Ching Nan Shrine

The location of the shrine has long been a subject of discussion among historians and cultural heritage observers in Malang as no remnants of the shrine were recovered or noted. It is suspected that it was located in and around the former Malang racetrack, now transformed into a school and residential area; It is assumed that the Shrine was not situated on the Poltekkes Malang building, but the north of Pahlawan Trip Street which used to be the Brimob dormitory and a horse track before it. Nieuwe Courant's publishing also denotes the location being beside a cemetery. This is in line with what is shown on an archival picture (shelved by the Nationaal Archief) of the former shrine being located near the cemetery and on an incline with a road visible behind it. In the same photo, cypress vegetation is visible in the background of the group photo featuring Japanese soldiers and Indonesian armed militia on guard. In other old photos of Malang, where only cypress vegetation is depicted, cypress trees were intentionally planted by the Malang Gemeente on Daendels Boulevard/Tugu area. These trees remain in a row until now only around the Untung Suropati Heroes Cemetery. residing beside the cemetery. A resolute proof that could place the former shrine on the grounds of the university, adjacent to the Untung Suropati Heroes Cemetery, was the historical name of the area. The location was previously known as "Jinja" by locals, a term likely altered after Indonesia's independence. == History ==

.The worship hall (haiden) can also be seen on the rear left The shrine, referred to as a "Djinja" at the time, was constructed in 1943. Initially, the Military Administration Headquarters () did not approve the construction of the shrine. However, the local military administration proceeded with its construction on its own initiative, According to the analysis by Tjahjana Indra Kusuma of the Nationaal Archief picture, the torii is estimated to be over 8 meters high, 7.5 meters wide, with a diameter of 50‒60 cm. The shrine building's roof ridge is estimated to be 14‒15 meters high from ground level. The apparent width of the haiden ranges from 18.5‒19 meters. No statues of Komainu, mythological dog-lion-like creatures used to ward off evil energy or intent, are present on the entrance of the site. The shrine, made from exceptional old Teak wood, was recognized as an impressive piece of craftsmanship and gained significance as a site of pilgrimage for notable Japanese individuals in Indonesia. It held a central role in hosting a variety of feasts, ceremonies, parades, gatherings, and celebrations. Notably, it drew the attention not only of Japanese regiments but also of parades representing diverse groups such as Chinese, Arabs, Germans, and Indonesians. These parades once featured distinct elements like dragons, dances, and traditional attire, highlighting their respective cultural identities. During one of these events, Nieuwe Courant reported that visiting German representatives such as Eugen Ott, the German envoy from Tokyo, and Ernst Ramm, the German consul-general from Mukden, were treated separately from the Japanese authorities, despite in the side side in their cooperative efforts. They were positioned in their own designated corner, distanced from the Japanese officials. == Destruction ==

With Japan's capitulation on August 15, 1945, Japanese soldiers dismantled and completely burned down the shrine, ending its existence. Possibly in fear of its desecration. == Notes ==