Central Java's capital, Semarang, is known to be home to thousands of Indonesia's Chinese community. Throughout the centuries, Chinese culture, traditions and history have dominated many parts of the island. But in one particular town, there are concerns that its rich history is beginning to fade away, as much of the younger generation head to the big cities. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia spoke to those working to preserve the area's Chinese traditions.

Lasem, a three-hour drive from Central Java's capital city Semarang is where some of the earliest Chinese communities thrived thousands of years ago.

The town is rich in culture, history and traditions, but today, there are concerns that all of that are beginning to fade into the past, as the younger population have packed up and moved to big cities.

SILKINA AHLUWALIA LASEM, INDONESIA "When you're in Lasem, right in the heart of this area that they call Little China, it's easy to forget that you're in Indonesia. The homes, temples and restaurants around here are so rich in Chinese culture and history. This temple for instance, is believed to be nearly 700 years old.

And that's exactly what the older generation are working hard to preserve.

Sigit Witjaksono's family has been living in Lasem for more than 90 years. His business, Sekar Kencana, has been around for 52 years, producing handmade Indonesian batik clothing that combines Chinese and Javanese styles.

He is continuing to preserve the town's history through this art. His creations are heavily influenced by the Chinese culture that dates back to as long as the 14th century. His patterns include motifs such as Chinese writings and dragons.

SIGIT WITJAKSONO BATIK ARTIST "Traditionally my batik is Javanese, but for years I have blended Chinese patterns into my work. I take inspiration from Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism and incorporate that into my clothing. The demand for those is huge here. I have always wanted to include my culture's history into my batik pieces. It is important to me to show that I am both Indonesian and Chinese."

Sigit is hoping that Lasem's history will continue to flourish and not fade into a forgotten story.

AFNANTIO SUSANTIO OWNER, NYAH LASEM MUSEUM "I have always loved collecting vintage items. I knew that when given the opportunity, I would open my own museum. I inherited this house from my father. Until now, this is a museum that showcases Chinese collector items that date back to the Dutch era."

There are many ancestral buildings in Lasem that are waiting to be brought back to life. Conservationists are prioritizing this and observing some parts of the town to ensure its Chinese culture will not become a lost heritage. Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Lasem, Indonesia.