Zheng He's legacy promotes ethnic harmony

"His pioneering work has benefited generations of Balinese as the province gradually developed into one of the hottest sightseeing destinations in Southeast Asia," Zheng Bihong said.

The long-dead treasury minister's temple on the Kintamani Mountain today attracts dozens of pilgrims from both ethnic groups each day.

In Surabaya, the capital city of East Java Province, the mosque named after Zheng He has contributed considerably to local religious and cultural life since it was established two years ago.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Lu Shuming presented an inscribed plaque at the opening ceremony on May 28, 2003, which read "Masjid Muhammad Zheng Hoo."

More than three religious ceremonies are held each month at the mosque, with the largest attracting 15,000 adherents, Abbas Hary from the Indonesian Zheng He Fund said.

In addition to Muslims who attend religious ceremonies, the mosque also sees some 20 to 30 visitors a day, who come to pay their respects to Zheng He's bravery, open-mindedness and friendly spirit.

"When both indigenous Muslims and ethnic Chinese Muslims attend the same ceremony or visit the same mosque, you can see peace and harmony," said Hary.

Editor: Jessie