Have you ever heard of a village named after an old well? That’s Parigi Lama for you. Right here in South Tangerang it sits a significant piece of Banten’s history. Parigi Lama in Indonesian means “Old Perigi”. Its neighbor is fittingly called Perigi Baru or “New Perigi”.
Parigi Lama is more than just a name. It’s a vibrant community. It was once a model village. That was when it was still part of West Java. The area boasts approximately 450 hectares of land. Rivers lakes and paddy fields dot the landscape. Around 15000 people call this place home. They represent a tapestry of Indonesian cultures. Betawi people form the indigenous population. Many Javanese Sundanese Batak Minangkabau and Madurese people also live there. Even some Chinese Indonesians call Parigi Lama home.
Parigi Lama isn’t stuck in the past. Globalization and modernization have touched this area. International facilities and modern housing developments are now common. International and national schools thrive here. The British International School and the Jakarta Japanese School are just two examples. Aulia Islamic School Pembangunan Jaya High School and Global Jaya School are others. Many modern housing clusters have sprung up too. Discovery Serenity Permata Bintaro Emerald Bintaro and Graha Raya Bintaro are some examples.
Parigi Lama even has a National Heroes cemetery. It’s called Taman Makam Bahagia ABRI. You’ll find it south of Global Jaya International School. So next time you hear the name Parigi Lama remember it’s not just a village. It’s a living testament to Indonesia’s rich history and vibrant present a place where old traditions meet modern advancements. A place where the echoes of the past blend seamlessly with the hopes and dreams of the future. A place worth remembering.