Boen Tek Bio is the spiritual heart of Tangerang's Peranakan (Chinese-Indonesian) community, founded in 1684 at the corner of Jalan Bhakti and Jalan Cilame in the Pasar Lama district. It is the oldest Chinese temple in the city and one of the most important temples in the Banten region.
The temple is dedicated to Tri Dharma — a syncretic blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism that characterises much of Indonesian Chinese religious practice. The building itself has been added to and renovated multiple times: the oldest surviving sections date from 1775, with wings added in 1875 and an inner courtyard completed in 1904. The layered construction gives it a genuine sense of accumulated devotion.
The temple is active and open to respectful visitors. Pasar Lama itself is a good area for a wander — the narrow lanes, traditional market, and mix of old shophouses make it the most characterful part of modern Tangerang. The Benteng Heritage Museum is a short walk away, as is the Kali Pasir Mosque.