palembang_overview.htm

Palembang lies on the island of Sumatra and is cut in two by the Musi River, which is also known as the Palembang River. This stream forms the heart of the city and a lot of transport therefore takes place by water, also utilizing the small creeks which although debouching into the river especially on the Ulu side, are by no means absent on the Ilir side.

Along both banks of the Musi used to be moored raft-dwellings, called rakit, some of which served as shops. At the moment these are mainly found on the Ulu side of the river. The houses along the banks stand facing the water and are built on piles. In its lower reaches the Musi is a tidal river, which means that the banks are covered with water at regular intervals. The creeks are only navigable at high tide, because at the ebb they are dry. Because of its orientation towards the river, the city has an elongated profile along both sides and does not stretch far inland.

The situation of this Venice of the East on what has been from ancient times an important trade artery between India and China has determined the character of Palembang as a port city. In the course of history their commercial function has provided a basis for what one could designate cities with a very divergent character. Palembang has passed through a number of metamorphoses and has variously assumed the character of capital city, pirate lair, and industrial centre.

Source from Personal Website of Peter. J. M. Nas