The Peneleh kampung is located in the very heart of the City of Surabaya, situated around the former cemetery bearing the same name. Kampung Peneleh is a densely populated residential quarter where living conditions presently are badly in need of improvement. One of the main economic functions in Peneleh is the fruit market along the riverbanks. The kampung has a long history, dating back to the start of the 20th century. At that time well known Indonesians resided in Peneleh such as Sukarno, the first president of the Republic of Indonesia, during his study time and Cokroaminoto, a first hour nationalist. Spread over the area are well designed small dwellings characterised by a kind of ‘kampung-art-deco’, to be considered as mutual heritage.
The former Dutch cemetery, known as the ‘makam belanda’, dating back to 1847, is nowadays located in the very heart of the kampung. Unlike other burial grounds in the city this one has not been cleared, though it is not in operation since 1917. With its 4,5 hectares – ten football grounds – the area looks dilapidated but is still impressive, not only as one of the few green spots in the vibrant city but particularly due to its impressive heritage.
While the city government is aiming to start an infrastructure improvement in 2010 and a removal of the fruit market in order to improve the riverbanks, an urgent showing of the development opportunities of Peneleh’s historical features is required.
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