Pondok Java

Pondok Java was located at the intersection of Pahang/Baghdad Street and Kandahar Street before it was demolished in 2004. As you can see on the map above, it is highlighted green in colour. It was used for housing the early Javanese and as a drama house for entertainment performing Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet plays), Wayang Bangsawan (drama acting) and other traditional arts of Javanese migrants in the early days.

The below image shows the remains of Pondok Java which is just an empty plot of grass patch.

During our trip to the Kampong Glam, it was very difficult to find where Pondok Java was as it had already disappeared on our Singapore map. We were walking along the streets like Arab Street and even Baghdad Street but we did not know that Pondok Java was situated on the intersection of the long straight Pahang/ Baghdad Street and Kandahar Street as there was no signage or indications of its existence. We have even passed by it without noticing this plot of empty land. However, with some research through the internet using our phones and asking around, we managed to find the place.

I feel that Pondok Java should be one of the significant buildings in the historic district of Kampong Glam and it is a pity that it has now reduced to its present state with no opportunities for the later generations like us to understand and have a feel of how it was like to be in the olden days drama house and the way the performers performed these traditional Javanese arts.