Sejarah Kedatangan Komuniti Cina ke Terengganu Abad 14M-18M: Diaspora dan Penukaran Agama (The History of Chinese Community Arrival In Terengganu 14M-18M Century: Diaspora and Religious Conversion)

Abstract

Terengganu state records in China’s history show the close relationship that the two governments have been through. Indeed, this close relationship is evidenced by the arrival of the Chinese community to the state of Terengganu voluntarily to the state of Terengganu over the past hundred years and also brings with it the inherited belief system. Now, most of the Chinese communities in the state live in the district that serves as the state capital, the administrative and business center states that the majority are Malays but also a religious center for the Chinese community. This study aims to shed light on the role of Kuala Terengganu as a center of religious development for the Chinese community in the state. The methodology of this study is based on historical approach and interviews with five (5) leaders of religious bodies in the state. The results show that there are two religious groups in the country, the ‘Chinese National Religion’ which refers to the beliefs inherited from the Mainland of China. In this regard, the Terengganu Buddhist Association is the main body responsible for promoting Buddhist education to the Chinese community. The second group is a Chinese community that converts to either Christianity or Islam. The existence of small churches (parish) in the city of Kuala Terengganu shows that this religion is gaining popularity among the Chinese community. In addition, Islamic missionary organizations such as MAIDAM, PERKIM, MACMA and the Darul Fitrah Association play a role in strengthening the education and appreciation of Islam among Chinese communities who embrace Islam