WELLCOME TO PALEMBANG

Palembang, the second largest city on Sumatra, was once the celebrated seat of the rich and
powerful Sriwijaya kingdom, that for more than three centuries – from the 9th to the 11th century –
reigned supreme over the Sumatra seas up to and including the strategic Straits of Malacca. While
the Sriw ijaya kings lived inland on shore, his subjects lived along the w ide Musi river, manning
the powerful fleet and busily trading in gold, spices, silks, ivories and ceramics w ith foreign
merchants who sailed in from China, India and Java.
Today, not much can be seen from Sriwijaya’s golden age, except for evidence of the area’s fine
gold and silver songket weaving that persists until today, the fine lacquer ware it produces for which
Palembang is renowned, and its regal dances and opulent costumes.
Until now the tradition from Sriwijaya Kingdom such as wearing Songket, traditional dancing, and
traditional foods are still preserved as part of South Sumatera’ unique identity.