What if I told you Kampung Tengah’s name has three origin stories? Each one offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Welcome to Kampung Tengah in Jakarta Timur. This area is a part of the Kramat Jati district. Kampung Tengah means “middle village.” It shares its history with the larger Condet area.
The original name of this area was Condet Kampung Tengah. This is because it was part of the Condet area. Condet included Balekambang, Batuampar, and Kampung Tengah.
Let’s explore the three explanations for the name Kampung Tengah.
First, there’s the tale of Karang Tengah. Locals say there was once a large brownish-white rock. This rock sat in the middle of rice fields. In the 1970s, the rock was moved to build a complex. During the move, the backhoe broke. People believed a spirit lived in the rock. After its removal, people remembered only the “tengah” or middle part. Thus, the area became Kampung Tengah.
Another story tells of a holy figure from Cirebon. It is believed to be Sunan Gunung Jati. He often traveled between Cirebon and Banten to spread Islam. Once, he opened his packed rice wrapped in banana leaves. It was still warm. He exclaimed it was only the middle of the journey. A farmer overheard this and named his village Kampung Tengah.
The third version is simpler. Kampung Tengah is located between Kampung Gedong and Condet Batuampar. Its position in the middle gave it the name Kampung Tengah.
Kampung Tengah has a population of over 50,000. It covers an area of 2.03 square kilometers. The area is surrounded by several other districts.
Interestingly, Kampung Tengah also has a connection to Vietnam. There’s a place known as Kampung Vietnam in Kramat Jati. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it housed Vietnamese refugees. Later, it became a nursing home.
So, whether it’s the tale of a sacred rock, a traveling saint, or its central location, Kampung Tengah holds layers of history within its name. Take a moment to appreciate how stories shape the identity of a place.