of Java, with the Java Sea to its north. Pekalongan has a population of approximately 300,000 people.
Known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant trading history, Pekalongan is famous as a center for batik production and trade. Batik is a traditional Indonesian fabric with intricate patterns that are hand-drawn or stamped using wax-resistant dyeing techniques. Pekalongan has been a hub for batik production since the early 1900s and is renowned for its high-quality batik textiles. The city hosts an annual Batik Festival, attracting both national and international visitors.
In addition to its prominence in the textile industry, Pekalongan is known for its diverse cultural landscape. The city is home to various ethnic groups, including Javanese, Chinese, and Arab communities, resulting in a vibrant multicultural atmosphere. The local cuisine in Pekalongan is also notable, with a fusion of Javanese, Chinese, and Arabic influences.
Pekalongan's strategic location and historical background have made it an important trading center in Central Java. The city has well-developed infrastructure, including a seaport and railway connections, facilitating its role as a hub for commerce and industry. Overall, Pekalongan is not only recognized for its role in the textile industry but also for its cultural heritage, diverse community, and significant contribution to regional trade and economy.
Etymology of PEKALONGAN
The word "Pekalongan" is the name of a city in Central Java, Indonesia. Its etymology is derived from the words "peka" and "longan".
The word "peka" means sensitive or aware in the Javanese language, while "longan" refers to a type of tropical fruit, specifically the Longan fruit. Longan is also known as "buah keker" in Javanese.
According to local folklore, the name "Pekalongan" originated from a story about a prince who had supernatural powers and was very sensitive to the presence of Longan trees in the area. The prince's sensitivity to these trees led to the city being named "Pekalongan", which means "sensitivity towards Longan trees" or "the place where the prince was sensitive to Longan trees".
