Survival Strategies of the Chinese Community in Preserving Historical and Cultural Legacies in Semarang, Indonesia

This study explores how the Chinese community in Semarang, Indonesia, sustains the functions of its historical and cultural heritage, particularly Chinese temples (klenteng), within a predominantly Javanese-Muslim sociocultural environment. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research investigates the survival strategies and social meanings assigned to these sacred sites. The findings reveal that temples serve not only as places of worship but also as vital hubs for social interaction, mutual exchange, and cultural diplomacy. These institutions are maintained as inclusive spaces that facilitate "negotiated visibility" balancing their roles as sacred religious domains and inclusive public spaces. Since the Reformasi era, temples have evolved into cultural tourism destinations, reflecting a strategic adaptation that integrates tradition with modernity. By employing social exchange and maintaining informal boundaries, these temples effectively mitigate interethnic prejudice and foster communal resilience. This study concludes that religious heritage, when grounded in community service and inclusivity, functions as a mediator for social harmony and a resilient anchor for minority identity in pluralistic urban societies.